Aircraft Passenger Service Unit With Local Impeller Air Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft passenger service units require large diameter air ducts and consume constant power even when airflow is not needed, leading to inefficient space usage and high installation and operational costs.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft passenger service unit with at least two gaspers, each oriented towards a passenger seat, utilizing an electric motor-driven impeller and valves to control airflow directly from the cabin, eliminating the need for a low pressure system and allowing individual airflow adjustment via remote control or touchless controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a low pressure system of air supply is used to provide air to gaspers across the length of the fuselage, then air distribution is achieved, but large diameter air ducts are required which take up a lot of space and are difficult to install
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air supply system into multiple independent air supply units, each serving a specific overhead position with multiple gaspers. Instead of using a single large duct system spanning the entire fuselage, each unit independently supplies air to its designated gaspers through small internal ducts, eliminating the need for large diameter air ducts across the fuselage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a centralized air supply approach (requiring long ducts along the fuselage length) to a distributed approach where air is supplied locally at each overhead position. This dimensional shift from longitudinal distribution to localized distribution eliminates the need for large diameter ducts.
2Quantity of substance
If a low pressure system of air supply is used to generate pressure and distribution for gaspers, then air distribution is achieved, but constant power is consumed even when no airflow is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs valve means that can open or close air passages based on operational requirements. When airflow is not needed, the valve closes the passage, preventing continuous power consumption by the pressure generating means. This periodic action allows the system to consume power only when actually providing airflow to gaspers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses controllable valve means to dynamically adjust air passage openings based on demand. This dynamic control allows the pressure generating means to operate only when needed, rather than maintaining constant pressure and consuming constant power, thereby improving energy efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If large diameter air ducts are used to supply air across the fuselage, then air distribution is achieved, but installation becomes difficult and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air supply system into multiple independent air supply units that can be installed separately at different overhead positions. This modular approach eliminates the need for installing large diameter air ducts across the entire fuselage, making installation simpler, faster, and less time-consuming.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the installation approach from installing large ducts along the fuselage length to installing compact air supply units at discrete overhead positions. This dimensional change from linear installation to distributed point installation significantly reduces installation complexity and time.
4Quantity of substance
If a low pressure system with large diameter air ducts is used, then air supply is provided, but the system takes up a lot of space in the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air supply system into multiple compact air supply units distributed at overhead positions, each serving local gaspers. This segmentation eliminates the need for large diameter air ducts spanning the fuselage, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the air supply system while maintaining adequate air supply capacity.
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 design provides a space-efficient, energy-efficient, and hygienic air supply system with reduced noise and manual interaction, suitable for wide-body aircraft, lowering installation complexity and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller (203) arranged to provide an airflow to the at least two gaspers (29), wherein the impeller (203) is located inside an airflow tube (205)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An aircraft passenger service unit (2) for being installed in an overhead position in an aircraft passenger cabin (102) comprises at least two gaspers (29). Each of the at least two gaspers (29) is oriented towards a respective passenger seat (80a). The aircraft passenger service unit (2) further comprises an electric motor (204) configured to drive an impeller (203). The impeller (203) is located inside an airflow tube (205) that is in fluid communication with the at least two gaspers (29) via respective airflow outlets (206). The impeller (203) is arranged to provide an airflow to the at least two gaspers (29). In addition, the aircraft passenger service unit (2) comprises at least one valve (207) for controlling the airflow to the at least two gaspers (29).