Inductive Wireless Power Unit in Aircraft Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
The adoption of inductive power transmission (IPT) in aircraft is hindered by the lack of a uniform charging standard, concerns over power wastage, overheating, and over-charging, particularly in environments where devices are exposed to various elements.
Innovation Solution
Integration of IPT technology within aircraft passenger seats, utilizing a coil assembly and printed circuit board (PCB) that can distinguish between metallic objects and personal electronic devices, prevent power transfer when temperature exceeds a threshold, and terminate charging when capacity reaches 98%, ensuring efficient and safe charging through various seat components without increasing manufacturing or material costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive power transmission is implemented in aircraft seats, then wireless charging capability is provided, but power wastage and overheating risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a detection system that uses sensors to identify the presence and type of objects on the charging surface. The system provides feedback to the power transmission controller, which adjusts or terminates power delivery based on the detected object characteristics. This prevents power wastage by avoiding charging of non-device objects while enabling wireless charging for legitimate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detection of objects before initiating full power transmission. The system scans the charging surface to identify metallic objects versus personal electronic devices, and only after successful identification does it activate the inductive power transmission. This preliminary action prevents energy wastage by avoiding power delivery to inappropriate objects.
2Ease of operation
If inductive power transmission is implemented in aircraft seats, then wireless charging capability is provided, but overheating and over-charging risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and charging status detection that provide continuous feedback to the power control system. When temperature thresholds are exceeded or charging capacity reaches 98%, the system automatically terminates or reduces power delivery. This feedback mechanism prevents overheating and over-charging while maintaining wireless charging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary safety checks including temperature monitoring and device identification before initiating full power transmission. The system prepares safety protocols in advance and continuously monitors charging conditions, terminating charging when capacity reaches 98%. This preliminary and continuous monitoring prevents harmful effects while enabling wireless charging.
3Ease of operation
If IPT technology is integrated within seat components, then wireless charging is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single control system that handles device identification, power transmission control, temperature monitoring, and charging termination. This universal controller manages all aspects of the inductive power system, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and simplifying the overall integration into seat structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the detection system, power transmission control, temperature monitoring, and charging management into an integrated control unit. By merging these functions into a single system rather than separate components, the patent reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining full wireless charging functionality with safety features.
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 efficient, safe, and standardized wireless charging of personal electronic devices in aircraft environments, reducing power wastage and overheating risks while maintaining compatibility with different materials and surfaces, thus addressing the drawbacks of existing IPT technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a first circuit acting as the power source generates an alternating current that is fed to a first set of coils, which responds to the alternating current by producing an alternating magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The second set of coils in the second circuit responds to the alternating magnetic field by generating an electromotive force, EMF, that can in turn generate a current in the second circuit
Data Source
AI summary
Described are aircraft passenger seat assemblies with a passenger seat, a component with an outer surface attached the passenger seat. An inductive wireless power unit with a coil assembly is included with the aircraft passenger seat assembly, and the coil assembly is positioned within the component. A portion of the outer surface of the component covers the coil assembly. Wires connecting the coil assembly to a power supply are hidden from view within the aircraft passenger seat assembly.