Flight Deck Panel Illumination Digital Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flight deck panel illumination systems are heavy, expensive, and require significant redesign to achieve uniform illumination, with multiple dimmer control units and complex analog circuitry contributing to weight and cost, and potential installation errors leading to improper activation of annunciators.
Innovation Solution
A flight deck panel illumination system featuring a power supply with selective power conversion modes controlled by a central processor unit (CPU) and communication system, using digital signals to manage illumination levels and test functions, reducing the need for multiple dimmer units and analog circuitry, and ensuring uniform illumination through digital control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dimmer control units and complex analog circuitry are used to control illumination levels, then illumination control capability is improved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate dimmer control units into a single integrated controller that manages all illumination sources. This consolidation reduces the overall system weight while maintaining full illumination control capability across all panels and annunciators through a unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal device that can control multiple types of illumination sources (panel backlighting, annunciators, display elements) through a single unit. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dimmer units for each illumination type, thereby reducing system weight and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple dimmer control units and analog circuitry are installed to control illumination, then illumination control capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple dimmer control functions into a single controller unit, replacing numerous separate analog circuitry components. This merging reduces both the component count and system complexity while preserving comprehensive illumination control across all flight deck elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex analog circuitry with a digital control architecture. The controller uses digital signaling and processing to manage illumination levels, substituting mechanical and analog components with electronic/digital solutions that are less complex and more reliable.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional panel lighting systems are installed without uniform voltage compensation, then installation is simpler, but illumination uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor voltage levels and illumination output across different panels. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts power distribution to compensate for voltage drops in longer conductor runs, ensuring uniform illumination without requiring manual redesign or rework of the electrical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts power delivery to each panel based on real-time conditions and conductor characteristics. Rather than using fixed, uniform power distribution that causes illumination non-uniformity, the controller dynamically modulates output to maintain consistent brightness levels across all panels despite varying conductor lengths and voltage drops.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for illuminating flight deck devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a flight deck panel illumination system includes at least one illuminated panel having at least one illumination source, and a power supply coupled to the at least one illumination source and to an electrical energy source that is configured to selectively provide a suitable power conversion mode in response to an applied signal. A processor is coupled to the power supply to generate the applied signal.