Aircraft Passenger Service Unit Oxygen Mask Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft overhead passenger service units require cumbersome and time-consuming adjustments when seat configurations within the aircraft passenger cabin are modified, making it difficult to switch between different seat configurations efficiently.

Innovation Solution

The aircraft overhead passenger service unit is designed with at least two different oxygen mask storage portions spaced apart in the longitudinal direction, allowing for selective switching between oxygen mask supply configurations via an oxygen mask controller, enabling easy adaptation to different seat configurations without changing the positions of the service units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the position of passenger service units is adjusted when seat configuration is modified, then the service units can be positioned correctly relative to passenger seats, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different seat configurationsVSAvoidtime required for adjusting service unit positions
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The oxygen mask storage system is segmented into multiple storage portions (first oxygen mask storage portion and second oxygen mask storage portion) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction. Each storage portion can be independently configured to release oxygen masks at different positions, allowing the service unit to adapt to different seat configurations without physical repositioning of the entire unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The oxygen mask controller is made dynamically switchable between different oxygen mask supply configurations. This dynamic switching capability allows the service unit to adapt to different seat configurations by electronically reconfiguring which storage portions release masks, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple oxygen mask storage portions are provided spaced apart in longitudinal direction, then oxygen masks can be released at correct positions for different seat configurations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different seat configurationsVSAvoidcomplexity of oxygen mask storage and release system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The oxygen mask controller serves multiple functions: it controls both the first and second oxygen mask storage portions, manages different supply configurations, and adapts to various seat configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each storage portion, thereby managing complexity while enhancing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4265519B1Aircraft overhead passenger service unit
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 GOODRICH LIGHTING SYST GMBH
  • EP4265519B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4265519B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4265519B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An aircraft overhead passenger service unit (110) comprises a plurality of oxygen masks (12) for supplying oxygen to aircraft passengers in an emergency situation; and at least two different oxygen mask storage portions (25a, 25b), which are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction (L). The plurality of oxygen masks (12) are stored in the at least two different oxygen mask storage portions (25a, 25b). The aircraft overhead passenger service unit (110) further comprises an oxygen mask controller (26), which is switchable between at least two different configurations. The at least two different oxygen mask storage portions (25a, 25b) are individually associated with the at least two different configurations, with each of the at least two different configurations effecting a release of only the oxygen masks (12) of the associated oxygen mask storage portion (25a. 25b) in the emergency situation.