Planar In-Flight Entertainment Remote Controller with Edgewise Docking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing in-flight entertainment system control units are outdated and fail to accommodate the advanced input requirements of modern in-flight entertainment systems, which include multimedia content navigation, gaming, and various passenger amenities.

Innovation Solution

A remote controller system with a control unit having a planar configuration, featuring a keyboard side, gaming controls side, and a top edge segment, which can be docked edgewise into a passenger seat armrest, allowing for easy access to navigation, gaming, and other functions while maintaining a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the control unit is designed with multiple input controls for advanced functions, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput requirements accommodationVSAvoidcontrol unit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed to accommodate multiple input modalities including keyboard input, gaming controls, and multimedia navigation within a single device. This multi-functional design allows the control unit to adapt to various IFE system requirements without requiring separate control devices for each function type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is divided into distinct functional sections with different input controls positioned on opposite sides. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining an integrated unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the control unit is made compact for easy storage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the input control functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidinput control variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit utilizes a three-dimensional layout with input controls positioned on opposite sides and at different depths. This dimensional arrangement allows a variety of input controls to be packed into a compact form factor while maintaining accessibility from different user positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit features a compact design where smaller control elements are nested within or adjacent to larger structural components. This nesting approach maximizes the density of input controls within the available space while maintaining a sleek compact exterior suitable for storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9916013B2Control unit for in-flight entertainment system

Publication Date: 2018.03.13 PANASONIC AVIONICS CORP

AI summary

An in-flight entertainment system remote controller has a control unit with a generally planar configuration. The control unit has a gaming controls side, an opposed keyboard side, and a top edge segment between the gaming controls side and the keyboard side. A dock is mounted to a passenger seat structure, and defines an open receptacle that is receptive to the control unit. The dock defines an insertion axis that is substantially coplanar with the remote control unit when oriented for mounting. The top edge segment is exposed while the gaming controls side and the keyboard side are concealed, with the control unit in a retracted position.