Aircraft Suite Controller with Distance Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft suites lack the ability to dynamically adjust settings such as lighting and seat configurations based on intelligent decision-making for optimal environment scenarios, failing to provide personalized comfort and safety during various aircraft states.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating distance measurement equipment with a controller that receives logic condition inputs and distance inputs to control output states like lighting, temperature, and furniture deployment/stowage, ensuring safe and efficient operation by preventing obstacles and enhancing passenger awareness during different flight phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distance measurement equipment and logic condition receiver are added to enable intelligent environmental control, then adaptability and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: receiving logic condition inputs from various sources (passenger requests, sensors), processing distance measurements from the distance measurement equipment, and controlling multiple output states (lighting, temperature, furniture deployment). This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate control systems into a single intelligent controller, improving adaptability while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where the controller continuously receives distance inputs and logic condition inputs, processes this information, and adjusts output states accordingly. The distance measurement equipment provides real-time feedback about obstacle positions, and the controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust suite settings and prevent harmful actions, creating an adaptive closed-loop control system.
2Ease of operation
If the controller adjusts multiple output states based on real-time conditions, then passenger comfort is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distance measurement equipment and controller operate periodically rather than continuously, measuring distances and adjusting output states at intervals or triggered by specific events (such as detected movements or changes in logic conditions). This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring and adjustment, while still maintaining adequate passenger comfort through timely environmental adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts output states by changing parameters (lighting intensity, temperature settings, furniture positions) based on the severity and type of detected conditions. Rather than maximizing all adjustments simultaneously, the controller selectively modifies parameters according to actual needs, optimizing comfort while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption from excessive adjustments.
3Reliability
If the system prevents furniture deployment when obstacles are detected, then safety is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstacles using distance measurement equipment before initiating furniture deployment or stowage actions. By detecting potential hazards in advance and preventing deployment when obstacles are present, the system avoids unsafe operations. This preliminary safety check ensures reliable operation while minimizing disruptions to productivity through quick detection and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller prepares for furniture deployment by first checking distance measurements and logic conditions in advance. When no obstacles are detected, the deployment proceeds quickly; when obstacles are present, the system prevents deployment and can alert passengers to clear the path. This preliminary assessment approach maintains safety while enabling rapid deployment when conditions are favorable.
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 solution enables dynamic control of aircraft suite environments, ensuring safe and efficient operation by preventing obstacles during deployment/stowage and enhancing passenger comfort and awareness through intelligent adjustment of settings based on real-time conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the distance measurement equipment comprises a signal emitter for emitting a signal at a first time, and a signal receiver, for receiving the signal at a second time, a time lag between the first and second times corresponding to the distance being measured
Implementation Method 2
an object at the second location reflects the signal emitted from the signal emitter back to the signal receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an aircraft suite having an aircraft seat for use by a passenger, the aircraft suite also having a controller, for controlling a number of output states of the aircraft suite, the controller having a logic condition receiver for receiving a logic condition input, and distance measurement equipment for measuring a distance between a first location within the suite and a second location within the suite, and providing a distance input to a distance receiver of the controller, wherein, in use, the controller controls at least one of the output states of the aircraft suite based upon both the logic condition input and the distance input. The invention also provides a method of controlling an environment within an aircraft suite.