Unified Passenger Service System for Aircraft Cabin Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for aircraft cabin comfort features, such as overhead lighting, cabin lighting, window shades, and air nozzle direction and flow rate, are not integrated for unified passenger control, lacking a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
A passenger service system that includes sensors to detect seat position, passenger presence, hand movements, window shade openness, cabin light levels, ambient light, and air flow direction and rate, with a controller to adjust these parameters based on input signals from various sensors and a passenger input device for personalized comfort settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate control systems are used for different cabin comfort features (lighting, window shades, air nozzles), then each feature can be controlled independently, but the overall system complexity increases and passenger convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control systems for lighting, window shades, and air nozzles into a single integrated control system. The controller receives inputs from various sensors (light sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors) and coordinates control of all comfort features through one unified system, reducing operational complexity for passengers while maintaining independent control capability for each feature.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed as a universal device that can manage multiple different cabin comfort features simultaneously. It processes various types of sensor inputs (light levels, temperature, occupancy) and generates appropriate control signals for different actuators (lighting fixtures, window shade mechanisms, air nozzle controls), making the system multi-functional and reducing the need for separate dedicated control units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a comprehensive integrated control system is implemented for all cabin comfort features, then passenger convenience and comfort optimization improve, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into modular components: individual sensors for different parameters (light, temperature, occupancy), separate actuators for each comfort feature (lighting, window shades, air nozzles), and a central controller that processes information and generates control signals. This modular architecture allows the system to be implemented incrementally and reduces overall cost by allowing selective deployment of different sensor and actuator types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic control capabilities where the controller autonomously adjusts cabin comfort features based on sensor inputs without requiring constant manual intervention. For example, when sensors detect certain light levels or temperature conditions, the controller automatically adjusts lighting or air nozzle settings, reducing the need for complex user interfaces and manual control systems.
3Ease of operation
If manual control switches are provided for each overhead light, then lighting control is simple and reliable, but passenger convenience and time efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting control system incorporates sensors that detect passenger presence, hand gestures, or automatic triggers based on ambient light conditions. The controller receives feedback from these sensors and automatically adjusts the lighting state (on/off, brightness level) without requiring manual switch operation, significantly reducing the time and effort needed for lighting control while maintaining reliability through multiple sensor validation.
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger service system includes a seat, a first sensor associated with the seat that senses a position of the seat and generates a first signal, a second sensor associated with the seat that senses the presence of a passenger in the seat and generates a second signal, a first light source disposed at a predetermined location with respect to the seat, where the first light source generates light, a third sensor associated with the first light source that senses at least a position of at least one hand of the passenger and generate a third signal, and a controller that receives the first signal, a first light signal that controls at least one parameter associated with the light including at least one of an intensity, a color, a projected pattern, projected pattern location, or a width.