System for detecting the presence of a life jacket and / or the opening of a life jacket compartment

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly comprising a life jacket (21), a life jacket compartment (20), at least two electrical contacts (30.1-30.4) arranged in a first part (24.1) and a second part (24.2), respectively, so as to establish an electrical connection between the at least two electrical contacts when the life jacket compartment (20) is in a closed state, and a detection system (27) comprising a detection module capable of detecting interruption of the electrical connection between the plurality of electrical contacts.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for detecting the presence of a life jacket and / or the opening of a life jacket compartment. The invention has particular application to life jacket compartments used with aircraft seats. The invention can also be implemented with life jacket compartments used with seats in other means of transportation, particularly boat seats. [Background technology]

[0002] Safety constraints dictate that it is not possible to access the life jackets in the compartment without breaking the seal. The presence of the seal ensures that the life jackets are present in good working order and that the life jacket compartment has not been opened. If this is not the case, there is a risk of damage to the life jackets and / or the possibility of objects being inserted into the life jacket compartment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The presence and seal integrity of life jackets for each seat on an aircraft are typically checked by the aircraft crew prior to boarding. However, such visual checks are time consuming and there is a potential for error associated with such human visual checks.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to effectively remedy this drawback by proposing an assembly comprising: A life jacket and a life jacket compartment defining an interior space for receiving the life jacket, the life jacket compartment having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being capable of being pressed together in a closed state and being separated from each other in an open state to allow removal of the life jacket; The assembly further comprises: 1. A detection system comprising: at least two electrical contacts located on the first portion and the second portion, respectively, to establish an electrical connection between the at least two electrical contacts when the life jacket compartment is in the closed state; and a detection module capable of detecting an interruption of the electrical connection between the plurality of electrical contacts.

[0005] The invention thus proposes a non-intrusive, ergonomic and autonomous system for monitoring the condition of the life jacket compartment, which allows to significantly reduce the duration of the validation protocol by automating the check procedure.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the life jacket further comprises electrical contacts arranged to establish electrical connections with the plurality of electrical contacts on the plurality of portions when the life jacket is inside the interior space of the life jacket compartment and the life jacket compartment is in the closed state.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the invention, the assembly comprises: - first and second electrical contacts, each connected to an electrical wire of an electrical detection circuit, arranged on the first part; a third electrical contact arranged on said second portion; a fourth electrical contact arranged on the life jacket.

[0008] The fourth electrical contact is positioned such that, when the life jacket is within the interior space of the life jacket compartment and the life jacket compartment is in the closed state, electrical connections are established between the first electrical contact on the first portion and the fourth electrical contact on the life jacket, between the fourth electrical contact on the life jacket and the third electrical contact on the second portion, and between the third electrical contact on the second portion and the second electrical contact on the first portion.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrical contacts are integrated on strips with hooks and / or loops that cooperate with each other to keep the life jacket compartment closed.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the electrical contacts comprise magnets that cooperate with one another to maintain the life jacket compartment in the closed position.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the assembly further comprises a communication module capable of communicating information regarding the status of the electrical connection between the plurality of electrical contacts.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprises a control device capable of displaying the state of the electrical connections between the plurality of electrical contacts corresponding to a seat position as a function of the information received from the communication module via a communication link.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the communication link is a wireless link (wireless connection).

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the assembly comprises an alarm system capable of generating an optical and / or acoustic signal when the detection module detects an interruption of the electrical connection.

[0015] The invention also relates to a seat comprising at least one assembly as defined above.

[0016] The invention will be better understood, and other features and advantages will appear, on reading the following detailed description, which includes embodiments given by way of illustration and with reference to the accompanying drawings, presented as non-limiting examples, which will serve to complete the understanding of the invention and the description of its implementation, and which will ultimately contribute to its definition: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft seat having multiple seating capacities and equipped with a system for detecting the presence of a life jacket and / or the opening of a life jacket compartment according to the present invention.

[0018] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a life jacket compartment that accommodates one life jacket.

[0019] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a life jacket compartment equipped with a system for detecting the presence of a life jacket and / or the opening of the life jacket compartment according to the present invention;

[0020] [Figure 4a-4b] 4a and 4b are schematic diagrams showing the path of current within the multiple electrical contacts of the detection system of the present invention when a life jacket is present in the life jacket compartment and the life jacket compartment containing the life jacket is in a closed state.

[0021] [Figures 5a-5c] Figures 5a, 5b and 5c are schematic diagrams showing the interruption of electrical connections in different scenarios of removing a life jacket and / or opening a life jacket compartment.

[0022] [Figure 6a-6b] 6a and 6b are schematic diagrams of an alternative embodiment of a system for detecting the presence of a life jacket and / or the opening of a life jacket compartment according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] It should be noted that in the drawings, structural and / or functional elements that are common to different embodiments have the same reference symbols, and therefore, unless otherwise specified, such elements have the same structural, dimensional, and material characteristics.

[0024] 1 shows an economy class seat 10 that is fixed on rails (not shown) attached to the floor of an aircraft cabin. To this end, the seat 10 has legs 11 with fasteners 12 configured to cooperate with the rails. A luggage bar 13 allows luggage to be held under the seat 10.

[0025] The seat 10 includes a number of seat pans 15 and a number of backrests 16 to define a number of seating positions (seating positions, seats). Each backrest 16 can be fixedly attached to the corresponding seat pan 15 or can recline backward. The seat 10 also includes armrests 17 that may or may not be retractable.

[0026] A life jacket compartment 20, also seen in FIG. 2, for accommodating a life jacket 21, is located below the seating surface 15 of each place of the seat 10.

[0027] The life jacket compartment 20 may include a plurality of straps 23 for attaching the life jacket compartment 20 to the structure of the seat 10 .

[0028] The life jacket compartment 20 defines an interior space within which the life jacket 21 is placed. The life jacket compartment 20 has a first flap 24.1 and a second flap 24.2 at the end side that opens to the outside of the life jacket compartment 20. The life jacket compartment 20 can be in a closed state in which the first flap 24.1 and the second flap 24.2 are pressed against each other, and in an open state in which the first flap 24.1 and the second flap 24.2 are separated from each other to allow the life jacket 21 to be removed.

[0029] The life jacket 21 is provided with a strap 26 that protrudes from the life jacket compartment 20. In an emergency, a passenger can grab and pull the strap 26 between the two flaps 24.1, 24.2, which will open the life jacket compartment 20 and allow the life jacket 21 to be removed from the life jacket compartment 20.

[0030] The detection system 27 comprises a control box 28 electrically connected to several sets of electrical contacts each associated with a seat life jacket compartment 20 of a seat 10. Thus, in a so-called "centralized" configuration, the control box 28 is common to several seats 10, or even to several seats 10. In a so-called "individual" configuration, a control box 28 is associated with each seat 10.

[0031] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the detection system 27 includes a first electrical contact 30.1 and a second electrical contact 30.2 connected to electrical wires 31.1 and 31.2, respectively, of the electrical detection circuit 33. The first electrical contact 30.1 and the second electrical contact 30.2 are disposed on the first flap 24.1. The third electrical contact 30.3 is disposed on the second flap 24.2. The fourth electrical contact 30.4 is disposed on the strap 26 of the life jacket 21. The fourth electrical contact 30.4 is provided to establish an electrical connection between the first electrical contact 30.1 of the first flap 24.1 and the third electrical contact 30.3 of the second flap 24.2 when the strap 26 is interposed between the first flap 24.1 and the second flap 24.2.

[0032] The control box 28 includes a detection module 35 capable of detecting an interruption of an electrical connection between the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4. The detection module 35 may take the form of, for example, a microcontroller including a microprocessor associated with at least one memory. The detection module 35 is capable of detecting the conduction of current within an electrical detection circuit 33 including two electrical wires 31.1, 31.2 connected to each other via the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4. The electrical detection circuit 33 may be, for example, a simple circuit including a resistor R installed between a positive potential V+ and a negative potential V−, and the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 electrically connected in series within the electrical detection circuit 33.

[0033] As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, when the life jacket 21 is placed in the interior space of the life jacket compartment 20 and the life jacket compartment 20 is in a closed state, an electrical connection is established between the first electrical contact 30.1 on the first flap 24.1 and the fourth electrical contact 30.4 on the strap 26, then between the fourth electrical contact 30.4 on the strap 26 and the third electrical contact 30.3 on the second flap 24.2, and between the third electrical contact 30.3 on the second flap 24.2 and the second electrical contact 30.2 on the first flap 24.1.

[0034] At this time, the electrical detection circuit 33 is in a closed state due to electrical continuity between the electrical contacts 30.1-30.4, which is indicated by arrow F in Figures 4a and 4b. Therefore, the detection module 35 detects a current inside the electrical detection circuit 33 (and therefore, there is no interruption in the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 30.1-30.4), which means that the life jacket 21 is placed in the interior space of the life jacket compartment 20 and the life jacket compartment 20 is in a closed state.

[0035] When the life jacket 21 is not present in the life jacket compartment 20 and / or when the life jacket compartment 20 is in an open state, an interruption of connection occurs between the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4, which is detected by the detection module 35. In fact, the interruption of connection between the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 causes a power interruption (power outage) within the electrical detection circuit 33, which is detected by the detection module 35.

[0036] 5a illustrates the interruption of the connection between the electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 that occurs when the life jacket 21 is not present in the life jacket compartment 20. Arrow F illustrates the interruption of the electrical connection between the first electrical contact 30.1 on the first flap 24.1 and the third electrical contact 30.3 on the second flap 24.2 that was previously established by the fourth electrical contact 30.4 located on the strap 26 of the life jacket 21.

[0037] 5b illustrates the interruption of the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 that occurs when the first flap 24.1 separates from the "second flap 24.2-strap 26" assembly. Thus, arrow F illustrates the interruption of the electrical connection between the first electrical contact 30.1 on the first flap 24.1 and the fourth electrical contact 30.4 on the strap 26 of the life jacket 21.

[0038] 5c illustrates the interruption of the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 that occurs when the second flap 24.2 separates from the "first flap 24.1-strap 26" assembly. Thus, arrow F illustrates the interruption of the electrical connection between the third electrical contact 30.3 on the second flap 24.2 and the fourth electrical contact 30.4 on the strap 26 of the life jacket 21.

[0039] Thus, when the detection module 35 detects an interruption in power transmission within the electrical detection circuit 33, and therefore an interruption in the electrical connection between the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1 to 30.4, this detection means that the life jacket 21 is not present in the life jacket compartment 20 and / or the life jacket compartment 20 is in an open state.

[0040] Alternatively, the presence of the life jacket 20 may be detected by a fourth electrical contact 30.4 at a location on the life jacket other than the strap 26. In this case, the fourth electrical contact 30.4 preferably remains in close proximity to the first flap 24.1, the second flap 24.2 in order to establish the desired electrical connection with the other electrical contact(s).

[0041] Preferably, as can be seen in Figure 1, the control box 28 further comprises a communications module 38 capable of transmitting information relating to the state of the electrical connections between the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4, the information being indicative of the state of the life jacket compartment 20 (open or closed) and / or the state of the life jacket 21 (present or absent).

[0042] The control device 39 is able to indicate the status (established or interrupted) of the electrical connections between the electrical contacts 30.1 to 30.4 corresponding to the seats of the seat 10 based on information received from the communication module 38 via the communication link 40. Advantageously, the communication link 40 is a wireless link. The wireless link may be a WI-FI, Bluetooth, ZigBee type link or any other type of wireless link suitable for the application.

[0043] Alternatively, the communication link 40 is a wired link.

[0044] Advantageously, the control device 39 is a control screen in the aircraft cabin, for example located in a space reserved for flight personnel. Preferably, the control screen is also capable of displaying the corresponding position of the seat in the aircraft seat 10 depending on the state of the corresponding electrical connection of the detection system 27. Alternatively, the control device 39 is a dedicated portable system, for example of the tablet, mobile phone, connected watch (connected smartwatch) type, or more generally any portable digital device suitable for the application.

[0045] The detection module 35 and the communication module 38 are integrated in the control box 28. The control box 28 is powered by at least one energy source 41. The energy source 41 advantageously takes the form of a battery or a rechargeable battery. If the communication link 40 is a wireless link, the control box 28 may be powered by any energy recovery system based on the use of radio waves, vibrations or solar energy, with or without an on-board battery. Alternatively, the energy source 41 takes the form of the electrical network of the aircraft to which the control box 28 is connected.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to provide an alarm system (system alert system) 42 capable of generating an optical and / or acoustic signal when the detection module 35 detects an interruption in the electrical connection. The alarm system 42 can be provided in the aircraft cabin at seat height of the seats 10. In particular, it is possible to use lamps currently dedicated to identifying the row of passengers who have called the crew.

[0047] Advantageously, the electrical contacts 30.1 to 30.4 are integrated on strips with hooks and / or loops that cooperate with one another to keep the life jacket compartment 20 closed. Preferably, these strips are of the Velcro type.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first electrical contact 30.1 on the first flap 24.1 is integrated on a strip with multiple hooks. The second electrical contact 30.2 on the first flap 24.1 is integrated on a strip with multiple loops. The third electrical contact 30.3 on the second flap 24.2 is integrated on a strip with multiple hooks. The fourth electrical contact 30.4 on the strap 26 is integrated on a strip with multiple loops. For this purpose, the multiple loop and / or multiple hook strips are covered with a layer of conductive material, such as copper, which forms the electrical contacts.

[0049] Alternatively, the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 may comprise a plurality of magnets that cooperate with one another to maintain the life jacket compartment 20 in a closed state. The magnets may be covered with a layer of conductive material, such as copper, that forms the electrical contacts. If the magnets are made of a conductive material, it is not necessary to cover the magnets with an additional layer of conductive material.

[0050] Alternatively, the electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 are integrated into a metal snap fastener or any other device that allows the elements to be releasably held together and has good electrical conductivity.

[0051] Alternatively, the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 are dry contacts comprising elements in the form of thin plates made of a conductive material. The function of keeping the life jacket compartment 20 closed is ensured by a plurality of removable fastening elements between the first flap 24.1 and the second flap 24.2, such as Velcro type strips or magnets, which do not intervene in establishing an electrical connection between the plurality of electrical contacts 30.1-30.4 of the electrical detection circuit 33.

[0052] According to the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 6a, the detection system 27 only comprises a first electrical contact 30.1 on the first flap 24.1 and a second electrical contact 30.2 on the second flap 24.2.

[0053] When the life jacket compartment 20 is in the closed state, the first electrical contact 30.1 and the second electrical contact 30.2 establish an electrical connection between the first electrical contact 30.1 and the second electrical contact 30.2.

[0054] When the life jacket compartment 20 is opened, an interruption of the connection occurs between the first electrical contact 30.1 and the second electrical contact 30.2, which is detected by the detection module 35.

[0055] Such an embodiment allows only the detection of the opening of the life jacket compartment 20, but not the presence or absence of a life jacket 21 in the life jacket compartment.

[0056] According to the embodiment of Fig. 6b, the detection system 27 comprises a first electrical contact 30.1 with a magnet on the first flap 24.1 and a second electrical contact 30.2 with a magnet on the second flap 24.2. A third electrical contact 30.3 with a magnet is arranged on the strap 26 of the life jacket 21.

[0057] When the life jacket compartment 20 is in a closed state and the life jacket 21 is in the life jacket compartment 20, the first electrical contact 30.1, the second electrical contact 30.2 and the third electrical contact 30.3 establish an electrical connection with each other.

[0058] When the life jacket compartment is in an open position and / or when the life jacket 21 is removed from the life jacket compartment 20, a disconnection occurs between the electrical contacts, which is detected by the detection module 35.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, the two flaps 24.1, 24.2 together form a door. In other embodiments, the life jacket compartment 20 comprises a single first or second flap 24.1, 24.2 that closes the life jacket compartment 20 by being placed directly on part of the body of the life jacket compartment 20. According to these alternative embodiments, the life jacket compartment 20 therefore does not have any second flap.

[0060] Of course, different features, variants and / or embodiments of the invention may be associated with one another in various combinations, unless they are mutually exclusive or incompatible.

[0061] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, which are provided only as examples: the present invention encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variations that a person skilled in the art can expect in the context of the present invention, and in particular any combination of the various operating modes described above can be taken separately or in combination.

Claims

1. 1. An assembly comprising: A life jacket and a life jacket compartment defining an interior space for receiving the life jacket, the life jacket compartment having a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion being capable of being pressed toward each other in a closed state, and being separated from each other in an open state to allow removal of the life jacket; The assembly further comprises:

1. A detection system comprising: at least two electrical contacts located on the first portion and the second portion, respectively, to establish an electrical connection between the at least two electrical contacts when the life jacket compartment is in the closed state; a detection module capable of detecting an interruption of the electrical connection between the at least two electrical contacts; the life jacket further comprising electrical contacts positioned to establish electrical connections with the at least two electrical contacts on the first and second portions when the life jacket is within the interior space in the life jacket compartment and the life jacket compartment is in the closed position.

2. a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact, each connected to an electrical trace of an electrical detection circuit, on the first portion; a third electrical contact on the second portion; and 2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a fourth electrical contact located on the life jacket such that, when the life jacket is within the interior space in the life jacket compartment and the life jacket compartment is in the closed position, electrical connections are established between the first electrical contact on the first portion and the fourth electrical contact on the life jacket, between the fourth electrical contact on the life jacket and the third electrical contact on the second portion, and between the third electrical contact on the second portion and the second electrical contact on the first portion.

3. 3. An assembly as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two electrical contacts are integrated on a plurality of strips comprising a plurality of hooks and / or a plurality of loops that cooperate with each other to maintain the life jacket compartment in the closed state.

4. 3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two electrical contacts comprise a plurality of magnets that cooperate with one another to maintain the life jacket compartment in the closed position.

5. 3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, further comprising a communication module capable of communicating information regarding the status of the electrical connection between the at least two electrical contacts.

6. 6. The assembly of claim 5, further comprising a control device operable to display the status of the electrical connection between the at least two electrical contacts corresponding to a seat of a seat as a function of the information received from the communication module via a communication link.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the communication link is a wireless link.

8. 3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an alarm system capable of generating an optical and / or acoustic signal when the detection module detects an interruption of the electrical connection.

9. A seat comprising at least one assembly according to claim 1 or 2.

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