Aircraft Interior Panel with Hidden Illuminated Pattern
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft interior panels with illuminable messaging disrupt the aesthetic appearance when not in use, as they are constantly visible even when not illuminated, compromising the visual continuity of surfaces like wood-grain finishes.
Innovation Solution
An interior panel design featuring a hidden pattern on a second surface that is illuminated by a light source aligned with the pattern, allowing only the pattern to be visible when the light is on, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance when off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If illuminable messaging is mounted on interior panels, then information communication to passengers is improved, but aesthetic appearance of the surface is worsened due to constant visibility of signs
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern is extracted from the visible surface and placed on the hidden second surface of the outer covering. The light source is also extracted from the visible side and positioned on the interior side of the panel, allowing the pattern to be illuminated only when needed without compromising the aesthetic appearance when off.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern is moved from the first surface (visible to passengers) to the second surface (hidden from passengers). This dimensional transition allows the pattern to remain invisible during normal operation and only become visible when illuminated from the rear, resolving the conflict between constant visibility for communication and aesthetic appearance.
2Loss of information
If placards and signs are positioned on interior panels, then information communication is improved, but visual continuity of the surface is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The messaging pattern is extracted from the visible surface and relocated to the hidden second surface. This extraction allows the visual continuity of the wood-grain or other aesthetic surfaces to be maintained while still enabling information communication when the pattern is illuminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer covering has different properties on its two surfaces: the first surface maintains aesthetic quality with continuous wood-grain appearance, while the second surface contains the hidden pattern that provides information communication functionality when illuminated. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between visual continuity and information communication.
3Loss of information
If illuminable signs are constantly visible on panels, then information availability is improved, but aesthetic pleasing appearance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminable pattern is activated periodically or on-demand rather than being constantly visible. The light source illuminates the hidden pattern only when information communication is needed, allowing the aesthetic appearance to be preserved during periods when the pattern is not illuminated.
Solution Approach 2:
By relocating the pattern to the hidden second surface and illuminating it from the rear, the pattern becomes visible only when light is provided. This dimensional repositioning allows information availability on demand without constant visual disruption to the aesthetic appearance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for effective communication of information to passengers while preserving the aesthetic integrity of the interior panel surfaces, ensuring an unsightly disruption is minimized.
Implementation Method 1
a first light source that is operative to generate a first light
Data Source
AI summary
Interior panels for interiors of aircraft, aircraft, and methods from making interior panels for interiors of aircraft are provided. In one example, the interior panel includes an outer covering that has a first surface. The first surface is configured to be exposed to the interior of the aircraft. A second surface is disposed opposite the first surface. The second surface has a first pattern formed therein that is hidden from the first surface. A first light source is operative to generate a first light and is disposed adjacent to the second surface generally aligned with the first pattern. When the first light source generates the first light, a first illuminated pattern corresponding to the first pattern formed in the second surface is visible on the first surface.