Remote Controlled Air Nozzles for Aircraft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Passengers in enclosed vehicles, such as aircraft, face challenges in adjusting air nozzle settings due to their location in overhead compartments, making it difficult for children, shorter individuals, and those with health issues to control airflow direction and volume comfortably, especially during restricted times like takeoff or turbulence.

Innovation Solution

Remotely-controlled air nozzles with actuator assemblies, including shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators, are integrated near passenger seats, allowing control through input devices, enabling passengers to adjust airflow direction and volume from their seats without standing, with options for wired or wireless signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If gasper nozzles are mounted in overhead compartments above seats, then airflow control is provided for each passenger, but passengers with mobility issues cannot reach or adjust the nozzles from their seated position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility of nozzle adjustmentVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated actuator system. Electric actuators are installed within the nozzle assembly to automatically position the nozzle based on signals from the passenger's seat, eliminating the need for manual reaching and adjustment while maintaining individualized control for each passenger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary control system between the passenger and the nozzle. The seat serves as the intermediary interface, where controls are positioned within easy reach of the passenger. This intermediary transmits control signals to the nozzle actuators, enabling indirect but accessible control for passengers who cannot physically reach overhead nozzles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of gasper nozzles is required, then individualized airflow control is achieved, but flight attendants must assist passengers during restricted periods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividualized airflow controlVSAvoidflight attendant availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables passengers to independently control their own airflow settings through automated systems. The actuator systems allow passengers to adjust nozzle position and airflow characteristics without requiring assistance from flight attendants, maintaining individualized control while freeing attendants to perform other duties during restricted periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual assistance with automated actuator systems that respond to passenger inputs. Electric motors and control circuits automatically adjust nozzle settings based on passenger preferences, eliminating the need for flight attendant intervention while preserving personalized airflow control for each passenger.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If iterative manual adjustment is performed, then satisfactory airflow settings are achieved, but the process is uncomfortable and disruptive to neighboring passengers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow setting adjustmentVSAvoiddiscomfort and disruption to passengers

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces iterative manual trial-and-error adjustment with automated actuator control. The system allows passengers to make precise adjustments from their seats without repeatedly moving or disturbing neighboring passengers, achieving satisfactory airflow settings through controlled automated positioning rather than manual iteration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables individualized airflow control for all passengers, including those with mobility limitations, reducing discomfort and the need for flight attendant assistance, allowing adjustments during restricted times without disrupting other duties.

Implementation Method 1

remotely-controlled air nozzles with actuator assemblies, including shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS10137992B2Remote controlled air nozzles and methods of assembling the same

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An aircraft includes a plurality of seats and an input device coupled to each of the plurality of seats. The aircraft also includes a remotely controlled nozzle positioned proximate each seat of the plurality of seats. Each nozzle includes an actuator assembly including at least one actuator and an actuator shaft. The at least one actuator is configured to move the actuator shaft between an open position and a closed position to control an airflow through the nozzle in response to a signal received from a respective input device of the input devices, wherein the signal represents a position of the actuator shaft.