Integrated Cabin Light With Reading Array for Lighter Passenger Service Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger aircraft cabin lighting systems are heavy, complex, and costly due to the inclusion of individually switchable passenger reading lights within passenger service units, which contribute significantly to the weight and complexity of these units.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft passenger cabin light with an elongated shape that combines general cabin illumination and individually switchable reading lights, reducing the need for separate passenger reading lights in service units by integrating them into a single unit that extends along the cabin's longitudinal direction, utilizing LEDs for efficient lighting and reflectors for directed illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passenger reading lights are installed in passenger service units, then individual reading illumination is provided, but weight and complexity of service units increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines general cabin illumination and individual reading lights into a single integrated lighting unit. The reading light units are positioned along the longitudinal direction of the service unit, sharing common structural support, wiring harnesses, and control systems with the general illumination system, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining individual reading capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lighting unit serves multiple functions: it provides both general cabin illumination through wall illumination light sources and individual reading illumination through personal reading light units. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate reading light installations, reducing complexity and weight of the passenger service units
2Ease of operation
If passenger reading lights are installed in passenger service units, then individual reading illumination is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control systems for general illumination and reading lights into a unified architecture. Switches and control circuits are integrated along the longitudinal direction, allowing individual reading light control while sharing common power distribution and control logic with the general illumination system, thereby reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system is segmented into modular units positioned along the longitudinal direction, with each segment containing wall illumination light sources and personal reading light units. This modular segmentation allows for simplified assembly, maintenance, and replacement while reducing overall system complexity through standardized interfaces and repeating patterns
3Ease of operation
If separate reading lights are installed in service units, then reading illumination is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines reading lights and general illumination into a single manufactured unit, allowing for economies of scale in production. Common components such as housings, mounting structures, and electrical connections are shared between reading and general illumination functions, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reading illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lighting unit is designed as a universal component that provides both general and reading illumination functions. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components that need to be manufactured and installed, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining full reading illumination functionality
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
This integrated solution reduces the weight, complexity, and cost of passenger service units by eliminating the need for separate reading lights, while maintaining flexible and efficient illumination capabilities, allowing for easy adaptation to seat configuration changes without relocating lighting components.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing LEDs for efficient lighting
Implementation Method 2
reflectors for directed illumination
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft passenger cabin light (2) having an elongated shape having a longitudinal direction (L) comprises: a cabin wall illumination assembly (4), which extends along the longitudinal direction (L) of the aircraft passenger cabin light (2) and which is configured for illuminating a portion of a wall (120) of an aircraft passenger cabin (104); and a plurality of personal reading light units (12a, 12b) for providing personal reading light illumination to passengers. The plurality of personal reading light units (12a, 12b) are arranged in an array extending along the longitudinal direction (L) of the aircraft passenger cabin light (2). Said array is arranged along the cabin wall illumination assembly (4).