Modular Carpet Display System with Embedded Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial aircraft interiors cannot efficiently incorporate light-transmissive carpet systems due to weight, space, and design complexity issues caused by large control systems and extensive wiring, limiting the ability to change or customize carpet aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A scalable distributed carpet display system comprising translucent support panels with embedded light-emitting elements and a networked controller system that allows for customizable lighting effects and content display, with a hierarchical control architecture to manage power and data distribution efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light-transmissive carpet tiles with control systems are used, then lighting effects and content display are achieved, but weight increases substantially

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarpet customization capabilityVSAvoidcarpet system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the carpet into modular carpet tiles, each with its own integrated control system. This segmentation allows individual tiles to be controlled independently while reducing the overall weight compared to a centralized control system for the entire carpet area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the light source, control system, and carpet tile into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and control components, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If light-transmissive carpet tiles with control systems are used, then lighting effects and content display are achieved, but space is occupied in cabin or electronics bay

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarpet customization capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent nests the control system electronics directly within the carpet tile structure itself. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate electronics bays or additional space in the cabin, as the control components are housed within the existing carpet tile footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If carpet is customized with different aesthetics, then appearance is improved, but carpet must be replaced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarpet appearance varietyVSAvoidcarpet replacement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic carpet system where the appearance can be changed electronically through the integrated control system and light-emitting elements. This allows the carpet aesthetics to be dynamically adjusted without physical replacement, enabling operators to change colors, patterns, and designs as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the carpet by incorporating light-emitting diodes and translucent materials. By controlling the intensity, color, and pattern of light emission, the carpet appearance can be transformed without replacing the physical carpet tiles themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Illumination intensity

If numerous light-transmissive carpet tiles are used, then lighting effects are achieved, but wiring complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarpet lighting effectVSAvoidwiring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power supply, control electronics, and light-emitting elements into integrated circuits housed within each carpet tile. This merging eliminates the need for extensive wiring between individual tiles, as each tile is a self-contained unit with all necessary components integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables adaptable and efficient lighting and content display on aircraft carpets, enhancing branding, passenger experience, safety, and durability while minimizing weight and complexity, allowing for easy customization without replacing existing carpeting.

Implementation Method 1

a light-emitting element coupled to the support panel, wherein the light-emitting element is configured to emit light through the support panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting element: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3378785B1Carpet display systems and methods
Publication Date: 2021.10.06 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3378785B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3378785B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3378785B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A carpet display system includes a plurality of carpet modules. Each of the plurality of carpet modules includes a translucent support panel, a carpet layer secured to the support panel, and a light-emitting element coupled to the support panel. The light-emitting element is configured to emit light through the support panel to provide lighting effects through the carpet layer.