Aircraft Passenger Service Unit With Infrared Seat Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for counting and checking passengers in aircraft require manual verification by cabin crew, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies, especially during take-off and landing procedures.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft passenger service unit equipped with an infrared sensor array and controller that detects and evaluates infrared radiation to automatically determine passenger presence and seating positions, reducing the need for manual counting and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification by cabin crew is used for counting and checking passengers, then the system is simple and requires no additional devices, but the accuracy and efficiency of passenger verification deteriorates due to potential human errors and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical verification process performed by cabin crew with an automated optical detection system using infrared sensors. The sensor array detects infrared radiation from passengers to automatically determine presence and seating positions, eliminating human error while maintaining system simplicity through non-contact detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification where the passenger service unit automatically performs passenger counting and position checking without requiring cabin crew intervention. The infrared sensor array and controller work autonomously to detect and record passenger information, freeing crew members from manual verification tasks.
2Productivity
If manual passenger checking is performed by cabin crew, then no additional equipment is needed, but the time required for verification increases during take-off and landing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The manual time-consuming verification process is replaced by an automated infrared detection system that instantly captures passenger presence and positioning data. The sensor array continuously monitors the cabin, providing real-time information without requiring cabin crew to physically walk through and check each seat, dramatically reducing verification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared sensor array provides continuous automatic monitoring of passenger positions throughout the flight, rather than requiring discrete manual checks at specific times. This continuous detection capability ensures passenger verification is always current without interrupting flight operations.
3Extent of automation
If infrared sensor array is installed in passenger service unit, then automated detection of passenger presence and position is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared sensor array is integrated into the existing passenger service unit, which already serves multiple functions including oxygen mask deployment, reading lights, and air supply. This multi-functionality approach allows the automated detection capability to be added without creating a separate standalone system, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the infrared sensor array with the controller already present in the passenger service unit for managing other passenger services. By merging the detection function with existing control infrastructure, the system achieves high automation while minimizing additional complexity in wiring, power supply, and data processing.
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
The system effectively reduces human error in passenger counting and seating position verification, enhancing aircraft safety by providing accurate and efficient data for pre-flight and landing preparations without compromising passenger privacy.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor, which is configured for detecting infrared radiation and for providing a corresponding sensor output
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An aircraft passenger service unit (2) for being installed in an overhead position in an aircraft passenger cabin (102) comprises an infrared sensor (30), which is configured for detecting infrared radiation and for providing a corresponding sensor output; and a controller (35), which is configured for receiving and evaluating the sensor output provided by the infrared sensor (30). The infrared sensor (30) is an infrared sensor array (30) configured for detecting infrared radiation emitted within a plurality of spatial sectors (34) covering a detection area (32) below the aircraft passenger service unit (2); and the infrared sensor array (30) is configured for detecting the infrared radiation individually for each spatial sector (34) and for providing individual sensor signals for the plurality of spatial sectors (34). The infrared sensor array (30) is configured such that each passenger seat (80a, 80b, 80c) arranged within the detection area (32) is covered by at least two of the plurality of spatial sectors (34), respectively; and the controller (35) is configured for determining a passenger seating position within a passenger seat (80a, 80b, 80c) from the individual sensor signals.