Aircraft Seat Cushion Sensor Layout for Accurate Vital Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft seat cushion systems have limited sensitivity and accuracy in monitoring passenger health, safety, and comfort due to the arrangement of sensor electronics, which are often obscured by the multilayer structure of the cushions.
Innovation Solution
Integrating sensor systems into the aircraft seat cushions, specifically arranging them in the lower area and potentially embedding them within the plastic foam, along with a flame protection fabric, to enhance measurement accuracy and protect against environmental influences, while also using multiple sensors for improved data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor electronics are arranged underneath the seat cushion, then the cushion structure is maintained, but measurement sensitivity and accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor electronics are embedded within the multilayer cushion structure, specifically integrated between foam layers and covered by flame retardant fabric. This nesting approach allows the sensing system to be positioned close to the passenger contact surface for high measurement sensitivity while remaining protected within the existing cushion architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional layers (foam padding, sensor electronics, flame retardant fabric) into a single integrated cushion assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensor housing and wiring channels, achieving both measurement accuracy and structural simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If sensor electronics are embedded in the cushion, then measurement accuracy improves, but protection against environmental influences is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor electronics are nested within the cushion's multilayer structure, positioned between foam layers and covered by flame retardant fabric. This provides physical protection against environmental factors such as moisture, heat, and mechanical damage while maintaining close proximity to the measurement point for high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The flame retardant fabric acts as a flexible protective barrier that encloses the sensor electronics. This thin film provides environmental protection while allowing the sensor to remain integrated within the cushion structure and maintain its measurement capabilities.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensor systems are used, then data collection improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor systems are merged into a single integrated evaluation unit that processes data from all sensors. This combining approach enables comprehensive data collection from multiple sensing points while using shared processing resources, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The evaluation unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle data from multiple sensor types (pressure, temperature, humidity sensors). This universal processing capability allows the same hardware to serve multiple sensing functions, reducing the need for separate processing circuits for each sensor.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect, provided is a cushion for an aircraft seat including at least one cushion having an upper side and a lower side of at least one plastic foam; at least one sensor system, where at least one sensor system is arranged in a region of the cushion adjacent the bottom surface of the cushion; and at least one flame retardant fabric covering at least one side of the at least one cushion. In a second aspect, provided is a cushion for an aircraft seat including at least one pad made of at least one plastic; at least one stabilizing means embedded in the at least one plastic; and at least one sensor system arranged on the at least one stabilizing means.