Decentralized Aircraft Seat Control via Distributed Intelligent Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat control systems for aircraft seats are inefficient due to the need for a redundant central control unit, leading to increased weight and fuel consumption, and are complex and costly to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized seat control system where intelligent devices with computing and storage units communicate via a BUS interface, allowing for flexible control and minimal device redundancy, with a system master function distributed among multiple devices to manage seat functions without a central control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant central control unit is used to ensure safe functioning, then system reliability is improved, but system weight and fuel consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized control function into distributed intelligent devices (IDBs) throughout the seat system. Each IDB can independently control specific seat functions and can take over system master responsibilities if needed, eliminating the need for a single heavy redundant central control unit while maintaining reliability through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The intelligent devices are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as local control devices for specific seat functions and as potential system masters. This universal design allows any IDB to take over system master duties if required, providing redundancy without requiring dedicated backup components, thus reducing overall system weight.
2Device complexity
If a central control unit is used to control all drives and functions, then system coordination is simplified, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent intelligent devices, each responsible for specific seat functions. This modular architecture simplifies individual device design and maintenance, as each IDB can be independently diagnosed, replaced, or upgraded without affecting the entire system, contrary to the complexity of a centralized control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Each intelligent device possesses self-diagnostic capabilities and can independently manage its own functions. The distributed architecture allows devices to self-coordinate through the data line network, reducing the complexity of centralized control while improving maintainability through localized intelligence and independent fault isolation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple differently designed devices are used to fulfill various seat functions, then functional versatility is improved, but system weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal intelligent devices that can perform multiple seat functions through software configuration rather than requiring specialized hardware for each function. These multi-functional IDBs can be programmed to control different seat elements and modes, reducing the total number of devices needed while maintaining full functional versatility across various seat configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamically reconfigurable intelligent devices whose functions can be changed through software updates and parameter adjustments. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware platform to serve different seat geometries and functions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-design devices and reducing overall system weight and component quantity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a decentralized seat control system (1) for seats (2), comprising multiple seat elements which can be moved linearly or angularly relative to one another and which can be adjusted by intelligent devices (4 to 9), such as electromotive drives (4, 5) and a lumbar drive (7). The aim of the invention is to provide a flexible seat control system which can be adapted to different conditions, in particular different seat geometries and different system environments and system requirements, which operates in an exceptionally reliable manner, is easy to maintain, has a simple design, and is easy to wire, and which requires only a minimum number of different devices, said devices being combinable in different manners. According to the invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1.