Interchangeable Disc Aircraft Projector System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aircraft indicator signs require dedicated space and power for each fixed light bulb, leading to increased maintenance and resource consumption as the number of signs grows, due to the limitations of static and inefficient lighting solutions.
Innovation Solution
A projector system with an interchangeable disc and LED light source that projects images onto a scratch-resistant screen, allowing for multiple indicators on a single device, reducing space and maintenance needs through energy-efficient and adaptable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed light bulbs are used for each indicator, then the indicator function is reliable, but the space consumption and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple indicator functions into a single projector unit. Instead of having separate fixed light bulbs for each indicator, the system uses one projector with interchangeable discs that can display multiple different indicators (seat belt signs, attendant signs, non-smoking signs, etc.), thereby reducing the total space required while maintaining reliable indicator functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector unit is designed as a universal indicator device that can perform multiple functions. By using interchangeable discs with different images, a single projector can replace multiple dedicated indicators, making the system multi-functional and space-efficient while maintaining the reliability needed for aircraft safety indicators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of indicators increases, then the information coverage improves, but the maintenance requirements and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable disc system allows a single projector to provide diverse information coverage by swapping discs with different images. This universality means the system can adapt to different information needs without adding more physical devices, thereby improving versatility while keeping maintenance requirements low since only one projector unit needs servicing regardless of how many different indicators are displayed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for easy replacement of worn or outdated indicator discs with new ones as needed. This enables the airline to update information coverage without replacing the entire projector or dealing with complex maintenance of multiple fixed indicators. The old discs can be discarded and new ones installed, simplifying the update process.
3Ease of operation
If dedicated light bulbs are used for each indicator, then the indicator display is simple, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple indicator displays into a single projector system that uses one light source (LED) instead of multiple dedicated light bulbs. This merging reduces total energy consumption while maintaining simple, clear indicator displays. The projector optically projects images onto a screen, providing simple visibility without the energy cost of multiple separate lighting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/electrical system of multiple dedicated light bulbs with an optical projection system using an LED light source and lens. This substitution dramatically reduces energy consumption while maintaining the simplicity of indicator display. The LED is far more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, and the optical projection mechanism allows multiple indicators to be displayed using a single light source.
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 system provides a cost-effective and reliable solution by enabling multiple indicators on a single unit, reducing maintenance costs and increasing adaptability to changing airline needs through efficient use of space and energy.
Implementation Method 1
a light source for illuminating the at least one image
Implementation Method 2
a lens for receiving the at least one image from the interchangeable disc and passing the image to the projector module screen
Data Source
AI summary
A device for projecting an image on a projector module screen, comprising an interchangeable disc including at least one image disposed thereon and a light source for illuminating the at least one image. The device further includes a lens for receiving the at least one image from the interchangeable disc and passing the image to the projector module screen, wherein the projector module screen displays the image and a projector module housing enclosing the interchangeable disc, the light source, and the lens.