Pivoting Headrest Loudspeaker for Aircraft Audio Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft in-flight entertainment systems face challenges with passenger discomfort from headphones and disturbance from open loudspeakers due to background noise, which existing solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft seat audio system with a pivoting headrest element that adjusts volume and noise compensation based on the pivot angle, using microphones and loudspeakers to minimize noise disturbance to neighboring passengers by applying anti-noise and optimizing audio signal direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open loudspeakers are used to provide audio to passengers, then audio playback is possible without headphones, but neighboring passengers are disturbed by loud audio output needed to overcome engine noise
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system provides different acoustic characteristics to different spatial locations. The headrest loudspeaker delivers high-volume audio locally to the target passenger's ear position, while the ceiling loudspeaker provides low-volume ambient audio to the cabin environment, creating a local quality differentiation that enables personal audio without disturbing neighbors
Solution Approach 2:
The audio output is segmented into two separate channels: a primary high-volume channel directed at the target passenger through the headrest loudspeaker, and a secondary low-volume channel directed into the cabin environment through the ceiling loudspeaker. This segmentation allows the system to provide adequate audio volume to the target passenger while minimizing disturbance to neighboring passengers
2Object-affected harmful factors
If headphones are used to provide audio to passengers, then audio playback does not disturb neighboring passengers, but passengers experience discomfort from constant contact and cable presence
Solution Approach 1:
The audio delivery function is extracted from the traditional headphone form factor and relocated to the headrest structure. The loudspeaker element is integrated into the headrest and can be positioned to deliver audio directly to the passenger's ear, eliminating the need for headphones and their associated discomfort while maintaining audio isolation from neighboring passengers
Solution Approach 2:
The headrest loudspeaker acts as an intermediary device between the audio source and the passenger's ear. It provides a contactless audio delivery mechanism that eliminates the discomfort of headphone contact and cables while maintaining the ability to deliver audio at sufficient volume without disturbing neighboring passengers
3Ease of operation
If headphones are distributed and collected on each flight, then audio playback is provided to passengers, but significant labor time is required for distribution and collection operations
Solution Approach 1:
The audio system is integrated into the seat structure itself, with the headrest loudspeaker and control mechanisms built-in. Passengers can independently access and control their audio playback without requiring staff intervention for headphone distribution or collection, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate the time-consuming manual operations
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
The system effectively reduces noise disturbance for passengers by dynamically adjusting volume and noise compensation, ensuring clear audio for the listener while minimizing disturbance to others, even in noisy environments like aircraft cabins.
Implementation Method 1
the headrest element (5) comprises at least one loudspeaker element (2)
Implementation Method 2
which comprises at least one microphone and at least one loudspeaker element (2)
Implementation Method 3
A so-called 'anti-noise' is applied to the passenger's ears. This anti-noise is preferably a 180 degree phase shifted audio signal of the noise level at the passenger's ears
Data Source
Figure 1~3c
AI summary
The invention relates to an airplane seat (1) having an audio system for playing back audio data, wherein the audio system comprises a volume controller and/or a noise compensation controller, a head rest element (5) having a loudspeaker element (2) that can be swiveled at a swivel angle α, and wherein the volume and/or the degree of noise compensation is controlled subject to the swivel angle α.