Cabin Panelling Film with Wireless Control Unit

Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity and weight of electrical wiring in passenger cabin panelling of large means of transportation, such as commercial aircraft, restrict flexibility and increase production time, making it difficult to implement short-term changes or modifications without significant expenditure.

Innovation Solution

A panelling part with a shell-type element, a display unit, a film with conductor tracks, and a control unit that communicates wirelessly, allowing for the display of information and user interaction without complex wiring, using a flexible film with integrated electronic components for reduced weight and mechanical complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex wiring is used to provide display functions in cabin panelling, then the display functionality is achieved, but the weight and mechanical complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The control unit communicates with external electronics units via wireless signals, eliminating the need for complex physical cable connections while maintaining display functionality in the cabin panelling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible film with integrated conductor tracks to connect the display unit to the control unit. This thin film structure reduces mechanical complexity and weight compared to traditional rigid wiring, while providing necessary electrical connections within the panelling element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex wiring is used to provide display functions in cabin panelling, then the display functionality is achieved, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidpanelling weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The control unit communicates with external electronics units via wireless signals, eliminating the need for complex physical cable connections while maintaining display functionality in the cabin panelling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible film with integrated conductor tracks to connect the display unit to the control unit. This thin film structure reduces mechanical complexity and weight compared to traditional rigid wiring, while providing necessary electrical connections within the panelling element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If traditional wiring systems are used, then electrical connections are established, but production time and planning lead time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit and display unit are designed as pre-integrated modules with wireless communication capability. This allows the panelling elements to be produced and tested independently before installation, reducing on-site assembly time and enabling parallel production processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the electrical system into separate, modular units (control unit, display unit, electronics units) that can be produced and tested independently. This segmentation allows for faster production and easier replacement, improving overall productivity while maintaining reliable connections through wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If extensive wiring is used for multiple electrical consumers, then power and data supply are ensured, but the cost effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supplyVSAvoidcost effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system with a wireless communication system. The control unit communicates with external electronics units via wireless signals, eliminating the need for complex physical cable connections while maintaining display functionality in the cabin panelling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is designed to communicate with multiple electronics units wirelessly, providing a universal communication interface that can serve multiple functions (power control, data transmission, display control) without requiring separate wiring for each function, thereby reducing overall costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables rapid and cost-effective modification of cabin functions, reducing weight and complexity, allowing for easy replacement of films to implement new functions, thereby enhancing flexibility and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one control unit is fastened on the at least one film, is at least coupled to the at least one display unit, and is designed to communicate wirelessly with an electronics unit located outside the panelling element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10981652B2Panelling part for a cabin of a means of transportation

Publication Date: 2021.04.20 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A panelling part for a cabin of a means of transportation is proposed, which includes at least one display unit and at least one control unit, which are produced by printing and equipping at least one film, which is applied to a panelling element. The control unit can communicate wirelessly with an external electronics unit, so that the panelling part only requires a power terminal to implement electronic functions. Functions can be retrofitted easily by replacing the at least one film.