Integrated Control Unit for Aircraft Seat Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control unit devices for aircraft seats are complex and have a high number of components, making them difficult to connect and integrate efficiently for both open-loop and closed-loop control systems.
Innovation Solution
A control unit device with an actuator unit that includes a plug element for coupling with the control and/or regulation unit, featuring an integrated control unit with inputs for connecting additional units such as sensor or actuator elements, and utilizing aviation-approved connector elements like D-Sub 9 connectors for simplified and reliable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate control units are used for actuators and additional units, then functional control is achieved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control unit for actuators and the control unit for additional units into a single integrated control unit. This control unit has a control device with an actuator interface for connecting actuators and an additional unit interface for connecting additional units, eliminating the need for separate control units and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both actuator control and additional unit control through a single device. The control device can simultaneously manage actuator units connected via the actuator interface and additional units connected via the additional unit interface, making the control unit universal and reducing the total number of components needed.
2Reliability
If separate connector elements are used for actuators and additional units, then clear signal paths are maintained, but ease of operation and integration are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit integrates both the actuator interface and additional unit interface into a single connector element. This allows actuators and additional units to be connected simultaneously to the same control unit through one integrated connector, simplifying the connection process while maintaining distinct signal paths through the control device's internal architecture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration simplifies the connection of additional units to the control unit, reducing the number of components and enhancing the integration of sensor and actuator elements, thereby improving the overall simplicity and functionality of the control unit device for aircraft seats.
Implementation Method 1
which comprises at least one actuator (14, 16, 18), in each case with an integrated control unit, which has at least one input via which the pin for the additional unit (20, 22, 24) is connected
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention concerns a control unit device for an aircraft seat (10), with a control and/or regulating unit (12), with at least one actuator unit (14, 16, 18) coupled to the control and/or regulating unit (12), and with at least one additional unit (20, 22, 24). According to the invention, the additional unit (20, 22, 24) is coupled via the actuator unit (14, 16, 18) to the control and/or regulating unit (12).