WO2022238673A1 - Aircraft overhead passenger light with electrical charging outlet - Google Patents

Aircraft overhead passenger light with electrical charging outlet Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022238673A1
WO2022238673A1 PCT/GB2022/051005 GB2022051005W WO2022238673A1 WO 2022238673 A1 WO2022238673 A1 WO 2022238673A1 GB 2022051005 W GB2022051005 W GB 2022051005W WO 2022238673 A1 WO2022238673 A1 WO 2022238673A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
light
electrical charging
charging outlet
aircraft
outlet
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2022/051005
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Dan RUST
Original Assignee
Ifpl Group Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ifpl Group Limited filed Critical Ifpl Group Limited
Priority to GB2317253.9A priority Critical patent/GB2621061A/en
Publication of WO2022238673A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022238673A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
    • B64D11/0624—Arrangements of electrical connectors, e.g. for earphone, internet or electric supply
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
    • B64D2011/0053—Cabin passenger reading lights

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a light and in particular a light for use within an aircraft.
  • aircraft passengers require access to a charging source during their flights, for example so as to charge a phone or other electronic device.
  • Certification constraints make it very difficult to alter existing seats to incorporate a suitable charging point. Further there is a lack of space to position power supplies that are required to convert the aircraft electrical supply to a suitable voltage for charging a passenger device.
  • a light for use in an aircraft comprising an LED light, wherein an electrical charging outlet, such as a USB outlet, is held in fixed relationship proximal the LED light.
  • an electrical charging outlet such as a USB outlet
  • Such a light adapted for use in an aircraft cabin allows passengers ready access to electrical charging facilities for their electronic devices and may be configured for use as an overhead light positioned over aircraft seating.
  • the light may further comprise an outer housing within which is disposed the LED light and the electrical charging outlet.
  • the LED light preferably comprises an annular structure such as an annular ring and the electrical charging outlet is disposed within the annular ring.
  • the electrical charging outlet is preferably held within an inner housing positioned within a central circular aperture of the annular ring.
  • the LED light may comprise a rectangular structure with the electrical charging outlet disposed substantially adjacent one side of the rectangular structure.
  • the light may further comprise a power converter. This allows an electrical supply to be converted to a supply of 5 V DC for the electrical charging outlet.
  • the light may further comprise an insert comprising a plurality of resilient fingers to secure the electrical charging outlet.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an interior of an aircraft cabin
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the front of a light in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view from the rear of the light.
  • overhead lighting 12 is provided proximal to each passenger seat 14 to allow passengers their own light source for reading or viewing devices.
  • Each overhead passenger light 12, as shown in Figure 2, comprises an outer circular housing 20 in which is disposed an LED light 22 and a USB outlet 24.
  • LED light 22 is configured as an annular ring 26 and the annular light structure comprises a plurality of LED lighting elements 28 positioned behind an annular lens 30 or other diffractive structure.
  • USB outlet 24 is disposed in an inner circular housing 32 held at the centre aperture 34 of annular ring 26.
  • annular insert 36 comprising a plurality of resilient fingers 38 is used to grip USB outlet 24 from the rear and ensure it is firmly secured in position within housing 20.
  • the shape of the housings may be varied, for example the outer housing and/or inner housing may be rectangular or hexagonal.
  • the positioning of the USB outlet can be varied relative to the outer housing.
  • the LED light can be configured as a rectangular structure and combined with a USB outlet extending along one edge of the rectangular structure.
  • Light 12 is not limited to being positioned overhead and could, for example, be positioned in a side wall of cabin 10 which might be desirable for smaller aircraft with reduced seating.
  • Light 12 thus provides an LED reading light for aircraft cabins which integrates a USB outlet for charging a phone or other device.
  • a passenger can readily insert a USB charging cable into the USB outlet (24) overhead, and so charge a phone positioned on their seat or table.
  • Light 12 can readily be retro-fitted to existing aircraft structures, replacing existing incandescent reading lights. LED lights use less power and so by replacing incandescent lights with the light according to the present invention, an operational USB outlet can be provided without modifying existing power distribution within the aircraft. Further removing an incandescent light frees up sufficient space for a power converter 40, see Figure 1, to be installed in the roof space, allowing the electrical supply of 28V AC supplied to the previous incandescent light to be converted to a supply of 5 V DC for USB outlet 24.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)

Abstract

There is provided a light (12) for use in an aircraft comprising an LED light (22), wherein an electrical charging outlet (24), such as a USB outlet, is held in fixed relationship proximal the LED light (22). The LED light (22) comprises an annular ring (26) and the electrical charging outlet (24) is disposed within the annular structure. An insert (36) comprising a plurality of resilient fingers (38) acts to secure the electrical charging outlet (24) in position.

Description

Title AIRCRAFT OVERHEAD PASSENGER LIGHT WITH ELECTRICAL CHARGING OUTLET
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a light and in particular a light for use within an aircraft.
Background to the Invention
Desirably aircraft passengers require access to a charging source during their flights, for example so as to charge a phone or other electronic device. Certification constraints make it very difficult to alter existing seats to incorporate a suitable charging point. Further there is a lack of space to position power supplies that are required to convert the aircraft electrical supply to a suitable voltage for charging a passenger device.
Floor mounted equipment close to, but separate from, the seats has been considered with this using an extendible arm to bring a USB socket up to a convenient position for the passenger. However this requires additional wiring looms to be installed on the aircraft to power the equipment which is difficult to do and costly.
Summary of the Invention In accordance with the invention, there is provided a light for use in an aircraft comprising an LED light, wherein an electrical charging outlet, such as a USB outlet, is held in fixed relationship proximal the LED light. Such a light adapted for use in an aircraft cabin allows passengers ready access to electrical charging facilities for their electronic devices and may be configured for use as an overhead light positioned over aircraft seating.
The light may further comprise an outer housing within which is disposed the LED light and the electrical charging outlet. The LED light preferably comprises an annular structure such as an annular ring and the electrical charging outlet is disposed within the annular ring. For such an annular structure, the electrical charging outlet is preferably held within an inner housing positioned within a central circular aperture of the annular ring. Alternatively the LED light may comprise a rectangular structure with the electrical charging outlet disposed substantially adjacent one side of the rectangular structure. The light may further comprise a power converter. This allows an electrical supply to be converted to a supply of 5 V DC for the electrical charging outlet.
The light may further comprise an insert comprising a plurality of resilient fingers to secure the electrical charging outlet.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an interior of an aircraft cabin;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view from the front of a light in accordance with the invention; and
Figure 3 shows a perspective view from the rear of the light.
Description
Within an aircraft cabin 10 as shown in Figure 1, overhead lighting 12 is provided proximal to each passenger seat 14 to allow passengers their own light source for reading or viewing devices.
Each overhead passenger light 12, as shown in Figure 2, comprises an outer circular housing 20 in which is disposed an LED light 22 and a USB outlet 24. LED light 22 is configured as an annular ring 26 and the annular light structure comprises a plurality of LED lighting elements 28 positioned behind an annular lens 30 or other diffractive structure. USB outlet 24 is disposed in an inner circular housing 32 held at the centre aperture 34 of annular ring 26. To the rear of light 12, see Figure 3, an annular insert 36 comprising a plurality of resilient fingers 38 is used to grip USB outlet 24 from the rear and ensure it is firmly secured in position within housing 20.
It will be appreciated that the shape of the housings may be varied, for example the outer housing and/or inner housing may be rectangular or hexagonal. The positioning of the USB outlet can be varied relative to the outer housing. For example, the LED light can be configured as a rectangular structure and combined with a USB outlet extending along one edge of the rectangular structure. Light 12 is not limited to being positioned overhead and could, for example, be positioned in a side wall of cabin 10 which might be desirable for smaller aircraft with reduced seating.
Light 12 thus provides an LED reading light for aircraft cabins which integrates a USB outlet for charging a phone or other device. A passenger can readily insert a USB charging cable into the USB outlet (24) overhead, and so charge a phone positioned on their seat or table.
Light 12 can readily be retro-fitted to existing aircraft structures, replacing existing incandescent reading lights. LED lights use less power and so by replacing incandescent lights with the light according to the present invention, an operational USB outlet can be provided without modifying existing power distribution within the aircraft. Further removing an incandescent light frees up sufficient space for a power converter 40, see Figure 1, to be installed in the roof space, allowing the electrical supply of 28V AC supplied to the previous incandescent light to be converted to a supply of 5 V DC for USB outlet 24.
The electrical suitability of the aircraft side wiring and connector system, once efficient power conversion and LED lighting reduce the original incandescent loading, mean that retrofit installation can be accomplished without the need to change existing connectors or wiring on the aircraft whilst still provisioning for the excess supply capacity to be provided to passenger USB outlets. Use of compatible connectors on the retrofit reading light assembly are required for this.

Claims

Claims
1. A light for use in an aircraft comprising an LED light, wherein an electrical charging outlet is held in fixed relationship proximal the LED light.
2. A light according to claim 1, further comprising an outer housing within which is disposed the LED light and the electrical charging outlet.
3. A light according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the LED light comprises an annular structure and the electrical charging outlet is disposed within the annular structure.
4. A light according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical charging outlet is held within an inner housing positioned within a central circular aperture of the annular structure
5. A light according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the LED light comprises a rectangular structure and the electrical charging outlet is disposed substantially adjacent one side of the rectangular structure.
6. A light according to any of the preceding claims further comprising a power converter.
7. A light according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising an insert comprising a plurality of resilient fingers to secure the electrical charging outlet.
8. A light according to any of the preceding claims configured for use as an overhead light positioned over aircraft seating.
PCT/GB2022/051005 2021-05-14 2022-04-21 Aircraft overhead passenger light with electrical charging outlet WO2022238673A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2317253.9A GB2621061A (en) 2021-05-14 2022-04-21 Aircraft overhead passenger light with electrical charging outlet

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB2106917.4A GB202106917D0 (en) 2021-05-14 2021-05-14 Light
GB2106917.4 2021-05-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022238673A1 true WO2022238673A1 (en) 2022-11-17

Family

ID=76550544

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2022/051005 WO2022238673A1 (en) 2021-05-14 2022-04-21 Aircraft overhead passenger light with electrical charging outlet

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB202106917D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2022238673A1 (en)

Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030064623A1 (en) * 2001-10-03 2003-04-03 Rowland Willie P. Airplane seat computer connection
EP2106141A2 (en) * 2008-03-25 2009-09-30 Inflight Investments Inc. Access control system for inflight services at passenger seat
US8500065B2 (en) * 2010-07-10 2013-08-06 Diehl Aircabin Gmbh Device for supplying loads in the overhead area of a passenger cabin, in particular in commercial aircraft
US20130248655A1 (en) * 2012-03-22 2013-09-26 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft passenger suite seating arrangement
US20140328076A1 (en) * 2013-05-03 2014-11-06 II Gary Lee Firman Usb power outlet/charger direct replacement for automotive cigar lighter/power outlet
US20150146348A1 (en) * 2013-11-22 2015-05-28 Sheng-Hsin Liao Wall adaptor
US9481332B1 (en) * 2013-06-14 2016-11-01 The Boeing Company Plug-n-play power system for an accessory in an aircraft
US20170025803A1 (en) * 2014-01-09 2017-01-26 Rob Abbinante Aircraft power and data distribution system and methods of performing the same
WO2017089837A1 (en) * 2015-11-26 2017-06-01 Saf-T-Glo Limited Illumination apparatus
EP3316415A1 (en) * 2016-10-26 2018-05-02 IFPL Group Limited Electrical connectors
DE102018121680B3 (en) * 2018-09-05 2019-12-19 Lufthansa Technik Aktiengesellschaft Plug socket and passenger supply module
DE102018115473A1 (en) * 2018-06-27 2020-01-02 Lufthansa Technik Ag Functional expansion module for vehicles
WO2020201456A1 (en) * 2019-04-02 2020-10-08 Ifpl Group Limited Inductive charger

Patent Citations (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030064623A1 (en) * 2001-10-03 2003-04-03 Rowland Willie P. Airplane seat computer connection
EP2106141A2 (en) * 2008-03-25 2009-09-30 Inflight Investments Inc. Access control system for inflight services at passenger seat
US8500065B2 (en) * 2010-07-10 2013-08-06 Diehl Aircabin Gmbh Device for supplying loads in the overhead area of a passenger cabin, in particular in commercial aircraft
US20130248655A1 (en) * 2012-03-22 2013-09-26 B/E Aerospace, Inc. Aircraft passenger suite seating arrangement
US20140328076A1 (en) * 2013-05-03 2014-11-06 II Gary Lee Firman Usb power outlet/charger direct replacement for automotive cigar lighter/power outlet
US9481332B1 (en) * 2013-06-14 2016-11-01 The Boeing Company Plug-n-play power system for an accessory in an aircraft
US20150146348A1 (en) * 2013-11-22 2015-05-28 Sheng-Hsin Liao Wall adaptor
US20170025803A1 (en) * 2014-01-09 2017-01-26 Rob Abbinante Aircraft power and data distribution system and methods of performing the same
WO2017089837A1 (en) * 2015-11-26 2017-06-01 Saf-T-Glo Limited Illumination apparatus
EP3316415A1 (en) * 2016-10-26 2018-05-02 IFPL Group Limited Electrical connectors
DE102018115473A1 (en) * 2018-06-27 2020-01-02 Lufthansa Technik Ag Functional expansion module for vehicles
DE102018121680B3 (en) * 2018-09-05 2019-12-19 Lufthansa Technik Aktiengesellschaft Plug socket and passenger supply module
WO2020201456A1 (en) * 2019-04-02 2020-10-08 Ifpl Group Limited Inductive charger

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB202106917D0 (en) 2021-06-30
GB2621061A (en) 2024-01-31
GB202317253D0 (en) 2023-12-27

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