Variable Geometry LED Array with Tunable Lens for Aircraft Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Personal lighting devices in overhead compartments face challenges such as heat management, controllability, light pollution, and maintenance costs, particularly in aircraft environments, where users desire customizable illumination without introducing bacteria or causing light disturbance to others.
Innovation Solution
A variable geometry light source with a dense array of LEDs controlled by a microcontroller and a tunable lens, allowing for customizable illumination patterns and intensities without the need for multiple fixtures, using MOSFET drivers and microcontrollers to individually control each LED, maintaining a compact size and replacing multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source is used to replace multiple fixtures, then maintenance cost and complexity are reduced, but the device must provide multiple illumination patterns and geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple individually controllable LED elements arranged in specific patterns. Each LED can be controlled independently through PWM dimming and individual addressing, allowing the single fixture to create multiple illumination patterns by activating different segments of LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of LED intensity and pattern selection through a microcontroller that responds to user input. The system can dynamically switch between different illumination patterns (reading light, ambient light, accent lighting) and adjust intensity levels, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed fixtures.
2Ease of operation
If the light source is made controllable with multiple functions, then user customization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to provide multiple functions through a unified interface. The microcontroller handles pattern selection, intensity adjustment, and timing control all through the same LED array and control circuitry, allowing one system to perform multiple functions without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automatic features such as motion sensing capabilities and automatic dimming based on ambient light levels. The microcontroller automatically manages timing sequences and pattern transitions, reducing the burden on users while providing sophisticated control capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If LED density is increased to provide variable geometry patterns, then illumination precision is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harm of heat generation into a benefit by using LED technology that inherently produces less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, the ability to control individual LED intensity allows the system to distribute heat generation across multiple low-power elements rather than concentrating it in fewer high-power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the LEDs by controlling current draw through PWM dimming and individual LED addressing. By operating LEDs at lower current levels and selectively activating only the LEDs needed for each pattern, the system achieves precise illumination control while minimizing total heat generation.
4Illumination intensity
If the light source provides focused illumination, then illumination intensity at target is improved, but light pollution to surrounding areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using individual LED control to illuminate only the specific area that needs lighting. Different LED patterns can be activated to focus light on reading material, ambient areas, or accent features, providing intense illumination where needed while leaving other areas dark, thus eliminating light pollution to unnecessary zones.
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 provides controlled, customizable illumination with reduced heat buildup, minimizes light pollution, and decreases maintenance costs by allowing a single light source to serve multiple functions, enhancing user control and reducing operational delays.
Implementation Method 1
an array of light emitting diodes (LED) incorporated within a printed circuit board
Implementation Method 2
The illumination is directed through a tunable lens to a desired focus and direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A variable geometry light source and related method for illumination comprises a dense array of micro light emitting diodes (LED) (180) incorporated within a printed circuit board (112) and controlled by an incorporated microcontroller (310). The microcontroller receives user input and causes the dense array to illuminate according to the input. A tunable lens (106) operates to focus the LED illumination toward one or more specific target subjects creating a variable geometry light projection. The microcontroller is configured with instructions which cause the dense array to produce a variety of shapes, intensities, and color temperatures tailored to the individual installation. The microcontroller causes the dense array to create a light projection suitable for illumination of a subject as well as a dynamic projection animated for a communication to the viewer.