Locating Device for Aircraft Passenger Service Unit Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for rearranging passenger seats and passenger service units in aircraft cabins are slow and inefficient, requiring multiple days to complete, which increases aircraft downtime and limits the frequency of using desired seating configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that directly reference the position of passenger service units relative to passenger seats using a locating device with adjustable components, such as a device datum and front locator, to quickly align and install passenger service units based on the angle and seat pitch, allowing for fast and efficient reconfiguration of seating arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional methods referencing structural components are used to arrange passenger seats and service units, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but reconfiguration time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A locating device is introduced as an intermediary tool between the seat and overhead compartment. This device includes a seat interface that contacts the seat cushion and a laser pointer that projects a reference point onto the overhead compartment, enabling direct relative positioning without referencing stationary structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical measurement system (using physical rulers, tapes, and structural component references) with an optical system. The laser pointer in the locating device projects a light beam to establish the reference point, eliminating the need for complex mechanical measurement procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seat positions are changed to meet seasonal demands, then aircraft capacity and route flexibility improve, but the time required to reposition passenger service units increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locating device enables installers to independently determine the correct overhead compartment position for each seat without requiring reference to master documentation or coordination with other workers. Each installer uses the device on their specific seat to self-determine the laser reference point location.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating device is positioned on the seat and the laser reference point is projected onto the overhead compartment before the passenger service unit is installed. This preliminary action establishes the exact target location, allowing the service unit to be positioned accurately and quickly without subsequent adjustments.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed documentation referencing structural components is used, then installation precision is ensured, but the complexity of the reconfiguration process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from the complex system of structural component references and documentation. The locating device isolates the critical measurement task to a simple operation: positioning the device on the seat and reading the laser reference point location on the overhead compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser pointer projects a visible light point (typically red or green) onto the overhead compartment, creating a high-contrast visual reference that is easily identifiable. This optical signal replaces complex dimensional specifications and structural component references with a simple visual target.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are methods for arranging passenger seats and passenger service units in aircraft cabins as well as locating devices used in these methods. These methods and devices provide fast and efficient ways for directly referencing the position of each passenger service unit relative to a corresponding passenger seat. For example, a passenger seat is positioned on a seat rail using rail markers. Each set of markers corresponds to a different seating configuration. A locating device is then placed on the passenger seat such that the device datum contacts the seat cushion. A locator of the locating device determines a reference, in an overhead compartment, for installing a passenger service unit, corresponding to this seat. The reference is based on an angle between the datum and the locator, which is adjustable in some examples.