Flexible Aircraft Cabin Lighting Strip for Tight Bend Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cabin lighting systems are rigid and inflexible, making it difficult to bend them tightly without breaking or deforming, which limits their application in curved or complex interior designs and poses risks during sudden pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
A flexible lighting strip with a minimum bend radius of no more than 40 mm, featuring a track with inwardly-directed protrusions that interact with an inner component to hold lighting elements in place without adhesives or welding, allowing for tighter bends and improved flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid lighting bars are used in aircraft cabins, then structural strength and stability are improved, but flexibility and adaptability to curved surfaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting strip is divided into modular segments that can be independently positioned and connected. Each segment contains lighting components mounted on a flexible substrate, allowing the overall structure to adapt to curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces between segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible substrate as the base for mounting lighting components, replacing traditional rigid housing structures. This flexible film-like substrate allows the lighting strip to bend and conform to curved aircraft cabin surfaces while protecting internal components through a flexible protective envelope
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid lighting structures are used, then manufacturing precision and assembly stability are improved, but ease of operation and installation flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting strip incorporates a flexible design that transitions from static rigid structures to dynamic adaptable forms. The flexible substrate and modular segments enable the lighting system to be installed on various surface geometries including curves and angles, while connection mechanisms maintain stable electrical and mechanical contacts during installation and operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If tighter bends are achieved with flexible lighting strips, then adaptability to curved surfaces is improved, but risk of breaking or deforming increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective structures and stress-distribution designs in advance to prevent breakage during bending. The flexible substrate is designed with appropriate thickness and material properties to cushion internal components during tight bends, while protective envelopes and reinforcement elements are pre-positioned to prevent deformation and cracking under mechanical stress
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible lighting strip for use in an aircraft cabin has a minimum bend radius of no more than 40 mm, and comprises: a track comprising a channel extending along the length of the track; and an inner component within the channel, the inner component comprising lighting components arranged along the length of the inner component. The track comprises two inwardly-directed protrusions extending from opposing sides of the channel, each of the protrusions extending into the inner component 4 and increasing in width within the inner component. The inner component may be formed separately as an insertable insert, or may be formed within the track. A kit of parts for forming such a flexible lighting strip is also disclosed.