Methods and devices for light distribution in an aircraft, and aircraft including such devices

Lighting components for illuminating an aisle portion of a cabin floor of an aircraft, and aircraft and passenger seats for an aircraft including the same are disclosed. Said lighting components are configured to illuminate at least a portion of the aisle, between adjacent passenger seats positioned on either side of the aisle. The lighting components are configured to direct light towards the cabin floor using a specially designed housing and reflector surface that are designed to illuminate objects in the aisle, while minimizing light pollution in the cabin and detection by passengers on board the aircraft. Said lighting components are optionally mounted on one or more passenger seats, and/or may be integrally formed with a passenger seat. Lighting components include a curved reflector surface configured to reflect light from a light source positioned within the housing such that it is directed towards the aisle to create the desired illumination.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to methods and devices for light distribution in an aircraft (such as an aisle within a cabin of a passenger aircraft), and to aircraft including such devices.

BACKGROUND

Within the cabin of a passenger aircraft, general overhead lighting illuminates the cabin during boarding and deboarding. However, the general cabin lights are often dimmed during flight, for passenger comfort, especially during night-time flights, which can result in the cabin floor and aisles being too dark for quick, easy, safe, and comfortable movement about the cabin during the flight. Additionally, galleys, lavatories, and other areas of the aircraft are typically illuminated throughout the flight, which further increases the difficulty for flight attendants (and passengers moving about the aircraft), who must adapt when entering a relatively dark cabin from the bright galley area, for instance. While passengers typically have access to individual overhead reading lights that focus light for individual use, these reading lights can create shadows in the aisles, even further interfering with vision of the aisles and objects protruding therein.

This lighting scenario can complicate the work of flight attendants, who perform job duties in a unique environment that includes reduced atmospheric pressure, low humidity, relatively high noise levels, air turbulence, tight spaces, and sloping floors. Adding low light levels to this environment makes tasks even more difficult for flight attendants, increasing the risks of injuries as they move through the cabin performing work duties. For example, tripping on carpet, carpet edges, seat legs, passenger legs, blankets, pillows, luggage, coats, purses, toys, and etc. all are potential hazards in flight attendants' workspace (e.g., the cabin aisle(s)) and is often caused by their not being able to see the floor sufficiently. Such hazards can result in work-related injuries and lost workdays.

Existing emergency lighting such as photoluminescent strips along the floor path of the cabin and emergency seat lighting provide insufficient lighting to prevent tripping and slipping, inconsistently light the floor, and/or direct light in the wrong direction(s) (e.g., upwards, towards the ceiling) to prevent injuries for flight attendants in the normal course of their work tasks. Existing aircraft non-emergency lighting is not suitable for illuminating the floor without disturbing passengers, and there thus remains a need for reducing the risk from hazards in aircraft cabin aisles and other interior spaces, without disturbing passengers.

SUMMARY

Presently disclosed lighting components may be mounted to one or more passenger seats in an aircraft to illuminate the aisle between rows of passenger seats. The presently disclosed lighting components may be positioned and sized so as to not protrude into the aisle as well as to not increase light pollution within the cabin, while providing low intensity, uniform illumination of the aisle. Generally, presently disclosed lighting components may include a housing defining a cavity and a light channel configured to allow light to exit the housing, a light source within the cavity or shroud, and a reflector surface configured to reflect light emanating from the light source through the light channel and towards the cabin floor of the aircraft. The reflector surface may optionally be curved and at least partially define the light channel. The reflector surface, in combination with the shape of the housing may be configured to direct light downwards (towards the cabin floor), while preventing light from traveling upwards from the lighting component (towards the ceiling and/or passenger eye level). In this way, a direct line of sight to the light channel may be prevented from the perspective of passengers and crew that are seated in the passenger seats or walking about the cabin.

Presently disclosed systems may include an aircraft and/or a plurality of such lighting components mounted within the aircraft, such that an aisle may be illuminated. For example, systems may include one lighting component per row of passenger seats, and in some cases may include the passenger seat itself, with the lighting component formed integrally therein, or secured thereto during manufacture. Related methods include illuminating an aisle portion of a cabin floor of a passenger aircraft using one or more presently disclosed lighting components. Methods may optionally include integrating a lighting component into a passenger seat and/or delivering a passenger seat including a lighting component secured thereto or formed therewith. Additionally or alternatively, methods may include optimizing the shape and size of the reflector surface and/or housing of the lighting component to achieve the desired lighting pattern on the cabin floor.

DESCRIPTION

Lighting components, systems and aircraft including the same, and related methods are disclosed. Generally, in the figures, elements that are likely to be included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, while elements that are optional to a given example are illustrated in broken lines. However, elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to all examples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1schematically represents a portion of an interior space, such as a passenger cabin10of a passenger aircraft12(generally a commercial passenger aircraft, though other types of aircraft12are also within the scope of this disclosure, such as regional jets, private jets, military aircraft, and the like). A plurality of passenger seats14are arranged in a cabin floor16of passenger cabin10.FIG. 1illustrates a row18of passenger seats14, with a first plurality20of passenger seats and a second plurality22of passenger seats arranged on either side of an aisle portion24of cabin floor16. WhileFIG. 1illustrates a single row18of passenger seats, it is to be understood that aircraft12generally includes a plurality of rows18, each of which may have more or fewer passenger seats14than illustrated, and may optionally include a plurality of aisle portions24. Passenger seats14are illustrated as cantilevered passenger seats inFIG. 1, with one or more leg supports26being spaced apart from (e.g., outboard, relative to) aisle portion24, though other styles of passenger seats14are also within the scope of the present disclosure. In some such examples, leg supports26are positioned outboard relative to lighting component28. One or more lighting components28are coupled to, mounted on, recessed within, secured to, integrated into, and/or formed integrally with one or more respective passenger seats14. Presently disclosed systems30include aircraft12, one or more passenger seats14, one or more rows18of passenger seats14, and/or one or more lighting components28.

In some examples, system30includes one lighting component28per row18. For example, passenger seat14′ may include a respective lighting component28, while the other respective passenger seats14of row18do not. In these examples, lighting component28is positioned and configured to illuminate aisle portion24between passenger seat14′ and passenger seat14″ on the opposite side of aisle portion24. In other examples, system30includes more than one lighting component28per row18. For example, passenger seat14″ may include an additional respective lighting component28. Additionally or alternatively, respective passenger seats outboard from aisle24, such as passenger seat14′″ may include a respective lighting component28, such as in examples of larger passenger aircraft12having rows18broken into more than one aisle portion24. In examples including multiple aisle portions24, systems30may include at least one lighting component28per row18, per aisle portion24. In some examples, lighting components28are distributed evenly amongst passenger seats14within cabin10, and/or distributed evenly amongst rows18within cabin10.

Lighting components28may be positioned in various locations with respect to passenger seat14. For example, one or more lighting components28may be positioned on or in a side portion32of passenger seat14(e.g., inboard side40and/or outboard side42of passenger seat14, depending on the configuration of aircraft12), adjacent aisle portion24, on or in a lower surface34or lower frame structure36(e.g., an underside of a cushion rail) of passenger seat14, on or in an arm rest portion38of passenger seat14, on a rubstrip of passenger seat14or other monument within aircraft12, and/or on or in a seat shroud44(also referred to herein as a side portion44) of passenger seat14. For example, passenger seat14′ inFIG. 1has a first respective lighting component28(shown in solid line) positioned on lower surface34, with a second respective lighting component28shown in dashed line positioned on arm rest portion38and representing examples of different positions and/or locations of lighting component28with respect to passenger seat14, and/or examples where a respective passenger seat14may include more than one respective lighting components28. Additionally or alternatively, lighting component28may be arranged such that it does not protrude past arm rest portion38and/or into aisle portion24. In some examples, lighting component28is recessed into passenger seat14, such as recessed into arm rest portion38and/or side portion32(e.g., a side panel of passenger seat14).

Such configurations of systems30may be designed to minimize the conspicuousness of lighting components28to passengers and crew onboard aircraft12. For example, lighting components28may be sized to be relatively small and unobtrusive, and positioned so as not to interfere with passenger movement, with passenger's articles placed on cabin floor16, and/or with crew members and galley carts moving about passenger cabin10. In some examples, lighting components28are configured to be hidden from view of passengers within aircraft12. Additionally or alternatively, lighting components28may be configured to minimize light pollution within passenger cabin10and/or restrict (and optionally prevent) light from being directed upwards from lighting component28(e.g., away from cabin floor16and towards a ceiling portion17(also referred to herein as a cabin ceiling17) of passenger cabin10). Nonetheless, lighting components28illuminate at least a portion of aisle portion24and/or at least a portion of cabin floor16(e.g., a portion of cabin floor16that forms an exit row within aircraft12) such that objects and articles within aisle portion24are illuminated, thereby reducing trip hazards for passengers and crew members in some examples. In some examples, however, lighting components28are positioned and configured to minimize illumination of other portions of cabin floor16, such as those corresponding to storage cavities46underneath passenger seats14(e.g., such storage cavities46may be defined by lower surface34of a seat portion48of passenger seat14, cabin floor16, and/or leg support26) for storage of passenger articles during flight.

In some examples, lighting components28are configured to dimly, but substantially uniformly, illuminate aisle portion24of cabin floor16(e.g., the portion of cabin floor16between passenger seat14′ and passenger seat14″). For example, lighting components28may be configured to illuminate objects on or protruding into aisle portion24and/or other portions of cabin floor16within the zone of mesopic vision, such as with a luminance of between about 0.001 and about 3 cd/m2(candela per square meter). In other examples, lighting components28may be configured to illuminate aisle portion24and/or cabin floor16outside the zone of mesopic vision (e.g., in scotopic vision).

FIG. 2schematically illustrates examples of lighting component28. Lighting component28generally includes a housing50, a light source52contained within a cavity54defined by housing50, and a light channel56configured to allow light from light source52to exit housing50and illuminate at least a portion of an exterior surface57outside of housing50. Exterior surface57is generally aisle portion24of cabin floor16of aircraft12, as described herein, but lighting components28may be configured to illuminate other exterior surfaces57as well. For example, lighting components28may be configured to illuminate one or more other exterior surfaces57within an aircraft or other vehicle, such as within a train, a bus, or vehicle. Lighting component28also includes a reflector surface58configured to reflect light emanating from light source52through light channel56and towards cabin floor16of aircraft12. Reflector surface58is curved and at least partially defines (or forms at least a portion of) light channel56. In some examples, lighting component28also includes an optical absorber surface60arranged with respect to reflector surface58such that optical absorber surface60is configured to absorb light emanating from light source52, such as light traveling in an undesired direction (e.g., towards optical absorber surface60, when optical absorber surface60is positioned between light source52and the undesired direction). For example, reflector surface58is configured to reflect light towards cabin floor16, while optical absorber surface60may be configured to restrict light from being directed upwards, away from cabin floor16(e.g., towards ceiling portion17of passenger cabin10inFIG. 1). In some examples, optical absorber surface60functions in combination with the size and shape of housing50to restrict (and/or prevent) light emanating from light source52from exiting light channel56towards ceiling portion17.

In some examples, optical absorber surface60and reflector surface58are arranged opposite each other, thereby at least partially defining light channel56therebetween. Reflector surface58is substantially concave facing light channel56, and/or optical absorber surface is substantially convex facing light channel56in some examples. In some lighting components28, light channel56extends longitudinally from a first end region62of housing50to a second end region64of housing50, opposite first end region62. Similarly, reflector surface58and/or optical absorber surface60extend longitudinally from first end region62to second end region64in some examples (e.g., a length67of reflector surface58is substantially equal to a length66of housing50in some examples, e.g., differing by the thickness of walls of housing50). In other examples, reflector surface58and/or optical absorber surface60may extend longitudinally between first end region62and second end region64for just a portion of length66of housing50. In some examples, reflector surface58and/or optical absorber surface60may include two or more disjointed segments of said reflector surface58and/or optical absorber surface60.

Light source52(which may be a plurality of light sources52in some examples) is configured to emit (e.g., project and/or reflect) a light beam68, which in turn results in an area of illumination70on exterior surface57, also referred to herein as light pattern70. Light pattern70is rectangular in some examples. In other examples, lighting component28can be configured to create light pattern70in other shapes, such as oval, elliptical, circular, polygonal, or any other desired shape. In some examples, light pattern70is not clearly defined, but may gradually fade as radial distance from a center72of light pattern70increases. In some examples, lighting component28is configured to reflect light onto exterior surface57such that light pattern70has a width cone74sufficient to span an aisle portion (e.g., aisle portion24ofFIG. 1) of cabin floor16. In this manner, lighting component28may be configured to illuminate objects protruding into the aisle of cabin floor16, such as stray articles belonging to passengers, straps, bags, clothing, and etc. that may pose hazards for crew and passengers alike.

The size and shape of housing50, light source52, optical absorber surface60, and/or reflector surface58properties may be adjusted and optimized in order to create the desired light pattern70. For example, alteration of design parameters of the shape and size of reflector surface58(e.g., a reflector radius, a reflector conic constant, a horizontal displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source, a reflector length, a reflector width, and/or a vertical displacement of reflector surface58relative to light source52) can be altered to result in a desired light pattern shape, width, length, and/or offset from lighting component28.

Light source52is a light emitting diode (LED) in some examples. In some examples, light source52is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and/or a polymer light-emitting diode (PLED). In other examples, light source52may be a different type of light source (e.g., a non-LED light source, such as an electrical filament bulb, a fluorescent bulb, an incandescent bulb, a luminescent light source, and/or any other suitable light source). In some examples, light source52has a low power consumption, such as less than about 2 watts, less than about 1.5 watts, less than about 1 watt, less than about 0.5 watts, and/or less than about 0.25 watts. Housing50may optionally include one or more ports76for powering lighting component28(e.g., for receiving one or more wires77for powering light source52), which may be powered by one or more of a battery, a capacitor, solar energy, and energy harvesting. In some examples, light source52is hard-wired directly to aircraft power of aircraft12, to seat activation power for passenger seat14, and/or through in-flight entertainment power of aircraft12. Light source52may be positioned with respect to light channel56such that light source52is configured to direct light towards light channel56, such as by being positioned adjacent an opposite wall of housing50from light channel56, in some examples.

Reflector surface58is formed from any material that reflects light from light source52as desired for a given application of lighting component28. In some examples, reflector surface58is formed from a specular reflective material, aluminum adhesive tape, specular reflective paint, a metal material deposition layer, a polymeric specular film, and/or an adhesive film. Housing50may be formed of any material, and in some examples is formed from a polymeric material, such as a 3D printing resin (e.g., Kydex®). Optical absorber surface60is formed from any material that absorbs light and/or limits light from being emitted beyond optical absorber surface60, in the direction of optical absorber surface60relative to light source52. In some examples, optical absorber surface60is formed of the same material as housing50.

Housing50may take many various forms, but some examples include a first side wall78in first end region62, a second side wall80in second end region64, a mounting wall82extending between first side wall78and second side wall80, and a front wall84opposite mounting wall82. Generally, when secured within aircraft12, lighting component28may be mounted to a passenger seat (e.g., passenger seat14ofFIG. 1) via mounting wall82, while front wall84, first side wall78, and second side wall80protrude from the passenger seat surface to which mounting wall82is secured. Housing50may be secured to a passenger seat or other monument within the aircraft in any suitable fashion, such as via an adhesive, via one or more fasteners, recessed into the passenger seat or monument, and/or integrally formed with the passenger seat or monument. Additionally or alternatively, housing50may include an upper wall86connecting first side wall78, second side wall80, front wall84, and mounting wall82. Similarly, housing50may include a lower wall88opposite upper wall86and connecting first side wall78, second side wall80, and mounting wall82. Within cavity54of housing50, light source52may be coupled to mounting wall82, upper wall86, first side wall78, and/or second side wall80. In some examples, reflector surface58is adjacent lower wall88of housing50, such as by extending from lower wall88upwards towards upper wall86.

Housing50is sized so as to be unobtrusive, and/or minimally visible, to avoid interfering with passengers in their seats, and/or to avoid or minimize protrusion into aisle portion24or beyond passenger seat14(e.g., beyond arm rest portion38inFIG. 1). In some examples, length66of housing50is less than about 5 inches, less than about 2 inches, less than about 1.5 inches, less than about 1 inch, and/or less than about 0.5 inches, a width87of housing50is less than about 1.5 inches, less than about 1 inch, less than about 0.5 inches, and/or less than about 0.25 inches, and/or a depth of housing50is less than about 1.5 inches, less than about 1 inch, less than about 0.5 inches, and/or less than about 0.25 inches.

FIG. 3schematically illustrates a plurality of rows18(e.g., first row18, second row18′, and third row18″) of passenger seats14within main cabin10of aircraft12, where each respective row18includes a respective first plurality20of seats14and a respective second plurality22of passenger seats14on opposite sides of aisle portion24from each other. WhileFIG. 3illustrates three passenger seats14on either side of aisle portion24per row18, more or fewer passenger seats14may be positioned in each row, with the same or different number of passenger seats14on either side of aisle portion24. In some examples, aisle portion24may separate just a single passenger seat14on one or both sides of aisle portion24. As shown inFIG. 3, some systems30include one lighting component28per row18(e.g., first lighting component28, second lighting component28′, and third lighting component28″).

Lighting components28are shown coupled to the respective passenger seat14adjacent aisle portion24in each row18, on one side of aisle portion24. In other examples, systems30may include lighting components28coupled to respective passenger seats14adjacent aisle portion24on each side of aisle portion24, or lighting components28may be coupled to respective passenger seats14on alternating sides of aisle portion24in some examples (e.g., coupled to passenger seat14adjacent a first side90of aisle portion24in row18, coupled to passenger seat14′ adjacent a second side92of aisle portion24in row18′, and so on). In some examples, each respective passenger seat14within aircraft12may include a respective lighting component28secured thereto. As shown inFIG. 3, width cone74of light pattern70spans aisle portion24in some examples. Additionally or alternatively, a length75of light pattern70is sufficient to extend along aisle portion24to overlap with adjacent respective light patterns70in some examples. While small gaps are shown between adjacent light patterns70,70′,70″ inFIG. 3for clarity, in some examples, adjacent light patterns70have no gaps in between, and/or overlap each other. For example, light pattern70corresponding to row18overlaps light pattern70′ (corresponding to row18′), and/or light pattern70′ overlaps light pattern70″ (corresponding to row18″) in some examples. In this manner, lighting components28of system30may be configured to illuminate at least substantially the entire aisle portion24of cabin floor16, between adjacent passenger seats14, and continuously along the entire aisle portion24in some examples.

Turning now toFIGS. 4-9, illustrative non-exclusive examples of systems30and lighting components28are illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numerals from the schematic illustrations ofFIGS. 1-3are used to designate corresponding parts of the examples ofFIGS. 4-9; however, the examples ofFIGS. 4-9are non-exclusive and do not limit systems30and lighting components28to the illustrated embodiments ofFIGS. 4-9. That is, systems30and lighting components28are not limited to the specific embodiments ofFIGS. 4-9, and may incorporate any number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. that are illustrated in and discussed with reference to the schematic representations ofFIGS. 1-3and/or any of the embodiments ofFIGS. 4-9, as well as variations thereof, without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations, characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, each previously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. or variants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled again with respect to the examples ofFIGS. 4-9; however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that the previously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized with the examples ofFIGS. 4-9.

FIGS. 4-5illustrate a lighting component94, which is an example of lighting component28, shown in a bottom perspective view (FIG. 4) and cross section (FIG. 5). Lighting component94includes housing50, cavity54, light source52within cavity54, light channel56, first end region62, second end region64, first side wall78, second side wall80, front wall84, mounting wall82, lower wall88, and upper wall86. As shown inFIGS. 4-5, upper wall86of lighting component94extends farther from mounting wall82than does lower wall88(e.g., upper wall86has a greater than width than does lower wall88). Such a configuration may prevent reflector surface58from being visible above housing50(e.g., from the point of view of a passenger seated in a passenger seat to which lighting component94is mounted, or adjacent passenger seats). For example, front wall84is configured to obstruct reflector surface58from passengers' line of sight (e.g., front wall84may obstruct a line of sight that is at least 6 inches, at least 12 inches, at least 18 inches, at least 24 inches, and/or at least 36 inches above housing50).

Light channel56is formed between mounting wall82and front wall84in this example, as well as between upper wall86and lower wall88. Lighting component94also includes a middle wall96connecting first side wall78, second side wall80, and front wall84, with middle wall96extending from front wall84towards mounting wall82. In lighting component94, at least a portion of light channel56is formed between middle wall96and lower wall88.

Optical absorber surface60extends from middle wall96towards upper wall86of lighting component94. As best seen inFIG. 5, upper wall86and lower wall88may be substantially parallel to one another, and/or front wall84and mounting wall82may be substantially parallel to one another. Additionally or alternatively, first side wall78and second side wall80are substantially parallel to one another in some examples.

FIG. 6shows a plurality of passenger seats14arranged in rows on either side of aisle portion24of cabin floor16of passenger aircraft12. A plurality of lighting components28is positioned and secured within main cabin10to illuminate aisle portion24, such as one respective lighting component28per respective row18of passenger seats14.FIG. 7illustrates a close-up view of one orientation of lighting component28as it may be mounted to passenger seat14inFIG. 6, such as to side portion32of passenger seat14, adjacent lower structure36of seat portion48. In other examples, lighting component28may be mounted elsewhere within aircraft12, such as to side shroud44of passenger seat14, to leg support26, to seat portion48, to lower surface34of seat portion48, or elsewhere on side portion32of passenger seat14. As shown inFIG. 7, lighting component is mounted to passenger seat14via mounting wall82(e.g., with mounting wall82facing, adjacent, contacting, and/or secured to passenger seat14) in some examples. In the orientation shown inFIG. 7, lower wall88is arranged facing cabin floor16, while upper wall86is arranged facing away from cabin floor16, with lower wall88being closer to cabin floor16than is upper wall86. Also as shown in the orientation ofFIG. 7, lighting component28may be recessed with respect to side portion32, and/or positioned such that lighting component28does not protrude past side portion32of passenger seat14, towards or into the aisle between respective passenger seats14.

FIG. 8illustrates an elevation view of passenger seat14with lighting component28coupled to lower surface34of seat portion48. As shown inFIG. 8, light beam68exits lighting component28and is directed towards aisle portion24of cabin floor16. Light pattern70is created on aisle portion24to illuminate said aisle portion and objects that may be protruding therein. Light beam68does not travel upwards, away from cabin floor16in this example, due to the configuration of the housing and optical absorber surface of lighting component28. As opposed to prior art emergency floor lighting that may be secured directly to the cabin floor, lighting component28is configured to be mounted above cabin floor16in order to illuminate it by shining light towards it (as opposed to the aforementioned emergency lighting mounted on the cabin floor, which projects light upwards, away from the cabin floor, and is not configured to uniformly light the span of the aisle). For example, lighting component28is mounted at a mounting height98above cabin floor16of at least 3 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 9 inches, at least 12 inches, at least 15 inches, at least 18 inches, at least 24 inches, and/or at least 36 inches off the cabin floor of the aircraft.

FIG. 11illustrates another example of possible positioning for lighting component28, which is shown recessed in side portion44of passenger seat14. The orientation of the housing of lighting component28may be the same or similar orientation as that shown inFIG. 7, with this positioning having the potential to be even less detectable by passengers. As shown inFIG. 11, lighting component28may be recessed with respect to passenger seat14such that structures of passenger seat14do not interfere with light beams68being directed towards the cabin floor. In other examples, lighting component28may be positioned further away from the cabin floor, closer to the arm rest portion of passenger seat14, and/or elsewhere within or on side portion44of passenger seat14. In some examples, lighting component28may be angled with respect to passenger seat14and/or oriented differently than illustrated,

FIG. 9graphically represents a plurality of variables that may be changed, altered, adjusted, and/or optimized in order to, in turn, affect parameters of the resulting light pattern70in aisle portion24produced by lighting component28. For example, adjusting one or more parameters of the housing50or reflector surface58may shorten or lengthen width cone74and/or a length75(FIG. 3) of light pattern70on aisle portion24, with several possibilities for resulting light beams68(and corresponding light patterns70) being shown in dashed line inFIG. 9. Additionally or alternatively, adjusting one or more parameters of housing50or reflector surface58may increase or decrease the horizontal distance between light source52and light pattern70(e.g., may increase or decrease the amount of floor space in aisle portion24that is not illuminated by lighting component28), indicated inFIG. 9by Ioffset. Variables, or parameters, that may be adjusted may include a radius of reflector surface58(rrefl), a conic constant of reflector surface58(Krefl), a horizontal displacement of light source52relative to reflector surface58(zrefl), a width of reflector surface58(wrefl), length67of reflector surface58(FIG. 2), and/or a vertical displacement of light source52relative to reflector surface58(yrefl).

In some specific examples, increasing the conic constant of reflector surface58increases length75of light pattern70and decreases width cone74of light pattern70. Similarly, decreasing the conic constant of reflector surface58in these examples decreases length75of light pattern70and increases width cone74of light pattern70. In some examples, increasing the radius of reflector surface58reduces width cone74of light pattern70. Similarly, in these examples, decreasing the radius of reflector surface58increases width cone74of light pattern70. In some examples, increasing the horizontal displacement of light source52relative to reflector surface58(e.g., by extending upper wall86and/or lower wall88such that one or both protrudes father from mounting wall82of housing50shown inFIG. 4may cause light channel56and reflector surface58to be further horizontally displaced from light source52within housing50) increases length75of light pattern70, increases width cone74of light pattern70, and/or decreases the horizontal distance between light source52and light pattern70(Ioffset). Similarly, in these examples, decreasing the horizontal displacement of light source52relative to reflector surface58decreases length75of light pattern70, decreases width cone74of light pattern70, and/or increases the horizontal distance between light source52and light pattern70. In some examples, increasing the width (wrefl) of reflector surface58increases the horizontal distance between light source52and light pattern70(Ioffset). Similarly, in these examples, decreasing the width of reflector surface58decreases the horizontal distance between light source52and light pattern70(Ioffset). In some examples, increasing the vertical displacement of light source52relative to reflector surface58(yrefl) increases the horizontal distance between light source52and light pattern70(Ioffset), and similarly, decreasing the vertical displacement of light source52relative to reflector surface58decreases the horizontal distance between light source52and light pattern70. In some examples, increasing length67of reflector surface58increases length75of light pattern70, and decreasing length67of reflector surface58decreases length75of light pattern70.

FIG. 10schematically provides a flowchart that represents illustrative, non-exclusive examples of methods according to the present disclosure. InFIG. 10, some steps are illustrated in dashed boxes indicating that such steps may be optional or may correspond to an optional version of a method according to the present disclosure. That said, not all methods according to the present disclosure are required to include the steps illustrated in solid boxes. The methods and steps illustrated inFIG. 10are not limiting and other methods and steps are within the scope of the present disclosure, including methods having greater than or fewer than the number of steps illustrated, as understood from the discussions herein.

Methods100include lighting (e.g., illuminating) at least a portion of an aisle portion (e.g., aisle portion24) of a cabin floor (e.g., cabin floor16) of an aircraft (e.g., aircraft12) using one or more lighting components (e.g., lighting components28) at102, in accordance with the present disclosure. While the present disclosure discloses the use of lighting components for lighting the cabin floor of an aircraft, said lighting components may be used in other lighting situations as well (e.g., within other types of vehicles, in enclosed spaces, in areas having trip hazards, in areas where people frequently travel between two areas of contrasting light levels, and etc.).

For example, one or more lighting components and/or systems including a light component (e.g., system30) may be provided at104. A respective lighting component may be integrated into (e.g., incorporated into) a respective passenger seat or other structure within an aircraft at106and/or installed (e.g., mounted on, coupled to, secured to, etc.) on a passenger seat or other structure within an aircraft at108. In some methods100, a lighting component may be formed integrally with or secured to or integrated with a passenger seat at the time of manufacture, such that a passenger seat may be delivered with a light component according to the present disclosure, at110. Advantageously, such integrating or installing at106,108may be performed such that the lighting component housing does not protrude into the aisle or past the arm rest portion of the passenger seat. In some cases, the lighting components may be mounted on, secured to, recessed into, or otherwise positioned on the side of the passenger seat and/or on a lower surface/structure or leg support structure of the passenger seat, so as to be unobtrusive and in some cases, invisible to passengers from the perspective of being seated in the passenger seat.

Methods100may include installing, integrating, and/or delivering a plurality of respective lighting components. In some examples, each respective passenger seat may include a single respective lighting component, while in other examples, each respective passenger seat may include a plurality of respective lighting components coupled thereto, integrated therein, or delivered therewith. In some methods, integrating and/or installing the lighting component(s) at106and/or108include(s) strategically locating one or more lighting components within the passenger aircraft to minimize light emission into a cabin of the passenger aircraft, minimize the number of lighting components needed to illuminate the aisle portion, and/or ensure that the entire aisle portion is illuminated between adjacent passenger seats. Additionally or alternatively, integrating and/or installing the lighting component(s) at106and/or108may include configuring the lighting component and installing the lighting component relative to a passenger seat such that passengers on board the passenger aircraft do not have a direct line of sight to the light source of the lighting component, while seated in the passenger seat.

Lighting components arranged with respect to passenger seats and aisle portions of an aircraft may be powered at112, such as by providing power to the lighting component, wiring the lighting component to the aircraft's electrical system, and/or providing a battery, capacitor, and/or other energy source to light a light source (e.g., light source52) of the lighting component. In some methods, powering the lighting component at112includes powering the lighting component using solar energy and/or energy harvesting.

Some methods100include optimizing the shape and size of the reflector surface of the lighting component (and/or the shape and size of the housing of the lighting component) at114such that the lighting component is configured to illuminate substantially an entire width of the aisle portion of the cabin floor. For example, optimizing at114may include selecting, changing, altering, increasing, and/or decreasing a reflector radius of the reflector surface, reflector conic constant of the reflector surface, a horizontal displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source, a reflector length of the reflector surface, a reflector width of the reflector surface, and/or a vertical displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source to create a desired width, length, offset from the lighting component, and/or shape of a light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft. In some examples, optimizing the size and shape of the housing at114includes minimizing the physical footprint of the lighting component.

Lighting the aisle portion at102may include illuminating objects in or protruding into the aisle portion of the cabin floor, thereby reducing trip hazards and/or injuries to passengers and/or crew members at116. Additionally or alternatively, lighting the aisle portion at102may include configuring the lighting component to minimize light pollution within the passenger aircraft. In some examples, lighting the aisle portion at102includes illuminating the aisle portion in the zone of mesopic vision (between scotopic and photopic vision). In this manner, the aisle of the cabin floor may be illuminated in a dim, uniform fashion, to increase safety for those walking through the aisle, while minimizing light pollution or disturbances for passengers.

A1. A lighting component for illuminating a cabin floor of a passenger aircraft, the lighting component comprising:

a housing, wherein the housing defines a cavity and includes a light channel configured to allow light to exit the housing;

a light source contained within the cavity of the housing; and

a reflector surface configured to reflect light emanating from the light source through the light channel and towards the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft, wherein the reflector surface is curved and at least partially defines the light channel.

A1.1. The lighting component of paragraph A1, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted and/or positioned within the passenger aircraft.

A1.2. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.1, wherein the housing is mounted within the passenger aircraft.

A1.3. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.2, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a passenger seat of the passenger aircraft.

A1.4. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.3, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted to an inboard side of a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft.

A1.5. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.4, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a side shroud of a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft.

A1.6. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.5, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to an underside of a cushion rail of a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft.

A1.7. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.6, wherein the housing is configured to be integrated into a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft.

A1.8. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.7, wherein the housing is configured to be recessed into a side panel of a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft.

A1.9. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.8, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft such that the housing does not protrude past an arm rest of the passenger seat.

A1.10. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.9, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft such that the housing does not protrude into an/the aisle portion of the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

A2. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A1.10, further comprising an optical absorber surface arranged with respect to the reflector surface such that the optical absorber surface is configured to absorb light emanating from the light source.

A2.1. The lighting component of paragraph A2, wherein the optical absorber surface is configured to absorb light emanating from the light source in a direction towards the optical absorber surface.

A2.2. The lighting component of paragraph A2 or A2.1, wherein the optical absorber surface is configured to absorb light emanating from the light source in any undesired direction.

A3. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A2.2, wherein a/the optical absorber surface is arranged opposite the reflector surface, and wherein the light channel is defined between the optical absorber surface and the reflector surface.

A4. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A3, wherein a/the optical absorber surface, in combination with the housing, is configured to restrict, and optionally prevent, light emanating from the light source from exiting the light channel towards a/the cabin ceiling opposite the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

A5. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A4, wherein the reflector surface is substantially concave facing the light channel.

A6. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A5, wherein a/the optical absorber surface is substantially convex facing the light channel.

A7. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A6, wherein the light channel extends longitudinally from a first end region of the housing to a second end region of the housing.

A8. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A7, wherein the reflector surface extends longitudinally from a/the first end region of the housing to a/the second end region of the housing.

A9. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A8, wherein a/the optical absorber surface extends longitudinally from a/the first end region of the housing to a/the second end region of the housing.

A10. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A9, wherein the lighting component is configured to emit a substantially rectangular light pattern onto the cabin floor.

A11. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A10, wherein the lighting component is configured to minimize light pollution within the passenger aircraft while being configured to illuminate the cabin floor.

A12. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A11, wherein the lighting component is configured to illuminate an aisle portion of the cabin floor, extending between respective passenger seats positioned on either side of the aisle portion or adjacent rows of passenger seats positioned on either side of the aisle portion.

A13. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A12, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light sources contained within the housing.

A14. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A13, wherein the light source comprises an LED.

A15. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A14, wherein the light source is positioned opposite the light channel.

A16. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A15, wherein the housing is configured to prevent the reflector surface from being visible from above the housing.

A17. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A16, wherein the light source is configured to direct light towards the light channel.

A18. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A17, wherein the lighting component is configured to illuminate one or more exterior surfaces located outside of the housing.

A19. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A18, wherein the lighting component is configured to be mounted on a passenger seat of the passenger aircraft.

A20. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A19, wherein the lighting component is configured to be mounted on a side of a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft, the side being adjacent an/the aisle portion of the cabin floor.

A21. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A20, wherein the lighting component is configured to provide substantially uniform illumination of an/the aisle portion of the cabin floor between a first passenger seat to which the lighting component is coupled and a second passenger seat, wherein the first passenger seat and the second passenger seat are separated by the aisle portion.

A22. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A21, wherein the lighting component is configured to dimly light a portion of the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

A23. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A22, wherein the lighting component is configured to illuminate a portion of the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft with a luminance between 0.001 and 3 cd/m2(candela per square meter).

A24. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A23, wherein the lighting component is configured to illuminate objects on or protruding into the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft within the zone of mesopic vision.

A25. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A24, wherein the lighting component is configured to be hidden from passenger view.

A26. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A25, wherein the lighting component is configured to reflect light onto an/the exterior surface outside the housing into a light pattern having a width cone sufficient to span an/the aisle of the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

A27. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A26, wherein the lighting component is configured to illuminate objects on or protruding into an/the aisle portion of the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

A28. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A27, wherein the housing has a length of less than about 5 inches, less than about 2 inches, less than about 1.5 inches, less than about 1 inch, and/or less than about 0.5 inches.

A29. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A28, wherein the housing has a width of less than about 1.5 inches, less than about 1 inch, less than about 0.5 inches, and/or less than about 0.25 inches.

A30. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A29, wherein the housing has a depth of less than about 1.5 inches, less than about 1 inch, less than about 0.5 inches, and/or less than about 0.25 inches.

A31. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A30, wherein the housing includes one or more ports for powering the lighting component.

A32. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A31, wherein the lighting component has a power consumption of less than about 2 watts, less than about 1.5 watts, less than about 1 watt, less than about 0.5 watts, and/or less than about 0.25 watts.

A33. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A32, wherein the reflector surface is configured such that design parameters of the shape and size of the reflector surface can be altered to result in a desired light pattern on the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

A34. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A33, wherein the reflector surface is configured such that a reflector radius, a reflector conic constant, a horizontal displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source, a reflector length, a reflector width, and/or a vertical displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source are configured to be optimized to create a desired width, length, offset from the lighting component, and/or shape of the light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

A34.1. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A34, wherein the reflector surface is configured such that selection of one or more reflector variables' values relative to one another creates a desired light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft, wherein the reflector variables comprise a reflector radius, a reflector conic constant, a horizontal displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source, a reflector length, a reflector width, and a vertical displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source.

A35. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A34.1, wherein the lighting component is powered by one or more of a battery, a capacitor, solar energy, hard-wiring to the aircraft's electrical system, and energy harvesting.

A36. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A35, wherein the reflector surface comprises a specular reflective material.

A37. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A36, wherein the reflector surface comprises aluminum adhesive tape.

A38. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A37, wherein the reflector surface comprises specular reflective paint.

A39. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A38, wherein the reflector surface comprises a metal material deposition layer.

A40. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A39, wherein the reflector surface comprises a polymeric specular film.

A41. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A40, wherein the reflector surface comprises an adhesive film.

A42. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A41, wherein the housing comprises a 3D printing resin.

A43. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A42, wherein the housing comprises Kydex.

A44. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A43, wherein a/the optical absorber surface comprises the same material as the housing.

A45. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A44, wherein the housing comprises a first side wall in a/the first end region of the housing, a second side wall in a/the second end region of the housing, a mounting wall extending between the first side wall and the second side wall, and a front wall opposite the mounting wall.

A46. The lighting component of paragraph A45, wherein the housing comprises an upper wall connecting the first side wall, the second side wall, the mounting wall, and the front wall.

A47. The lighting component of paragraph A45 or A46, wherein the housing comprises a lower wall connecting the first side wall, the second side wall, and the mounting wall.

A48. The lighting component of A47, wherein the lower wall is opposite a/the upper wall.

A49. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A48, wherein the housing is configured to be coupled to a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft via the mounting wall.

A50. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A49, wherein the light source is coupled to the mounting wall.

A51. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A50, wherein a/the upper wall extends farther from the mounting wall than does a/the lower wall.

A52. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A51, wherein the light channel is formed between the mounting wall and the front wall.

A53. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A52, wherein the light channel is formed between a/the upper wall and a/the lower wall.

A54. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A53, wherein the housing further comprises a middle wall connecting the first side wall, the second side wall, and the front wall.

A55. The lighting component of paragraph A54, wherein the middle wall extends from the front wall towards the mounting wall.

A56. The lighting component of paragraph A54 or A55, wherein the light channel is formed between the middle wall and a/the lower wall.

A57. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A56, wherein the reflector surface is adjacent a/the lower wall.

A58. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A57, wherein the reflector surface extends from a/the lower wall towards a/the upper wall.

A59. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A58, wherein a/the optical absorber surface extends from a/the middle wall towards a/the upper wall.

A60. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A59, wherein a/the upper wall and a/the lower wall are substantially parallel to one another.

A61. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A60, wherein the front wall and the mounting wall are substantially parallel to one another.

A62. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A61, wherein the first side wall and the second side wall are substantially parallel to one another.

A63. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A62, wherein the front wall is configured to obstruct the reflector surface such that it is not visible to a passenger seated in a/the passenger seat of the aircraft.

A64. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A45-A63, wherein the front wall is positioned with respect to the reflector surface such that the front wall obstructs a line of sight that is at least 6 inches, at least 12 inches, at least 18 inches, at least 24 inches, and/or at least 36 inches above the housing.

A65. The lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A64, wherein the housing is configured to be mounted at least 3 inches, at least 6 inches, at least 9 inches, at least 12 inches, at least 15 inches, at least 18 inches, at least 24 inches, and/or at least 36 inches off the cabin floor of the aircraft.

B1. A system for illuminating a cabin floor of a passenger aircraft, the system comprising: a plurality of lighting components according to any of paragraphs A1-A65.

B2. The system of paragraph B1, further comprising a/the passenger seat of the passenger aircraft.

B2.1. The system of paragraph B1 or B2, wherein the system comprises a plurality of passenger seats within the passenger aircraft, wherein each respective passenger seat of the plurality of passenger seats includes a respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components.

B2.2. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B2.1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of passenger seats within the passenger aircraft, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of passenger seats comprises lighted passenger seats, wherein each respective lighted passenger seat includes a respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components.

B3. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B2.2, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is coupled to a respective passenger seat.

B4. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B3, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is mounted to an inboard side of a respective passenger seat.

B5. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B4, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is coupled to a side shroud of a respective passenger seat.

B6. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B5, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is coupled to an underside of a cushion rail of a respective passenger seat.

B7. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B6, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is integrated into a respective passenger seat.

B7.1. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B7, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is integrally formed with a respective passenger seat.

B8. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B7.1, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is recessed into a side panel of a respective passenger seat.

B9. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B8, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is coupled to a respective passenger seat such that the housing does not protrude past an arm rest of the respective passenger seat.

B10. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B9, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is coupled to a respective passenger seat such that the housing does not protrude into an/the aisle portion of the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

B11. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B10, wherein the system comprises a plurality of passenger seats arranged on either side of an/the aisle portion of the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft, thereby forming one or more rows of passenger seats.

B11.1. The system of any of paragraphs B2-B11, wherein the system comprises a first plurality of passenger seats arranged on a first side of an/the aisle portion of the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft and a second plurality of passenger seats arranged on a second side of the aisle portion, the first side of the aisle portion being opposite the second side of the aisle portion, wherein the first plurality of passenger seats and the second plurality of passenger seats are positioned with respect to one another to form a plurality of rows of passenger seats with the aisle portion being positioned between the first plurality of passenger seats and the second plurality of passenger seats, and wherein the plurality of lighting components comprises one respective lighting component per row of passenger seats.

B12. The system of paragraph B11 or B11.1, wherein the plurality of lighting components comprises one respective lighting component per row of passenger seats.

B13. The system of any of paragraphs B11-B12, wherein the plurality of lighting components is distributed evenly amongst the passenger seats.

B14. The system of any of paragraphs B11-B13, wherein the plurality of lighting components is distributed evenly amongst the rows passenger seats.

B15. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B14, wherein each respective lighting component of the plurality of lighting components is mounted to a rubstrip of a monument or a/the passenger seat.

B16. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B15, wherein the plurality of lighting components comprises one lighting component per row per aisle portion of the passenger aircraft.

B17. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B16, wherein a/the passenger seat is cantilevered.

B18. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B17, wherein a/the passenger seat comprises a leg support that is spaced apart from an/the aisle portion of the cabin floor.

B19. The system of paragraph B18, wherein the leg support is positioned outboard relative to the aisle portion.

B20. The system of paragraph B18 or B19, wherein the leg support is positioned outboard relative to the lighting component.

B21. The system of any of paragraphs B1-B20, wherein a/the passenger seat comprises a storage cavity defined between a lower surface of a seat portion of the passenger seat, the cabin floor, and/or a/the leg support of the passenger seat.

B22. The system of paragraph B21, wherein the plurality of lighting components is configured to direct light towards the cabin floor without illuminating the storage cavity.

C1. An aircraft comprising the lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A65.

C2. The aircraft of paragraph C1, further comprising the system of any of paragraphs B1-B22.

C3. The aircraft of paragraph C1 or C2, wherein the aircraft is a commercial passenger aircraft.

illuminating an aisle portion of a cabin floor of a passenger aircraft using one or more lighting components of any of paragraphs A1-A65 and/or the system of any of paragraphs B1-B22.

D1.1. The method of paragraph D1, further comprising providing the one or more lighting components and/or the system.

D2. The method of paragraph D1 or D1.1, further comprising integrating a respective lighting component into one or more respective passenger seats.

D3. The method of paragraph D2 wherein the integrating the respective lighting component into the respective passenger seat comprises incorporating the lighting component into the passenger seat during manufacturing.

D4. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D3, further comprising delivering a passenger seat that includes the lighting component integrated therein and/or coupled thereto.

D5. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D4, further comprising powering the plurality of lighting components using one or more of a battery, a capacitor, solar energy, the aircraft's electrical system, and energy harvesting.

D6. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D5, further comprising installing one or more respective lighting components into one or more respective passenger seats of the passenger aircraft.

D7. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D6, further comprising optimizing the shape and size of the reflector surface of the lighting component such that the lighting component is configured to illuminate substantially an entire width of the aisle portion of the cabin floor.

D8. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D7, further comprising selecting, changing, altering, and/or optimizing a reflector radius of the reflector surface to create a desired width, length, offset from the lighting component, and/or shape of a light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

D9. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D8, further comprising selecting, changing, altering, and/or optimizing a reflector conic constant of the reflector surface to create a desired width, length, offset from the lighting component, and/or shape of a light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

D10. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D9, further comprising selecting, changing, altering, and/or optimizing a horizontal displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source to create a desired width, length, offset from the lighting component, and/or shape of a light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

D11. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D10, further comprising selecting, changing, altering, and/or optimizing a reflector length of the reflector surface to create a desired width, length, offset from the lighting component, and/or shape of a light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

D12. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D11, further comprising selecting, changing, altering, and/or optimizing a reflector width of the reflector surface to create a desired width, length, offset from the lighting component, and/or shape of a light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

D13. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D12, further comprising selecting, changing, altering, and/or optimizing a vertical displacement of the reflector surface relative to the light source to create a desired width, length, offset from the lighting component, and/or shape of a light pattern reflected onto the cabin floor of the passenger aircraft.

D14. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D13, wherein the illuminating the aisle portion of the cabin floor comprises illuminating objects in or protruding into the aisle portion of the cabin floor.

D15. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D14, further comprising configuring the lighting component to minimize light pollution within the passenger aircraft.

D16. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D15, further comprising configuring the lighting component and installing the lighting component relative to a passenger seat such that passengers on board the passenger aircraft do not have a direct line of sight to the light source of the lighting component, while seated in the passenger seat.

D17. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D16, further comprising reducing the risk of injuries from tripping on objects or items in or protruding into the aisle portion of the cabin floor.

D18. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D17, wherein the illuminating the aisle portion of the cabin floor comprises illuminating the aisle portion in the zone of mesopic vision.

D19. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D18, further comprising minimizing the physical footprint of the lighting component.

D20. The method of any of paragraphs D1-D19, further comprising strategically locating the one or more lighting components within the passenger aircraft to minimize light emission into a cabin of the passenger aircraft, minimize the number of lighting components needed to illuminate the aisle portion, and/or ensure that the entire aisle portion is illuminated between adjacent passenger seats.

E1. The use of the lighting component of any of paragraphs A1-A65 to illuminate a cabin floor of a passenger aircraft.

F1. The use of the system of any of paragraphs B1-B22 to illuminate a cabin floor of a passenger aircraft.

The various disclosed elements of apparatuses and systems and steps of methods disclosed herein are not required to all apparatuses, systems, and methods according to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements and steps disclosed herein. Moreover, one or more of the various elements and steps disclosed herein may define independent inventive subject matter that is separate and apart from the whole of a disclosed apparatus, system, or method. Accordingly, such inventive subject matter is not required to be associated with the specific apparatuses, systems, and methods that are expressly disclosed herein, and such inventive subject matter may find utility in apparatuses, systems, and/or methods that are not expressly disclosed herein.