Portable Passenger Control Unit With Docking for Accessible Suite Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in luxury or comfort suites on aircraft or in airport lounges face inconvenience and difficulty in controlling electronic equipment due to the need to extend their arms or leave their seats, which is particularly challenging for those with reduced mobility.
Innovation Solution
A portable, multipurpose passenger control unit (PMPPCU) with a fixed base and a portable passenger control unit (PCU) that allows for electronic device control via a locking mechanism, projector, and electronic/communication coupling, featuring a control ring, display, and audio sensor for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electronic equipment control is integrated into fixed wall-mounted units, then control functionality is available, but passengers with reduced mobility cannot access controls without extending arms or leaving seats
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent parts: a portable passenger control unit (PCU) that can be held and operated by passengers, and a fixed base unit mounted on the wall. The PCU contains the control interface and communicates wirelessly with the base unit, allowing passengers to control electronic equipment without reaching or leaving their seats.
Solution Approach 2:
A wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between the portable PCU and the fixed base unit. The PCU transmits control signals wirelessly to the base unit, which then executes the control commands for electronic equipment, eliminating the need for physical connection or proximity to the wall-mounted interface.
2Ease of operation
If control units are made portable and handheld, then accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility is improved, but the unit requires charging infrastructure and secure docking
Solution Approach 1:
The portable PCU and fixed base unit are designed to dock together, merging their functions when connected. The base unit provides charging contacts that automatically connect with corresponding contacts on the PCU when docked, providing power and data communication without requiring separate charging cables or infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The docking mechanism automatically performs multiple functions: mechanical attachment, electrical charging, and data communication setup. When the PCU is placed in the holder, the system self-activates charging and establishes wireless communication parameters without requiring manual intervention from passengers or flight crew.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic equipment control system is provided. The electronic equipment control system includes a portable, multipurpose passenger control unit (202), The portable, multipurpose passenger control includes a portable passenger control unit (304) and a fixed base (302). The portable passenger control unit (304) comprises a base portion (320). The fixed base (302) comprises a holder (312) configured to receive the base portion (320). Responsive to the portable passenger control unit (304) being coupled to the holder (312), the portable passenger control unit (304) is configured to control one or more electronic devices within a suite.