Aircraft Seat Contactless Power and Data via Induction and Visible Light

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of cable harnesses in aircraft floors for data communication and power supply is complex, expensive, and hinders reconfiguration of aircraft cabins, as seats are physically tied to these harnesses.

Innovation Solution

A contactless data communication and power supply device using visible light for data transmission and induction for power supply, with units in the aircraft wall and seat, eliminating the need for floor harnesses and allowing flexible reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cable harnesses are installed in the aircraft floor for data communication and power supply, then reliable connection is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical cable harness system with an electromagnetic induction system. The induction transmitter embedded in the aircraft seat and induction receiver in the floor (or vice versa) enable wireless power and data transmission through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for physical cable connections while maintaining reliable power and data supply to seat accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic induction as an intermediary mechanism between the aircraft floor and seat accessories. The induction transmitter and receiver act as mediators that transfer power and data signals without direct physical contact, replacing the traditional cable harness intermediary with a non-contact electromagnetic field intermediary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If cable harnesses are installed in the aircraft floor, then power and data connection is established, but reconfiguration of aircraft cabin becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcabin reconfigurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the mechanical cable harness system with wireless electromagnetic induction, the patent enables easy reconfiguration of aircraft cabins. Seats can be moved, added, or removed without the constraint of fixed cable routes, as power and data are transmitted through electromagnetic fields that can be dynamically activated and deactivated based on seat position and configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The induction-based system provides dynamic adaptability to cabin reconfiguration. The electromagnetic coupling between transmitter and receiver can be established or terminated as needed, allowing the aircraft cabin to be dynamically reconfigured for different operational requirements without permanent physical constraints imposed by cable harnesses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If cable harnesses are used for connecting seat accessories, then power supply is reliable, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive mechanical cable installation with electromagnetic induction technology. The induction transmitter and receiver units can be integrated into existing seat and floor structures without requiring extensive cable routing work, reducing installation labor costs and material expenses while maintaining reliable power supply to seat accessories.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates a more straightforward and cost-effective installation of data communication and power supply systems, enabling easier reconfiguration of aircraft cabin layouts without physical constraints from harnesses, while ensuring fast, secure, and interference-free data transmission.

Implementation Method 1

an induction transmitter intended to be arranged in a wall of the aircraft and an induction receiver intended to be arranged in a seat, said transmitter and said receiver being capable of cooperating together to transmit an electrical power supply by induction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the said first and second communication units includes at least one light-emitting microdiode and at least one photoreceptor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from microdiode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

at least one of the said first and second communication units includes at least one light-emitting microdiode and at least one photoreceptor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4159623A1Contactless power supply and data communication device, particularly for an aircraft
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 AIRBUS (SAS)
  • EP4159623A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4159623A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4159623A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

- The device (1) comprises at least one communication unit (2) arranged in a wall of the aircraft and at least one communication unit (3) arranged in a seat of the aircraft, which are capable of cooperating together to communicate data by visible light, and at least one induction transmitter (4) arranged in the wall and at least one induction receiver (5) arranged in the seat, which are capable of cooperating together to transmit an electrical supply by induction, the communication units (2, 3) and the induction transmitter and receiver (4, 5) enabling data communication by visible light and an electrical supply by induction between the wall and the seat of the aircraft which do not require cable harnesses passing through the floor of the aircraft, simplify the installation of the device (1) and facilitate a change in the position of the seat.