Ejection Seat Auto-Configuration Using Aircrew Data Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ejection systems in aircraft require manual, time-consuming adjustment of multiple settings before flight, which is inefficient and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

An automatic adjustment system for ejection systems using a controller that receives user input through various devices (microphone, image sensor, wired/wireless ports) to identify users and retrieve settings from a database or portable devices, adjusting settings such as parachute deployment, seat position, and interseat timing based on user-specific data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of ejection seat settings is used, then each setting can be individually customized, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidpre-flight preparation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically retrieves user data from portable electronic devices and adjusts ejection seat settings without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously processes the information and configures multiple parameters simultaneously, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring crew members to manually adjust each setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The controller receives digital data from portable devices and electronically adjusts the ejection seat parameters, substituting the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated electro-mechanical system that is faster and more efficient.

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

2Reliability

If multiple separate settings are adjusted manually, then each parameter can be optimized, but the process is complex and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting accuracyVSAvoidnumber of adjustable parameters
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple separate adjustment operations into a single integrated process. By receiving comprehensive user data from portable electronic devices and processing all parameters through a centralized controller, the system merges the complexity of multiple adjustments into one unified automated operation, reducing the chance of errors while maintaining optimization of each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses data from portable electronic devices as feedback to automatically determine the correct settings. The controller processes this input information and adjusts the ejection seat parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that ensures accurate configuration based on the crew member's specific requirements without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated adjustment is implemented, then speed and accuracy improve, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment speedVSAvoidsystem architecture
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses universal portable electronic devices that crew members already possess (smartphones, tablets) to store and transmit their preference data. This multi-functional approach allows the same device to serve as both a personal preference repository and a communication interface with the ejection seat system, adding automation capability without requiring entirely new specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4414267B1Automatic ejection seat performance and accommodation optimization based on active input of aircrew data
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 AMI IND INC
  • EP4414267B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4414267B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4414267B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A system for automatic optimization of an ejection system for an aircraft includes the ejection system having a plurality of adjustable settings. The system further includes an input device (306, 308, 310, 312) configured to receive user input. The system further includes a controller (302) coupled to the ejection system and to the input device and configured to adjust at least one of the plurality of the adjustable settings of the ejection system based on the user input. The input device includes an electronic port configured to be electrically coupled to a portable electronic device, the user input includes specific settings of a user of the ejection system that are transferred from the portable electronic device to the electronic port, and the controller is configured to adjust the at least one of the adjustable settings based on the specific settings of the user.