Aircraft Passenger Service Unit Lighting for Low-Weight Cabin Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger cabin lights in aircraft are heavy and require significant electric power, lacking energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft overhead passenger service unit with integrated visual sign structures that include switchable LED lights for signaling and wall illumination, allowing for efficient cabin illumination without additional dedicated lighting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional passenger cabin lights are used for illuminating the passenger cabin, then the passenger cabin can be illuminated, but the weight of the aircraft increases considerably and a large amount of electric power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the existing overhead passenger service unit (PSU) structure. The PSU, which already houses lighting elements for passenger information display, is used to provide cabin illumination as well. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate dedicated illumination devices, thereby reducing the additional weight that would otherwise be required for independent lighting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead passenger service unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays passenger information through light sources and simultaneously provides illumination for the passenger cabin. By making the PSU multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated illumination devices, thereby reducing the additional weight that would otherwise be required.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional passenger cabin lights are used for illuminating the passenger cabin, then the passenger cabin can be illuminated, but a large amount of electric power is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the existing overhead passenger service unit (PSU) structure. The PSU, which already houses lighting elements for passenger information display, is used to provide cabin illumination as well. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate dedicated illumination devices, thereby reducing the additional weight that would otherwise be required for independent lighting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead passenger service unit utilizes its own existing light sources and electrical infrastructure to provide illumination functionality. The PSU's lighting elements, which are already powered and positioned within the unit, are repurposed to also illuminate the passenger cabin, allowing the system to serve dual purposes without requiring additional power infrastructure.
3Illumination intensity
If separate dedicated illumination devices are installed for cabin illumination, then the illumination function is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the illumination function with the existing overhead passenger service unit (PSU) structure. The PSU, which already houses lighting elements for passenger information display, is used to provide cabin illumination as well. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate dedicated illumination devices, thereby reducing the additional weight that would otherwise be required for independent lighting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead passenger service unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it displays passenger information through light sources and simultaneously provides illumination for the passenger cabin. By making the PSU multi-functional, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated illumination devices, thereby reducing the additional weight that would otherwise be required.
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
Provides high-energy efficiency and reduced weight by utilizing the overhead passenger service unit for both signaling and wall illumination, reducing the need for separate lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
The signal light comprises at least one first switchable light source
Implementation Method 2
The wall illumination light comprises at least one second switchable light source
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft overhead passenger service unit, which is configured to be mounted in a passenger cabin of an aircraft above a passenger seating space, comprises a visual sign structure extending downward from the aircraft overhead passenger service unit. The visual sign structure comprises a signal light and a wall illumination light. The signal light is arranged on a first side of the visual sign structure facing rearward. The signal light comprises at least one first switchable light source. The wall illumination light is arranged on a second side of the visual sign structure facing forward. The wall illumination light comprises at least one second switchable light source and a light directing element. The at least one second switchable light source and the light directing element are arranged to provide a wall illumination light output towards a lateral side of the aircraft overhead passenger service unit.