LIGHTING D ESIGN C HALLENGE
ARMREST PIPING LIGHTS
The idea of Flying Colours’ armrest lighting concept
is to bring another layer of luminescence to the
cabin. “As seat shapes become sleeker and more
stylish, the lighting would complement the changing
shapes and forms and would add an organic feel to
the cabin,” says Summer Sun, manager of interior
design for Flying Colours.
The enabling technologies for this are likely to be
very small LED lights, or a thin pipe-lighting tube.
“As yet we’ve not come across a product that can be
built into the seat, rather than used as a trim,” says
Sun. “The technology would need to produce a light
that is visible, but subtle, and is likely to be a very
thin pipe, similar to the inside of a biro. As the trend
for layered lighting continues, the ability to also
change the mood lighting to complement the main
cabin lighting would add real style value. If there was
a way to also deliver power to the cushion, perhaps
via wiring, this could also complement the armrest,
but as yet there is no option on the market for this.”
Sun says that currently, seats are illuminated
using lighting at the base of the fixture, which is part
of the airframe; seats have not yet become platforms
through which power can be delivered to support
this kind of lighting element.
“The greatest challenge relates to finding existing
parts that could satisfy this request,” explains Sun.
“To make this design a reality we’d need to work
closely with a seat designer to build the lighting
product into the seat to ensure its durability and
longevity. Aircraft seat armrests suffer a lot of wear
and tear, so the material used would need to be
durable to be effective.”
She also notes that as a completely new feature
using new parts and materials, certification would
be a lengthy process for the first installation. “Lights
always generate heat so fire testing would need to
be extensive,” says Sun.
Flying Colours would work in collaboration with
a seat manufacturer to fulfil the certification.
“We are already seeing lighting on bulkheads and
around the galley, so armrest lighting is potentially
just around the corner,” says Sun. “We just need to
combine the right materials with existing technology
and lighting options.”
businessjetinteriorsinternational.com
JULY 2019 019
recent
INNOVATION
ILLUMINATED
THERMOPLASTIC
Kydex Lumina was developed by Sekisui
SPI for backlit panels and accents in aircraft
cabins. The opaque thermoplastic material
transmits light in selected areas. The product
meets FAR 25.853 (a) and (d) requirements
for flammability, heat release and
smoke development.
/businessjetinteriorsinternational.com
