Safety device
The containment device with detection and management features addresses the challenge of monitoring and controlling battery-related hazards in electronic devices, enhancing safety and convenience by early detection and centralized control, thus reducing the risk of incidents in confined spaces.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JULES VANESSA
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing solutions for securing electronic devices with batteries do not effectively monitor or control incidents such as battery deterioration, smoke, toxic gas release, and explosions, which can lead to safety risks and damage, particularly in confined spaces like aircraft, and often require restrictive storage policies.
A containment device with a housing having detection means to identify malfunctions early, comprising materials for mechanical strength and thermal insulation, a pressure regulator, and a management system for centralized control of locking mechanisms to limit the release of hazards until detection, and allow passengers to store devices safely and securely.
The device effectively contains and monitors potential hazards, reducing the risk of incidents by allowing early detection and centralized management, ensuring passenger safety and reducing the need for collective device handling, while maintaining security and convenience.
Smart Images

Figure IB2025063313_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] SECURITY DEVICE
[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD AND PREVIOUS ART
[0004] The present invention relates to the securing of objects, such as electronic devices equipped with a battery whose components present risks to the safety of users and people and / or surrounding installations, in the event of damage and / or combustion of these objects, and more particularly to a device enabling the improvement of the management of incidents related to such objects, particularly in air transport.
[0005] Many electronic devices, such as mobile phones and e-cigarettes, typically contain a battery that can deteriorate depending on usage conditions, such as improper connection of the battery to other device components or charging with an unsuitable charger. These usage conditions present a risk of battery overcharging, leading to deterioration or even combustion of the battery, particularly through thermal runaway. Such deterioration and combustion generally cause incidents that compromise the safety of people near the device and can lead to damage or even destruction of homes and vehicles, such as airplanes.
[0006] Battery deterioration typically results from a runaway chemical reaction that can generate smoke, even if the battery itself hasn't burned. A common example is lithium-ion battery deterioration, which can occur when the battery voltage exceeds a certain threshold, at which point it begins to produce smoke containing hazardous chemicals. These chemicals can produce toxic gases when they react with air or water and are highly flammable. Battery combustion occurs above a certain temperature and can lead to a fire or, in some cases, an explosion, which is more difficult to control than a fire.
[0007] Such incidents therefore lead to dramatic consequences, at least for those nearby, particularly in the context of air transport where these incidents are difficult to control.
[0008] In this context, the storage of such devices is subject to restrictions which typically prevent their storage in the hold and which prohibit the transport in the cabin of batteries beyond a certain power (160 Watt hours according to the general conditions of carriage of the airline "Air France" dated September 19, 2024 for example) or a certain quantity.
[0009] Solutions exist to secure these devices by storing them in fireproof bags, which delay the occurrence of the aforementioned incidents by limiting the risk of fire. However, these solutions do not allow for monitoring the onset of these incidents, which can then only be detected at an advanced stage of battery deterioration or combustion, during the release of toxic gas and explosions.
[0010] It may then be too late to control the incident and to allow time for the cabin crew to implement contingency plans to ensure passenger safety.
[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Therefore, one of the aims of this application is to provide a solution to limit the consequences of incidents related to the damage and / or combustion of electronic devices, particularly in confined spaces such as aircraft. This aim is achieved by an enclosure designed to limit, at least for a certain period, the consequences of a defective device and equipped with detection means to identify malfunctions as early as possible.
[0013] The present invention relates to a device for containing at least one element which, in a deteriorated state, presents safety risks, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas and / or an explosion, the device comprising a housing having walls, detection means configured to detect at least one of said risks and access means configured to have an open position allowing the storage of said at least one element in the housing and to have a closed position so as to form, with said walls of the housing, at least one enclosure trapping said at least one element so as to limit the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas outside the enclosure at least until the detection of one of said risks.
[0014] Preferably, the walls of the housing comprise a first material configured to ensure the mechanical strength of said housing under the effect of the pressure of the gases generated by said element in a deteriorated state and a second material to ensure thermal insulation so as to limit heating of the external surface of said housing by the heat generated by the device in a deteriorated state at least until the detection of one of said risks by the detection means.
[0015] In one embodiment, the enclosure includes a compartment configured to store said detection means and a protective element configured to limit the propagation of heat between said enclosure and said compartment.
[0016] According to an additional feature, the detection means include a hydrogen fluoride detector.
[0017] According to another additional feature, the detection means include a smoke detector.
[0018] According to an additional feature, the detection means include a humidity sensor.
[0019] According to an additional characteristic, the detection means include a thermal sensor.
[0020] Most advantageously, the housing includes a pressure regulator configured to maintain the pressure of the enclosure below a maximum tolerated pressure corresponding to a pressure of the enclosure beyond which said enclosure is no longer sealed.
[0021] The pressure regulator may advantageously include a pressure sensor configured to detect when the pressure in the housing exceeds a threshold, a pressure relief valve configured to, in the event of detection of exceeding this threshold, reduce the pressure in the enclosure at least below said threshold, said valve advantageously including an absorbing element configured to limit the release of toxic gas from the reduction in pressure.
[0022] The housing may include connection means configured to connect said at least one element to a display device external to the device so as to permit data exchange between said at least one element and the display device.
[0023] The present invention also relates to a management system comprising at least two containment devices according to the invention, - a centralization device configured to identify the position of each containment device for which a risk has been detected.
[0024] The centralization means are advantageously configured to remotely control the locking means of the boxes.
[0025] Such a system allows each passenger to place their own electronic device(s) in their own compartment, keep them close at hand and remove them themselves, thus avoiding the need to collectively manage the deposit and removal of electronic devices, saving time, while ensuring a high level of security because the locking and unlocking of the compartments is centralized and controlled by the crew.
[0026] The present invention also relates to an aircraft seat comprising a seat and a backrest and a containment device according to the invention, said device being disposed under the seat and mounted under the seat so as to be configured to be accessible to the passenger seated in the seat located behind said seat, said containment device advantageously being mounted to slide under said seat. The present invention also relates to an aircraft arrangement comprising a management system according to the invention and at least two seats, each seat being equipped with a containment device according to the invention.
[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The following description will be better understood with the help of the attached drawings, on which:
[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a containment device according to the invention,
[0029] Figure 2 is a detailed representation of the compartment containing the detection means,
[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an example of an integrated management system in an aircraft,
[0031] Figure 4A and Figure 4B are schematic representations of a chair with the containment device in a stowed position and in an extended position respectively,
[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic representation of another example of a containment device according to the invention.
[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCTION METHODS
[0034] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an example of a containment device for at least one item which, in a deteriorated state, presents safety risks, particularly to any persons or equipment located near said item. This item is typically an electronic device such as a cell phone, an e-cigarette, or a power bank, which are devices that can be transported on an airplane and for which transport restrictions apply.
[0035] Indeed, such devices typically contain a battery (not shown) which presents risks when damaged, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gases, and / or explosion. A fire ignited by a lithium-ion battery is typically a Class B fire, exhibiting instability due to the flash point of the components in this type of battery occurring over a relatively wide temperature range.
[0036] In particular, explosions and the spread of smoke or toxic gas occur during an advanced stage of deterioration and combustion. "Advanced stage" refers to situations where the chemical reactions occurring during battery deterioration have generated a quantity of gas or smoke that can be fatal if inhaled and / or that can cause explosions upon contact with a flame. The "advanced stage" of combustion may differ from the stage of battery deterioration and corresponds to a flame spread that is difficult to control, meaning it requires intervention by qualified personnel and equipment such as Class B fire extinguishers, which may be present in limited quantities on modes of transport such as aircraft.
[0037] The DISP device includes a case 1, also referred to as a "case", in which one or more electronic devices 3, such as a cell phone and an external battery, can be stored as shown in Figure 1. The case 1 has walls forming the body of the case 10, an opening 9 in this example in the upper part of the body of the case allowing access to the inside of the case and means for closing the opening, such as a cover 11 which also has one or more walls according to an example embodiment.
[0038] The walls advantageously comprise several layers of materials which are distinguishable in the cross-sectional plane of Figure 1.
[0039] Advantageously, the walls of the housing 1 comprise a layer of a first material 100 configured to ensure the mechanical strength of the housing 1 under the effect of the pressure of the gases generated by said at least one element in a deteriorated state.
[0040] According to one embodiment, the first material 100 is a ceramic fiber composite that typically exhibits thermomechanical properties suitable for containing highly flammable gases, namely resistance to pressure and also to deflagrations caused by a battery explosion. The walls of the housing 1 also include a layer of a second material 101 configured to provide thermal insulation so as to limit heating of the outer surface of the housing by the heat generated by the device in a deteriorated state.
[0041] According to this embodiment, the second material is silica aerogel which thermally insulates said enclosure E in order to limit the propagation of heat to the outside of the casing, in particular that produced by the deflagration caused by the combustion of the battery.
[0042] Advantageously, the walls also include a layer of polyetherimide or "PEI" which has high heat resistance and can be easily molded.
[0043] The silica aerogel layer is arranged between the ceramic fiber composite layer 100 and the polyetherimide layer 102 so as to limit thermal conduction between these two layers.
[0044] First and second materials different from those described previously may be considered in other embodiments. The first material 100, according to another example, is silicon carbide with the chemical formula SiC, and more specifically a sintered silicon carbide ceramic which is typically manufactured using conventional sintering techniques that densify the silicon carbide. The second material 101, according to another example, is phenolic foam which advantageously possesses thermosetting properties that increase its mechanical strength as the temperature of the enclosure E rises.
[0045] Furthermore, a casing whose walls are made of a single material allowing for mechanical strength, thermal strength and thermal insulation does not fall outside the scope of the present invention.
[0046] The walls of the case thus form a robust and heat-resistant structure, limiting the spread of heat, smoke or toxic gas to the outside of the case.
[0047] Advantageously, the housing includes a layer of hydrophobic material on the outer surface of the ceramic fiber composite layer 100 or, alternatively, the outer surface of the layer 100 has undergone a hydrophobic treatment. This hydrophobic layer reduces the risk of damage to the housing by a corrosive liquid. The lid is configured to have an open position allowing access to the interior of the housing for storing at least one component within the housing, and to have a closed position so as to form, with the walls of the housing, an enclosure E. Advantageously, the lid 11 includes gaskets 104.1 around its perimeter, designed to rest on the body of the housing 10, in order to improve the gas tightness of the device when the lid 11 is in the closed position. The gaskets are, for example, heat-resistant gaskets 104.1. In silicone. Alternatively, the seals are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), more commonly known as Teflon®. The cover 11 advantageously includes compressible foam seals 104.2, preferably arranged around the seals 104.1 to improve the device's liquid-tightness when the cover 11 is in the closed position. Those skilled in the art will be able to select the appropriate materials for the seals 104.1 and 104.2, as their sealing properties are well-established.
[0048] Preferably, the cover 11 also includes the walls as described above so as to limit the risk of heat, smoke, or toxic gas escaping outside the enclosure E when the cover 11 is in the closed position. In a particular embodiment, the housing 1 includes locking means 110 for manually locking the housing, thus securing the cover to the housing and ensuring a seal between the cover and the housing. For example, this could be a bracket system or a latch system. Alternatively, the locking means could be of the zipper type, for example, a watertight zipper such as the "aquaseal" zipper marketed by YKK.
[0049] These locking mechanisms can be operated by the passenger or by the cabin crew.
[0050] Alternatively, the locking means are remotely controlled; for example, they are configured to block access to the inside of the housing, for example by locking the opening of the cover 11, for a predetermined period which may correspond, for example, to the duration of an air flight. According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing 1 includes a pressure regulator 5, shown in more detail in Figure 2, configured to maintain the pressure of the enclosure E below a maximum permissible pressure corresponding to a pressure in the enclosure beyond which said enclosure E is no longer leak-proof. The maximum permissible pressure corresponds to a threshold that can be estimated from the properties of the walls, in particular during phases of testing the resistance of the housing to mechanical stresses due to overpressure.
[0051] The pressure regulator 5 reduces the pressure in the enclosure, particularly when battery deterioration leads to its explosion, so that the casing does not deteriorate and release gas or smoke.
[0052] The pressure regulator 5 includes a pressure sensor 46 and a pressure relief valve 50. The pressure sensor 46 is configured to detect when the pressure in the housing 1 exceeds the pressure threshold and allows monitoring of the pressure evolution in the enclosure E. The pressure relief valve 50 is configured to reduce the pressure in the enclosure to at least below said threshold when it is detected exceeding this threshold. More specifically, the pressure relief valve 50 includes a conduit with an inlet 501 connected to the enclosure E and an outlet 502 connected outside the housing 1, enabling the conventional operation of the pressure relief valve. Preferably, the pressure relief valve is a non-automatically compensating type valve configured to limit leakage of toxic gas and fumes outside the enclosure E.
[0053] The valve also includes an absorbent element 51 configured to limit the release of toxic gases during pressure reduction. The absorbent element 51 is configured to absorb one or more chemical compounds as a gas passes through it. The absorbent element 51 comprises a synthetic absorbent copolymer, such as that commercially available from Chemizorb, which absorbs hydrogen fluoride as the gas passes through the pressure relief valve conduit.
[0054] According to an advantageous embodiment, the housing includes a compartment C and a protective element 105 configured to limit the propagation of heat between said enclosure E and said compartment C. In particular, the housing includes an opening in the walls so that compartment C communicates with enclosure E.
[0055] The element 105 is a membrane sealing the opening between the compartment and the enclosure. Membrane 105 has advantageous thermal insulation properties and allows gas and / or smoke to pass into compartment C. Preferably, membrane 105 is configured to limit the passage of liquid between enclosure E and compartment C. Membrane 105 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or incorporates a multilayer filter, for example.
[0056] Figure 2 schematically represents compartment C in more detail. The DISP device includes detection means 4 configured to detect at least one of the aforementioned risks, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas, and / or an explosion. In a preferred embodiment, compartment C is configured to store the detection means 4 so that they are protected by the membrane 105. Of course, the housing may provide other locations in which the detection means 4 can be housed without the detection means being housed within a compartment. In another embodiment (not shown), the housing does not include any membrane between compartment C and enclosure E, and the detection means 4 are configured to be resistant to thermal and mechanical shocks.
[0057] According to an advantageous embodiment, the detection means 4 include detectors configured to detect the presence of at least one gas that could be released by the battery of the electronic devices 3 when the battery is in a deteriorated state. Preferably, the detection means 4 includes a hydrogen fluoride detector 42, of chemical formula HF, configured to detect the presence of hydrogen fluoride. By way of example, the detector used is the "X-am 5100" model marketed by Dräger.
[0058] Hydrogen fluoride is a colorless gas generated during the combustion of lithium that can be fatal to humans if inhaled and is also highly flammable. The type of detector to use will depend on the battery's chemical composition and, in particular, the gases that may be generated during battery deterioration.
[0059] In another embodiment, the detection means 4 include a so-called "multi-gas" detector configured to detect several gases. Thus, the device is compatible with lithium-ion battery storage but is also compatible with other types of batteries depending on the gas detectors used.
[0060] The detection means 4 advantageously include a smoke detector 43, such as an optical detector, enabling detection when smoke is generated during battery deterioration.
[0061] The detection means 4 advantageously include a humidity sensor 44 configured to measure the humidity level in the enclosure E. Indeed, it may be desirable to determine whether the air contained in the enclosure, particularly when the lid 11 is in the closed position, is likely to promote reactions generating toxic and flammable gases, such as hydrogen fluoride.
[0062] The detection means 4 advantageously include a thermal sensor 45 configured to measure the temperature within enclosure E. The thermal sensor allows monitoring of the enclosure's temperature and detection when the temperature exceeds a threshold beyond which the battery is considered damaged, for example. The threshold can be determined according to requirements and may include a margin allowing onboard personnel to take the necessary measures to prevent the risk of battery combustion.
[0063] The detection means described above are advantageously arranged in compartment C so as to be protected by the enclosure walls. Such detection means 4 make it possible to detect at least one of the risks, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas, and / or an explosion, inside the enclosure 1, particularly before deterioration and / or combustion reaches an advanced stage. The enclosure is also configured to limit the release of heat, smoke, and toxic gas outside the enclosure at least until one of these risks is detected.
[0064] In this regard, a person skilled in the art will be able to dimension the enclosure, particularly the thickness of the wall layers 100, 101, and 102, to contain the heat, smoke, and toxic gas within the enclosure E until detection, or even for a longer period. More specifically, a person skilled in the art will be able to select suitable materials based on the characteristics of the battery to be contained within the enclosure 1, and dimension the first material layer 100 so that damage to this layer from mechanical and thermal shocks, which can be caused by overpressure and / or battery explosions, does not lead to rupture or leakage before the risks are detected. An estimate of this time before rupture can be made during the testing phases carried out under different conditions, taking into account the sensitivities of the detectors and sensors.The alternatives for the materials used for the walls, in particular the first material and the second material, are known in themselves and will not all be considered in this application.
[0065] Furthermore, the detection means 4 include a control circuit 40, such as an electronic board, connected to the detectors and sensors as described previously. The control circuit 40 is configured to receive and process data from the various detectors and sensors.
[0066] Preferably, the control circuit 40 includes a memory 400 configured to store data from the various detectors and sensors as described above. The control circuit 40 also includes communication means 401 such as a Bluetooth module, for example, the reference module "nRF52832" marketed by Nordic Semiconductor, configured to perform wireless communication with other devices. This example module allows data exchange with other devices advantageously using the Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy protocol, designated by the acronym "BLE," which is a communication protocol tolerated in environments such as aircraft where safety standards related to the communication method are strict. Alternatively, the communication means of the control circuit 40 are configured to exchange data according to another communication protocol such as Wi-Fi.
[0067] The device advantageously includes power supply means configured to supply power to the control circuit 40 and the detectors 42, 43 and the sensors 44, 45. In one embodiment, the power supply means include an electrical connection 6 (shown in Figure 1) extending from outside the housing 1, which can be connected to the control unit 40 and supply it with power from an electrical source such as an aircraft's electrical grid. Alternatively, the power supply means include a battery 41 located in compartment C and connected to the control circuit 40. The aforementioned sensors and detectors can be powered by the control circuit 40.
[0068] The pressure relief valve 50 and the pressure sensor 46 are advantageously connected to the control circuit 40 which allows the pressure data measured by the pressure sensor 46 to be processed and the valve to be controlled automatically.
[0069] Figure 3 schematically represents an example of an integrated management system in an aircraft such as an airplane.
[0070] Aircraft 7 includes a cabin space 70 which includes several rows of seats 72, a space dedicated to the cabin crew 71 and a cockpit 73 as well as a management system which includes the containment devices as described previously in relation to figures 1 and 2.
[0071] Each containment device is associated with each seat 72, it being understood that a containment device can be associated with more than one seat, for example when passengers share the same containment device to store their electronic devices. The memory 401 of the control units of each containment device is configured to store information enabling the containment device to be located, such as its position or the seat number 72.
[0072] The management system also includes a central monitoring device 710 configured to identify the location of each containment device for which a risk has been detected. The central monitoring device is located, for example, in the crew area 71, thus allowing them to more easily locate the containment devices.
[0073] The containment devices are connected to the central control system to allow data exchange between them, notably via the containment devices' 401 communication interfaces. Communication between the containment devices and the central control system is preferably secure wireless communication using data encryption / decryption programs that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art. It is also possible to connect the containment device control circuit to a pre-existing network such as the ARINC 429 data bus, which is commonly used for data transmission by aircraft computers.
[0074] In one example, the centralized system is a tablet provided to the cabin crew, allowing them to receive information while remaining mobile throughout the aircraft. The tablet is advantageously configured to run software compatible with iOS and Android operating systems, enabling it to display real-time notifications on its screen when a risk has been detected in the containment systems. The notification also indicates the level of risk, for example, using a color code determined by data transmitted from sensors that alert the crew to the degree of danger of the detected risk, such as if the temperature exceeds a certain threshold.
[0075] Alternatively, the centralized system includes a control unit 710, such as a computer designed during the cabin and crew area layout and powered by the aircraft's electrical system, as well as a display 711 connected to the control unit 710 configured to show the position of the containment devices and, potentially, data from sensors and detectors. This alternative has the advantage of using means that are reliably powered and already available in some aircraft. Alternatively, or in combination with this, the centralized system is integrated into the aircraft's instrument panel 731, so that the pilot can be informed of detected hazards.
[0076] Each containment system may also include signaling devices configured to emit an audible or visual alarm if risks such as those described above are detected. These signaling devices thus allow crew members to be alerted even in the event of a failure of the central monitoring system or a communication error with it.
[0077] The management system can also be used to remotely control the locking mechanisms of the boxes and thus control their unlocking at the end of the flight, for example when the aircraft lands, and to control the locking just before takeoff.
[0078] For example, the locking means include an electromagnetic lock, which typically comprises a solenoid configured to be powered, for example, by the electrical connection 6 or the battery 41, and a magnet configured to cooperate with the solenoid so as to lock the housing 1. The solenoid's power supply is advantageously controlled remotely by the central control device so as to command locking or unlocking. In addition, and advantageously, the locking means include a control for manually unlocking the magnetic lock independently of the other magnetic locks.
[0079] In addition, and advantageously, a mechanical lock allowing manual locking as described previously, such as a stirrup or latch system, can be used. The mechanical lock allows the enclosure to be locked and unlocked in case of a malfunction of the electromagnetic lock. For example, the electromagnetic lock is the "Rotary Door Lock RL" marketed by Kendrion.
[0080] The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for installation in an aircraft. Figures 4A and 4B show an example of mounting a device according to the invention in an aircraft. The aircraft conventionally comprises rows of seats 72 arranged one behind the other, with most of each seat located behind a seat in the row in front.
[0081] Each seat is fixed to the floor of the aircraft.
[0082] Each chair has a backrest 74, a seat 76 and a support frame 78 allowing the chair to be fixed to the floor and ensuring that the seat is at a sufficient height.
[0083] The support chassis 78 has at least two lateral feet 80 spaced apart and leaving a space between them under the chair, for example for storing luggage and / or life jackets and / or any other safety equipment.
[0084] The box is mounted to slide under the seat of the chair so that it is accessible to the passenger occupying the chair located behind the chair containing the box.
[0085] For example, the frame is fitted with two rails 80, each rail 80 being fixed to a leg and extending parallel to the seat 76, and the base has two slides 82, each fixed to one of two parallel lateral faces of the base. The slides 82 are mounted to slide within the rails so as to allow the base to move parallel to the seat. Alternatively, the rails are fixed to the floor.
[0086] Advantageously, the housing is immobilized under the seat when access to it is not required. For example, push-pull type locking mechanisms are implemented between the housing and the support frame. These types of locking mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art. The housing is unlocked by applying pressure in the direction of arrow F. Pulling can then be applied to the housing in the direction of arrow F' to extract it, at least partially, from under the seat and allow it to be opened. Locking is achieved by pushing the housing under the seat in the direction of arrow F until it reaches its stop beneath the seat, thus locking the push-pull mechanisms. The housing then moves slightly in the direction of arrow F. The housing is thus locked in translation under the seat and cannot move freely, particularly when the aircraft experiences turbulence.Other means of locking the box in position are conceivable, for example using a bolt.
[0087] Advantageously, methods are implemented to detect when the storage compartment under the seat is locked in place. For example, an electrical circuit is closed when the drawer is actually locked under the seat. Current flow is detected in the electrical circuit. Advantageously, this information is relayed to the flight crew, for example, to the central monitoring system.
[0088] The sliding mechanism of the box to extract it from under the chair is sufficient to allow the lid to be opened with a wide amplitude.
[0089] Advantageously, a handle 13 is provided to allow the compartment to be extracted from under the seat, for example; it is a strap fixed to the face of the compartment facing the passenger.
[0090] When the storage compartment is pulled out from under the chair, the lid can be unlocked to place items inside or retrieve items.
[0091] The seat unit is connected to the aircraft's electrical and communication systems via wired connections. The unit's mounting and sliding mechanism relative to the seat are designed to ensure this connection without risk of damage. For example, the electrical connection is made via rails and slides.
[0092] The assembly of the box is very advantageously such that it can be easily and quickly removed from under the seat, particularly by the flight crew, especially when the detection means indicate abnormal activity of the object(s) stored in the box, in order to carry out the operations planned for this purpose, for example to store the box in a secure place.
[0093] In another example of implementation, the box is not movable horizontally but vertically or diagonally depending on the available space.
[0094] Preferably, the size of the storage box is such that it allows sufficient space between the seat and the box for safety / emergency equipment, such as a life jacket, as illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. It is possible to mount the box in a sliding fashion under the seat occupied by the passenger who uses the box. In this case, the box slides forward along the seat occupied by the passenger access point.
[0095] It will be understood that the box can be mounted sliding under a train or bus seat.
[0096] In an advantageous embodiment, seat 72 includes an ECR display device, such as a touchscreen configured to implement functionalities such as video playback, ordering via an in-flight catering service, or real-time tracking of the aircraft's movement. Such an ECR display device is typically installed on seats 72 during cabin outfitting and can advantageously be connected to the central unit for data exchange or include an electronic circuit enabling autonomous operation of the display device. The containment device, in this advantageous embodiment, includes connection means configured to connect the electronic devices stored in the housing 1 to the ECR display device so as to allow the passenger to use the data from the electronic device via the display device.The connection means include, for example, USB ports configured to allow data exchange between the electronic device and the electronic circuit 40 and, advantageously, to power the electronic device. In one variant, the communication means of the electronic circuit 40 are also configured to allow data exchange between the electronic device and the electronic circuit via a wireless connection.
[0097] The display system and connection means thus allow passengers to access the content of their electronic devices such as phones while allowing these devices to be stored securely.
[0098] Figure 5 schematically represents another example of a containment device according to the invention. This containment device differs from the containment device described previously in relation to Figures 1 to 3 in that the walls of the device and the access means form a first enclosure E1 and a second enclosure E2. The first enclosure E1 and the second enclosure E2 are configured to separately contain electronic equipment in such a way as to limit the release of heat, smoke, and toxic gases outside each of the enclosures E1 and E2 at least until one of these hazards is detected in each of the enclosures. Detection is carried out, in particular, by means of the detection means 4, which are preferably provided in each of the enclosures E1 or E2, or in a compartment (not shown) located between the two enclosures and communicating with both enclosures.
[0099] Storing electronic devices separately in two enclosures El, E2 helps to limit the risk of an incident occurring in one of the electronic devices spreading to the other electronic devices stored in the enclosure.
Claims
DEMANDS 1. Management system comprising: - at least two containment devices for at least one element (3) which, in a deteriorated state, presents safety risks, such as the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas and / or explosion, the device comprising a housing (10) having walls, detection means (44, 44, 45) configured to detect at least one of said risks and access means configured to have an open position allowing the storage of said at least one element (3) in the housing and to have a closed position so as to form, with said walls of the housing (10), at least one enclosure enclosing said at least one element (3) so as to limit the release of heat, smoke, toxic gas outside the enclosure at least until the detection of one of said risks, said housing having locking means,Each containment device is configured to be positioned under the seat of a chair so as to be accessible to the passenger seated in the chair located behind said chair. - a centralization device configured to identify the position of each containment device for which a risk has been detected, and to remotely control the locking means of the containers.
2. Management system according to claim 1, wherein the walls of the housing comprise a first material configured to ensure the mechanical strength of said housing (10) under the effect of the pressure of the gases generated by said element in a deteriorated state and a second material to ensure thermal insulation so as to limit heating of the external surface of said housing (10) by the heat generated by the device in a deteriorated state at least until the detection of one of said risks by the detection means.
3. Management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (10) includes a compartment configured to store said detection means and a protective element configured to limit the propagation of heat between said enclosure and said compartment.
4. Management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the locking means comprise an electromagnetic lock, which typically includes a solenoid configured to be powered, for example by an electrical connection (6) or a battery (41), and a magnet configured to cooperate with the solenoid so as to lock the housing (10), the power supply to the solenoid being advantageously controlled remotely by the centralizing device so as to control the locking or unlocking.
5. Management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said detection means comprise a hydrogen fluoride detector (42).
6. Management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said detection means comprise a smoke detector.
7. Management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection means include a humidity sensor (44).
8. Management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection means include a thermal sensor (45).
9. A management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (10) comprises a pressure regulator configured to maintain the pressure of the enclosure below a maximum permissible pressure corresponding to a pressure in the enclosure beyond which said enclosure is no longer leak-proof.
10. A management system according to claim 8, wherein the pressure regulator comprises a pressure sensor (46) configured to detect when the pressure in the housing exceeds a threshold, a pressure relief valve (50) configured to, upon detection of an exceedance of this threshold, reduce the pressure in the enclosure at least below said threshold, said valve (50) advantageously comprising an absorbing element configured to limit the release of toxic gas from the pressure reduction.
11. Management system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (10) includes connection means configured to connect said at least one element to a display device external to the device so as to permit data exchange between said at least one element and the display device.
12. Aircraft arrangement comprising a system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and at least two aircraft seats comprising a seat (76) and a backrest (74), the containment device being disposed under the seat (76) and being mounted under the seat (76) so as to be configured to be accessible to the passenger seated in the seat located behind said seat, said containment device being advantageously mounted to slide under said seat (76).