Backlit Control Handle Shell for Shadow-Free Identifier Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control handles in aircraft and similar vehicles face challenges in effectively illuminating control members for night operations without disturbing Night Vision Goggles, and struggle with integrating lighting solutions into complex shapes and crowded internal environments.
Innovation Solution
A control handle with a translucent shell that integrates a backlighting device, where light sources are arranged within the shell and connected via conductive tracks or optical fibers, allowing for illumination of identifiers through translucent portions while maintaining an opaque exterior, thus avoiding shadow zones and accommodating complex geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a flat backlit plate with printed circuit and LEDs is arranged on the front face of the control handle head, then the identifiers can be illuminated for night use, but shadow areas appear and rounded parts of the control handle body cannot be lit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) instead of a rigid flat plate to carry the LEDs. The FPC can be bent and conform to the complex three-dimensional surface of the control handle, including rounded parts, eliminating shadow areas and ensuring complete coverage of all identifiers regardless of the handle's geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional flat backlit plate to a three-dimensional conformal lighting structure. The LEDs are arranged on a flexible substrate that wraps around and adapts to the contours of the control handle, adding dimensional flexibility to achieve uniform illumination across complex surfaces.
2Loss of information
If the control handle is painted black and engraved to identify control members, then the identifiers are visible, but light arrangement becomes difficult without creating shadow areas
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible printed circuit board allows the lighting system to adapt to the engraved black surface without requiring complex rigid structures. The FPC can be precisely positioned and shaped to match the control handle's contours, simplifying the integration of lighting with the existing engraved identifier system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flexibility and adaptability to the lighting system through the use of a bendable FPC substrate. This dynamic approach allows the lighting arrangement to be customized for different control handle geometries and engraved patterns, reducing design complexity compared to rigid structured lighting systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical wires run through the control handle for control elements, then the control functions are connected, but fitting new functions becomes tricky and wire arrangement is cluttered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting system's electrical connections with the existing control handle wiring infrastructure. The flexible printed circuit board can be integrated into the handle's internal structure, sharing space with existing wires and control elements, thereby adding lighting functionality without significantly increasing overall wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPC serves multiple functions: it carries the LEDs for illumination, provides structural support for the lighting assembly, and can be integrated with existing control wiring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated wiring for the lighting system, simplifying the overall internal arrangement.
4Ease of manufacture
If phosphorescent labels are used to illuminate control members at night, then the labels can glow without active light sources, but they require prior light exposure and have limited duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive phosphorescent chemical system with an active electronic lighting system using LEDs on an FPC. This substitution provides continuous, controllable illumination without the limitations of prior light exposure requirements and finite glow duration, while maintaining ease of application through the flexible circuit board integration.
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 provides effective and shadow-free illumination of control members, compliant with NVIS standards, and integrates lighting seamlessly within the handle's structure, even in cluttered environments with numerous electrical wires.
Implementation Method 1
The body (15) comprises a translucent shell (16) which is translucent in at least one translucent portion (161) to be illuminated
Implementation Method 2
said at least one light source being arranged within said translucent shell or on an internal face of the translucent shell
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a control handle (10) comprising a hollow body (15) and a plurality of control elements (13). The body (15) includes a translucent shell (16) which includes at least one translucent portion (161). The control handle (10) includes a backlighting device (40) comprising at least one light source (50) disposed within or on an inner face (36) of the translucent shell (16) to illuminate said at least one identifier (20) via said translucent portion (161), said backlighting device (40) comprising at least one control link (45) connected to said at least one light source (50), said control link (45) being integrated into the translucent shell (16), said control link (45) being configured to activate said at least one light source (50) on demand.