Magnetic Seat Position Detection in Aircraft Guide Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

The manual adjustment of passenger seats in aircraft is time-consuming and costly, requiring simultaneous changes in associated components like seat number displays and reading lighting systems when reconfiguring seat positions.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing primary and secondary windings for magnetic interaction, enabling automatic measurement of seat position relative to the cabin floor or rail system, with energy and data transmission capabilities to control associated devices, reducing manual intervention and optimizing component usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of seat positions is used, then flexibility in seat configuration is achieved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat configuration flexibilityVSAvoidtime for position adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromagnetic measurement system. Primary windings are embedded in the rail system while secondary windings are integrated into the seats. When a seat is positioned on the rail, the magnetic coupling between windings automatically detects the seat position, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment of associated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables automatic self-detection of seat positions through the magnetic interaction between primary and secondary windings. The measurement system automatically identifies which seats are positioned on the rail and at what locations, without requiring human intervention for detection or recording of position data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual repositioning of associated means is performed, then seat reconfiguration is completed, but labor costs and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidmanual adjustment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single automated system. The same magnetic field interaction that detects seat position also serves to identify which associated means (seat number displays, reading lights, call buttons) need to be repositioned or activated. This universal detection mechanism simplifies the overall reconfiguration process by providing centralized position information for all associated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automatic position detection is implemented, then time and labor are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition detection speedVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses magnetic fields as an intermediary between the physical seat position and the detection system. Primary windings embedded in the rail structure generate magnetic fields that couple with secondary windings in the seats. This magnetic intermediary enables non-contact, automatic position detection without requiring complex mechanical sensors or direct electrical connections between the rail system and seats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Automates seat position detection and control, reducing manual labor and costs by efficiently powering and communicating with passenger-related devices only where necessary, ensuring precise positioning and minimizing unnecessary magnetic radiation.

Implementation Method 1

a second vehicle part (6), which comprises one or more secondary windings (S1-SM) for a magnetic interaction with the one or more primary windings (P1-PN)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an energy supply device (13), which is set up so as to charge the one or more primary windings (P1-PN) with a voltage or current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical charging: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8907662B2System, aircraft or spacecraft, and method for measuring a current position of a second vehicle part relative to a first vehicle part

Publication Date: 2014.12.09 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

An arrangement for transmitting data and/or power between a chassis and a seat that is movably disposed on said chassis by means of a guide rail. Several primary iron half-cores that support at least one primary winding are arranged in a fixed manner within the guide rail while at least one secondary iron half-core comprising at least one secondary winding is placed on the seat. The primary half-cores are disposed within the guide rail in such a way that at least one primary and one secondary iron half-core are positioned relative to each other so as to transmit data and/or power.