Vehicle Interior Panel Lighting With Independent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior lighting systems, such as those in aircraft, cannot independently adjust the illumination intensity of individual lighting elements, resulting in aesthetically unimpressive uniform illumination throughout the seating area.
Innovation Solution
An interior panel with a lighting system featuring a controller that directs each light source independently to generate varying illumination patterns, allowing for customizable and dynamic lighting by placing light sources in hidden channels within the trim sections and using a user interface to adjust illumination intensity and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting elements operate collectively with uniform illumination intensity, then the lighting system is simple to control, but the aesthetic appeal and visual interest are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system divides the interior panel into multiple independently controllable lighting elements (first lighting element, second lighting element, etc.), each capable of operating at different illumination intensities. This segmentation allows the controller to create varied illumination patterns across different zones of the vehicle interior, transforming uniform lighting into dynamic, aesthetically appealing patterns while maintaining manageable control complexity through a centralized controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different illumination intensities to different local zones of the vehicle interior. The controller can independently adjust the brightness of each lighting element to create specific illumination patterns (e.g., brighter areas near exits, softer lighting in seating areas), allowing local customization of lighting quality to enhance aesthetic appeal and functionality without requiring complete system redesign.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting elements are independently adjustable, then aesthetic appeal and customization are improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it independently manages each lighting element's intensity, creates various illumination patterns, responds to different operational modes (cruising, landing, emergency), and interfaces with the vehicle's existing management systems. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate control systems into a single versatile unit, enhancing adaptability while preventing control complexity from escalating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple lighting elements and their control functions into a single integrated lighting system managed by one controller. Rather than having separate control mechanisms for each lighting element, the system merges all control functions into a unified architecture that can simultaneously manage multiple zones with different illumination requirements, thereby achieving high versatility without proportional increases in control complexity.
3Shape
If lighting array is hidden from interior, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but light distribution control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary medium (the interior panel material itself) through which light from the hidden lighting array is transmitted and diffused. The lighting elements are positioned behind or within the panel structure, and the panel material acts as a diffuser that evenly distributes light across the visible surface. This intermediary approach allows the lighting array to remain hidden for aesthetic purposes while still achieving effective and controllable light distribution through the panel.
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 customizable and aesthetically appealing illumination patterns with varying intensity and shape, both spatially and temporally, enhancing the visual experience within vehicle interiors.
Implementation Method 1
A lighting array that includes a plurality of light sources is disposed proximate the gap such that the lighting array is configured to be hidden from the interior by the second trim section
Data Source
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AI summary
Interior panels for an interior of a vehicle, vehicles, and methods for making interior panels for an interior of a vehicle are provided. In one example, the interior panel includes a first trim section having a first exposed surface configured to face towards the interior. A second trim section that has a second exposed surface configured to face towards the interior is disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from the first trim section to define a gap. A first lighting array that includes light sources is configured to be disposed proximate the gap hidden from the interior by the second trim section. A controller is configured to be in communication with the first lighting array to independently direct each of the light sources to generate light that passes through the gap into the interior and illuminates the first exposed surface to define an illumination pattern.