Electronics box for in-flight entertainment system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronics boxes for in-flight entertainment systems are complex, making maintenance and upgrades difficult due to inaccessible connections and the risk of dust and moisture intrusion from fan designs.
Innovation Solution
The design of a modular electronics box with separate processor and power supply modules, a sealed structure to prevent dust and moisture ingress, and a cooling structure that directs airflow externally to efficiently dissipate heat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional fan design is used to cool electronic components, then cooling function is provided, but dust and moisture can intrude into the sealed enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The fan is extracted from the sealed enclosure and placed in an external cooling structure. The cooling air passage is positioned outside the sealed enclosure, allowing the fan to cool electronic components through external airflow rather than internal airflow, thereby preventing dust and moisture intrusion while maintaining cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal conductive structure serves as an intermediary between the electronic components and the external cooling air passage. This mediator transfers heat from the sealed enclosure to the external cooling structure, enabling heat dissipation without direct exposure to the fan and external environment
2Volume of moving object
If electronic components are tightly integrated in the electronics box, then space utilization is improved, but maintenance and upgrades become difficult due to inaccessible connections
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics box is segmented into separate functional modules (power supply module, processor module, etc.) that can be independently accessed and maintained. The cooling structure is also segmented as a separate component, allowing maintenance personnel to access and service individual modules without disassembling the entire sealed enclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The modular electronic components are nested within the sealed enclosure in a hierarchical manner, with each module having its own housing that can be independently opened. This nested structure allows deep integration for space efficiency while maintaining access pathways for maintenance
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
This modular design facilitates easy maintenance and upgrades, reduces the risk of contamination, and enhances cooling efficiency, leading to improved reliability and passenger experience in commercial passenger vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a fan introducing air from outside into the cooling structure, the air creating an air passage that is external to the sealed enclosure and extending along the surface of the sealed enclosure
Implementation Method 2
one or more heat dissipation elements disposed in the air passage and configured to dissipate heat generated by the electronic components
Implementation Method 3
heat dissipation elements disposed in the air passage and configured to dissipate heat generated by the electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
This patent document describes techniques are related to an apparatus for an electronics box for an in-flight entertainment system. The electronics box comprises: a first module including a first group of electronic components for the in-flight entertainment system and having a housing accommodating a first board on which the first group of electronic components are disposed; and a second module detachably placed over the first module and having a second board on which a second group of electronic components for the in-flight entertainment system are disposed, the second board covered by a frame that forms a sealed enclosure with the housing, and wherein the first group of electronic components and the second group of electronic components are configured to provide power or data to at least one of the in-flight entertainment system that is located in a commercial passenger vehicle.