Modular Seat Actuation Control via Peer-to-Peer Bus Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat control systems for aircraft seats are inefficient due to excessive wiring, slow system response, and lack of modularity, with failure of the main controller causing the entire system to malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A modular seat actuation control system using a peer-to-peer network with interconnected control modules over a communication bus, where each module autonomously controls its associated seat device, processes status information, and broadcasts data packets with priority, allowing distributed processing and independent operation without a central controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a main controller directly controls all actuators and devices, then the system has centralized control capability, but the wiring becomes excessively complex and the system response slows down
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control modules, each responsible for specific actuators or devices. Each module has its own processor and memory, enabling distributed control. This segmentation reduces wiring complexity by eliminating the need for all modules to connect to a central controller, and improves system response speed by enabling parallel processing of control signals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a main controller performs all processing functions, then the control logic is centralized, but the system lacks modularity and upgradeability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into multiple independent control modules, each with its own processor and memory. Each module can be independently upgraded or replaced without affecting other modules, providing high modularity and adaptability. The standardized communication bus allows for easy integration of new modules with updated functionality.
3Quantity of substance
If the main controller coordinates all actuator operations, then centralized control is achieved, but the amount of wiring increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
Control modules communicate with each other through a standardized communication bus, acting as intermediaries in the control network. This eliminates the need for direct point-to-point wiring between the main controller and all actuators. The communication bus provides an efficient medium for coordinate control information, maintaining system coordination efficiency while substantially reducing wiring quantity.
4Reliability
If all control signals are generated and sent from a single controller, then the control architecture is simple, but the system fails completely if the main controller malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control modules, each with its own processor and memory. This distribution of control functions means that if one module fails, the others can continue to operate independently, significantly improving system reliability. The modular architecture adds complexity at the module level but simplifies the overall system fault tolerance.
5Device complexity
If separate connection leads are used for each actuator, then direct control is achieved, but the wiring becomes excessively complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control signals and data streams are merged into a single communication bus that connects all control modules. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate connection leads for each actuator, substantially reducing wiring complexity. The standardized bus interface simplifies installation and maintenance, as modules can be connected and disconnected without complex wiring changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat actuation control system includes at least one seat having a plurality of seat devices and a plurality of control modules interconnected over a communication bus. Each module is associated with a corresponding seat control device and is configured to control its corresponding seat device. Each module includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor and storing program instructions therein which include receiving a status packet from each of the other control modules over the communication bus, processing the status packet for updating the overall system status, and actuating the seat device based on the overall system status. The program instructions further include determining status of the corresponding seat device, generating a status packet including the status information, and broadcasting the status packet to the other modules over the communication bus.