The Boeing Company
Permanent magnet damping and generated light

Abstract:

Systems, methods, and apparatus for permanent magnet damping and generated light are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, a method for damping and generating light comprises damping, by a permanent magnet (PM) damper connected to a panel (e.g., a door of an aircraft luggage bin), the speed of opening of the panel, while the panel is opened. The method further comprises generating, by the PM damper, electrical power, during the opening of the panel. Also, the method comprises storing the electrical power in an electrical power storage unit, such as a capacitor or a battery. In addition, the method comprises powering, by using the stored electrical power, lighting, such as a lighting emitting diode (LED). Further, the method comprises dissipating any remaining electrical power of the electrical power, which is stored in the electrical power storage unit, when the panel is closed.