Vehicle Interior LED Matrix Lighting With Diffuser for Flexible Cabin Use

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft cabin lighting systems face challenges in flexibility and functionality, requiring precise planning of lighting positions and types, limiting adaptability and the ability to switch between decorative and technical lighting, especially due to vibrations during flight operations.

Innovation Solution

A modular lighting system featuring a network-like matrix of RGB and white LEDs with a translucent diffuser layer, allowing for adjustable and scalable lighting solutions that can be customized post-installation, enabling both decorative and technical lighting with individual control of LED elements and adaptable density for various scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional lighting fixtures are installed in aircraft cabins, then lighting functions are provided, but the planning effort is significant and flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting flexibilityVSAvoidplanning effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is divided into modular LED elements arranged in a matrix structure on a flexible carrier layer. Each LED can be individually controlled, and the modular design allows the system to be configured in different patterns and densities to suit various lighting scenarios, eliminating the need for extensive planning before installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lighting system uses controllable LED elements that can be dynamically adjusted in terms of intensity, color, and activation patterns. The flexible carrier layer allows the entire lighting module to be adapted to different surface geometries, providing dynamic adaptability both in operation and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If projectors are used for decorative lighting, then decorative effects are achieved, but vibrations during flight cause problems and the solution is not suitable for technical lighting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting function versatilityVSAvoidvibration resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical projector systems with solid-state LED lighting elements. LEDs are inherently resistant to vibrations and do not require complex mechanical correction mechanisms. The shallow angle of incidence problem of projectors is eliminated by placing LEDs directly on the carrier layer that can be conformally mounted to the ceiling surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The LED-based lighting system can serve multiple functions: decorative lighting through color control, technical lighting through intensity control, and emergency lighting through specific activation patterns. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate projector systems and eliminates vibration-related reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Illumination intensity

If a translucent diffuser layer is positioned at a distance from LED lighting means, then homogeneous light emission is created, but the housing height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight homogeneityVSAvoidhousing height
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the distance parameter between the LED lighting means and the translucent diffuser layer to achieve homogeneous light emission while minimizing housing height. By carefully selecting this distance parameter, the system balances light diffusion quality with compact form factor, ensuring that individual LEDs are not visible while maintaining a flat overall construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If lighting fixtures are determined at the initial planning phase, then ceiling lighting positions are fixed, but adaptability for different lighting scenarios is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting scenario flexibilityVSAvoidplanning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting system is segmented into independently controllable LED elements arranged in a matrix. This segmentation allows the system to be programmed for different lighting scenarios (decorative, technical, emergency) without requiring physical reconfiguration or extensive planning, as the same physical infrastructure can be dynamically reprogrammed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 system significantly reduces planning effort, enhances adaptability, and allows for flexible operation as both decorative and technical lighting, providing homogeneous illumination and reducing material and cost expenditure while being robust and resistant to vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

a translucent diffuser layer is arranged at a distance from the carrier layer with the LED lighting means and forms a luminous surface of the lighting side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3798057B1Illumination system for the interior of a vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 LUFTHANSA TECHNIK AG
  • EP3798057B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3798057B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3798057B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Lighting system for the interior of a vehicle comprising a housing with a mounting side and an opposite lighting side, a plurality of LED light sources, a carrier layer arranged on the mounting side, wherein the plurality of LED light sources are arranged in a net-like matrix structure on the carrier layer, wherein control elements and power supply elements for signal control and electrical supply of the LED light sources are arranged on the carrier layer, wherein a translucent diffuser layer is arranged spaced apart from the carrier layer with the LED light sources and forms a luminous surface of the lighting side.