Spring suits aeroplane lighting application

A Smalley Crest to Crest wave spring is being used to pre-load an arm with the LED light on the end for lighting on BA and Virgin Atlantic aeroplanes

TFC recently aided with the development of an LED lighting component used by passenger airlines British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, by supplying a Smalley Crest to Crest Wave spring which fits into the arm mechanism of the light unit.

The spring is used to pre-load an arm with the LED light on the end.

The design allows the component to be fitted in a confined space or to be stowed away.

TFC's spring provides a compact solution for applying a compressive force onto two halves of a split bearing surrounding a spherical radius ball joint supporting the arm which hosts the light.

The pressure the wave spring applies prevents the light from moving away from the area to which it is directed, yet allows a relatively soft resistance when intentional movement is required.

TFC's Crest to Crest wave spring maintains the same force and load of a conventional coil spring, yet only occupies about 50% or less of the axial space.

This space saving feature allowed the designer to optimise the use of the spring cavity which creates the ability to reduce the size of the overall product design.

The lighting component (The GEN L Swivel Type) was designed and created by Managing Director of Ecoledlighting, Robin Day said.

"It's virtually impossible to come up with a compact package without being able to use wave spring technology in the product".

"TFC's Crest to Crest wave spring provides a compact solution which is ideal for use with our product".

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