Seat Backrest Li-Fi Support for Lightweight In-Flight Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft seats equipped with in-flight entertainment systems are heavy, complex, and obsolete, and Wi-Fi connectivity poses interference and health concerns, while short-haul flights lack necessary connectivity due to mass balance and obsolescence issues.
Innovation Solution
A reversible support system installed on the backrest of a seat, using Li-Fi technology for data communication, eliminating the need for wiring and providing a secure, interference-free connection for passengers' electronic devices without modifying the seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional in-flight entertainment systems are installed in aircraft seats, then passengers can access media content, but the seat weight increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The in-flight entertainment system is segmented into a permanent aircraft-based video distribution system and a removable portable receiver unit that attaches to the seat. This allows the entertainment capability to be provided without permanently installing heavy equipment in each seat, resolving the contradiction between functionality and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
A portable electronic device with a video receiver acts as an intermediary between the aircraft's video distribution system and the passenger's personal device. This intermediary enables in-flight entertainment without requiring direct integration into the seat structure, thereby avoiding increased seat weight and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Wi-Fi communication is used for internet connection, then passengers can access the internet, but electromagnetic interference and health concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic Wi-Fi communication system with a physical connection system using cables and connectors. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic radiation and interference while providing reliable internet connectivity to passengers' devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seats are equipped with built-in entertainment systems, then entertainment access is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The entertainment system is divided into separate components: the aircraft's fixed video distribution infrastructure and removable portable receivers. This segmentation allows standard seat manufacturing without complex integration, while still providing entertainment capability through simple attachment of the portable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable electronic device serves multiple functions: it receives video signals from the aircraft, connects to the passenger's personal devices, and provides internet connectivity. This universal device eliminates the need for specialized entertainment equipment in each seat, simplifying manufacturing.
4Reliability
If cabling is used to connect seats to processing units, then video and audio signals are transmitted, but the cabling weight significantly affects aircraft weight
Solution Approach 1:
The video receiver and associated cabling are extracted from the seat and placed in a portable unit that the passenger carries. This eliminates the need for heavy cabling runs to each seat while maintaining reliable signal transmission through the aircraft's existing video distribution 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 passengers to access entertainment and internet data securely and efficiently, reducing weight and complexity, and allowing connectivity on short-haul flights without damaging the seat or requiring new seat installations.
Implementation Method 1
a data communication device according to Li-Fi technology connected to the plate
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support (10) intended to be reversibly installed on an upper part (523) of an uncovered backrest (52) of a seat (50), said support comprising: - a plate (11) intended to bear, completely or partly, against a rear face (522) of the backrest (52), - three clamping mechanisms (12), each clamping mechanism (12) comprising a bearing member (121) and a clamping screw (124) that are intended to cooperate with the plate (11) so as to be able to clamp a structural frame (55) of the backrest (52) between said bearing member and said plate, - a Li-Fi technology data communication device (14) connected to the plate (11), - a connector (13) intended for the connection of an electronic equipment item (90), said connector being connected to the data communication device (14) by a cable (16).