Aircraft Seat Motion Controller Tunable Speed Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current highly adjustable passenger seats lack the ability to tune seat motion speed, which can lead to uncomfortable transitions for passengers with different preferences, as they cannot adjust the speed during the transition process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a seat controller, motion planner, and actuators that allow passengers to select and change the transition speed in real-time, with sensors monitoring the environment to adjust the motion plan and prevent collisions or entrapment, enabling smooth and ergonomic seat adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If seat transition speed is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to inability to accommodate different preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a motion controller that dynamically adjusts actuator speed based on real-time parameters. The system transitions from fixed-speed operation to variable-speed operation by introducing a speed profile generator that modifies actuator commands according to selected transition characteristics (linear, accelerated, decelerated), enabling the same hardware to adapt to different passenger comfort preferences without increasing physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the actuator system by introducing selectable transition speed profiles. Instead of modifying the physical structure, the system varies the speed parameter over time during seat transitions. The motion controller receives a selected transition characteristic and generates corresponding speed profiles, allowing the actuator to operate at different speeds during different phases of the transition to optimize comfort
2Productivity
If seat transition speed is increased, then productivity is improved, but passenger comfort deteriorates for those preferring slow transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic speed adjustment during the transition process. Rather than maintaining a constant high speed for productivity, the motion controller applies variable speed profiles that can accelerate quickly when needed and decelerate smoothly near the destination. This allows the system to achieve high overall transition speed while providing comfort during critical phases of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic variation in actuator speed through predefined transition profiles. The motion controller applies different speed characteristics at different stages of the transition - faster speeds during intermediate phases and slower speeds during start and end phases. This periodic modulation of speed allows the system to maintain high productivity while ensuring comfort during passenger-sensitive periods
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuator speeds are used, then seat transition flexibility is improved, but motion planning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seat transition process into distinct phases (start, intermediate, end) and assigns different speed characteristics to each phase. The motion controller divides the overall transition into manageable segments, applying appropriate speed profiles to each. This segmentation approach enables flexible multi-speed operation while keeping the planning process organized and manageable through modular profile selection
Data Source
AI summary
A system for motion control of an adjustable passenger seat. In embodiments, the system includes a seat including actuators coupled to movable seat components, a seat controller operatively coupled to the actuators, a motion planner communicatively coupled to the seat controller, and an interface operable for entering a sitting position change. The motion planner is configured to receive a request for a sitting position change, retrieve a motion plan corresponding to the requested sitting position change, receive a request for a transition speed associated with the requested sitting position change, and instruct the seat controller to operate the actuators to execute the requested sitting position change at the requested transition speed. In some embodiments, a transition speed change request is processed during seat motion.