Thermally Conductive Ceiling Panel for Aircraft Cabin Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger vehicle cabin illumination systems face issues with weight and complexity due to separate heat sinks for illumination elements, which vary with aircraft cabin layouts, leading to increased loads and costs.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive ceiling panel with a honeycomb core and non-metallic face sheet is used to mount light-emitting diodes directly, acting as both a structural support and heat dissipation device, reducing the need for separate heat sinks and allowing for modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If separate dedicated heat sinks are used for illumination elements, then heat dissipation is effective, but vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat dissipation function with the ceiling panel structure by integrating a thermally conductive core into the panel itself. The illumination elements are mounted directly on the panel, which serves as both structural support and heat sink, eliminating the need for separate dedicated heat sinks and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the illumination elements, serves as a heat dissipation device through its thermally conductive core, and maintains the interior cabin appearance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heat sink components.
2Ease of manufacture
If illumination elements are mounted on stowage bins, then installation is simplified, but additional weight and complexity are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mounting function with the ceiling panel itself. The illumination elements are directly mounted on the panel rather than on separate stowage bins, integrating the mounting structure into the panel design and reducing system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stowage bin arrangements vary by aircraft cabin layout, then customization is achieved, but consistency across vehicles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel with integrated thermal management provides a universal mounting solution that can be consistently applied across different aircraft cabin layouts. The panel's thermally conductive core and mounting structure remain constant while adapting to various cabin configurations, improving system consistency.
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 solution reduces weight and complexity by integrating heat dissipation into the ceiling panel, enabling a consistent system design across vehicles and minimizing the number of components required, while maintaining effective heat management.
Implementation Method 1
The face sheet has a thermal conductivity along at least one axis of at least about 25 Watts per meter-Kelvin
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a thermally conductive panel having a honeycomb core interior portion and a non-metallic thermally conductive face sheet. The honeycomb core interior portion extends between a first end portion and a second end portion of the panel. The face sheet extends across a surface of the honeycomb core interior portion. In operation, the panel is in thermal communication with a heat source.