Aircraft Reading Light Optics for Variable Seat Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft passenger reading lights are not adaptable to different aircraft types and seating configurations, requiring multiple types of lights for various geometries and seat arrangements.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft passenger reading light with a housing, light source, optical element, and actuation mechanism that allows modification of the distance between the light source and optical element, enabling operation in multiple configurations to accommodate varying distances and seating arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of reading lights are installed for different aircraft types and seating configurations, then the adaptability to different geometries is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable optical system where the optical element can be repositioned relative to the light source along the optical axis. This dynamic adjustment capability allows a single reading light design to adapt to different installation geometries and seating configurations, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-design light types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (distance between light source and optical element) to achieve different light beam characteristics. By adjusting this distance, the same reading light can produce different illumination patterns suitable for various aircraft types and seat distances, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between light source and optical element is fixed, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different seating configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adjustable mechanism that allows the optical element to be repositioned along the optical axis after manufacturing. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to different seat distances without requiring multiple fixed designs, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reading light design incorporates a universal adjustment mechanism that enables a single device to serve multiple functions across different aircraft configurations. The optical element can be positioned at different distances to accommodate various seat arrangements, making one light type universally applicable.
3Area of stationary object
If the light output spatial extension is increased for distant seats, then the illumination coverage is improved, but the light intensity at the target position may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the relationship between object distance and image distance in optical systems. By adjusting the distance between the light source and optical element, the system can control both the spatial extension and intensity characteristics of the light output, achieving optimal illumination for different seat distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the optical configuration along the optical axis (one dimension) to control the illumination characteristics. By changing the position of the optical element along this dimension, the system can simultaneously control both the area and intensity of illumination, effectively managing the trade-off between coverage and brightness.
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 solution allows for easy adaptation of the reading light to different aircraft geometries and seating configurations, reducing the need for multiple light types and enhancing versatility and efficiency in aircraft lighting.
Implementation Method 1
a light source configured for providing a light output; an optical element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~3
AI summary
An aircraft passenger reading light (2), which is operable in at least two predetermined configurations, comprises: a light source (12); an optical element (18); and an actuation mechanism (17), which is configured to modify a distance between the light source (12) and the optical element (18). The distance (D) between the light source (12) and the optical element (18) differs in the at least two predetermined configurations and a spatial extension of the illumination, which results from the light output (40) of the light source (12) and the optical element (18), differs in the at least two predetermined configurations.