Integrated Cabin Panel Lighting for Homogeneous Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting systems in cabin environments, such as aircraft, are often bulky, difficult to access, and do not provide smooth or homogeneous illumination, as they are separate components from cabin furnishing elements.
Innovation Solution
A cabin furnishing element with an integrated lighting system that includes a housing within a lighting recess, a light source within a housing chamber, and a light guide positioned to direct illumination to an illumination zone, allowing for compact, customizable, and easily maintainable lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lighting systems are installed separately from cabin furnishing elements, then installation flexibility is improved, but the resulting illumination is not smooth and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting system with the cabin furnishing element by integrating the light source, housing, and control components directly into the furnishing element structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate lighting installations while providing smooth, homogeneous illumination through carefully designed light diffusion features integrated into the furnishing element itself.
2Ease of manufacture
If lighting systems are separate components, then ease of installation is improved, but accessibility for maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into modular components within the furnishing element, with the light source housed in a separate accessible chamber that can be independently accessed for maintenance while remaining integrated into the overall furnishing element structure.
3Illumination intensity
If traditional lighting systems are used, then illumination coverage is improved, but volume occupied in cabin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is nested within the cabin furnishing element structure, with the light source, housing, and optical components arranged in a compact nested configuration that utilizes the existing volume of the furnishing element without requiring additional cabin space.
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 a compact, low-profile lighting system that offers smooth and homogenous illumination, maximizing space and facilitating maintenance, while allowing for easy access and customization.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide positioned to direct illumination to an illumination zone
Data Source
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AI summary
A cabin furnishing element (100) for a cabin, such as a cabin of an aircraft, includes a panel (102) having a panel body. The panel body includes an illumination surface (106) having an illumination zone (110), and defines a lighting recess (112) within the panel body relative to the illumination surface (106). The panel (102) also includes a lighting system (104) having a light source assembly (120) and a light guide (122). The light source assembly (120) and light guide (122) are retained within the lighting recess (112) defined by the panel body. The lighting system (104) is adapted to selectively illuminate a portion of the illumination zone (110).