Aircraft Cabin Light Synchronization for Battery-Free Timekeeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin devices lack accurate timekeeping capabilities due to battery restrictions and manual updates, especially during time zone changes, and existing communication methods are not reliable or secure for broadcasting time information.
Innovation Solution
A system using a light fitting to broadcast time signals via visible light, allowing aircraft cabin devices to synchronize their internal clocks without battery power or manual updates, utilizing a one-way communication channel for simplex communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aircraft cabin devices use internal clocks to keep time, then timekeeping is available, but the clocks cannot maintain accurate time through periods when aircraft systems are powered down due to battery restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the battery-powered internal clock system with an optical time synchronization system. The light fitting modulates visible light to encode time information, which is detected by photodetectors in cabin devices. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous battery power to maintain accurate time, as devices can synchronize their clocks using the optical time signals broadcast during illumination periods.
2Reliability
If manual updates are used to keep cabin devices synchronized with time zone changes, then time accuracy can be maintained, but the system becomes complex and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service time synchronization mechanism where cabin devices automatically receive and process time signals from the light fitting. The system autonomously handles time zone changes and clock synchronization without requiring manual intervention. The modulated light signals continuously provide time information that devices automatically detect and use to update their internal clocks, eliminating the need for manual timekeeping operations.
3Reliability
If existing communication networks such as Wi-Fi are used to broadcast time information, then time signals can be transmitted, but the system may be vulnerable to tampering and disruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces visible light as an intermediary medium for time signal transmission, creating a separate communication channel independent of existing RF networks like Wi-Fi. The light fitting modulates visible light to carry time information, and photodetectors in cabin devices detect these optical signals. This intermediary optical channel provides inherent security and resilience, as it operates on a different physical medium that is not susceptible to the same electronic interference, jamming, or tampering risks as RF communication systems.
4Reliability
If dedicated wired or wireless data networks are used for time synchronization, then accurate time can be provided, but the system complexity increases and retrofitting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light fitting multi-functional by enabling it to serve both its primary illumination purpose and as a time signal transmission device. The existing light fitting infrastructure in aircraft cabins is utilized for dual purposes: providing cabin lighting and broadcasting time information through light modulation. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated communication infrastructure, allowing easy retrofitting of time synchronization capabilities onto existing aircraft without requiring new wired or wireless data networks.
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
Enables accurate timekeeping and event logging in aircraft cabin devices, enhancing reliability and security while simplifying installation and reducing the need for manual updates, even in complex aircraft environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light fitting (4) configured to emit visible light and to modulate an intensity of the emitted visible light
Implementation Method 2
an aircraft cabin device (6, 8, 10) configured to detect visible light emitted by the light fitting (4)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An aircraft cabin equipment system (2) is provided. The aircraft cabin equipment system (2) comprises a light fitting (4) for illuminating an aircraft cabin by emitting visible light. The light fitting (4) is configured to broadcast a time signal by modulating an intensity of the emitted visible light. The aircraft cabin equipment system (2) comprises an aircraft cabin device (6, 8, 10) configured to detect visible light emitted by the light fitting (4) and to determine the time signal from the detected visible light.