Seat-Mounted NFC Reader Layout for Flexible Aircraft Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless NFC readers face challenges when installed in mass transportation vehicles like aircraft, as they require multiple installations, leading to issues such as varying installation complexities and the need for re-certification due to different passenger seat configurations, which increases costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A contactless payment reader designed to be installed as either a rear mount or front mount in a passenger seat, featuring a sealed housing with an antenna and processing electronics, allowing for a single terminal to function effectively in various orientations and seat configurations, with a fascia that matches the seat material for seamless integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple readers are installed for different passenger seats, then coverage is improved, but installation complexity and certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless reader is designed with a universal mounting structure that can be installed in multiple positions (rearward portion, forward portion, or overhead) and orientations of passenger seats. The housing includes standardized mounting features that accommodate different installation scenarios without requiring different reader models, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reader incorporates an adjustable antenna orientation mechanism that allows the antenna to be positioned at different angles relative to the housing. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same reader unit to adapt to various mounting positions and maintain optimal magnetic field performance across different installation configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If readers are installed in different orientations, then seat configuration adaptability is improved, but magnetic field performance varies
Solution Approach 1:
The reader incorporates an adjustable antenna orientation mechanism that allows the antenna to be positioned at different angles relative to the housing. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same reader unit to adapt to various mounting positions and maintain optimal magnetic field performance across different installation configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of antenna orientation parameters (angle, position) to optimize magnetic field characteristics for different mounting scenarios. By changing these physical parameters, the reader maintains reliable contactless communication performance whether installed in rearward or forward portions of seats, or in overhead locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single reader design is used for all installations, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but installation adaptability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless reader is designed with a universal mounting structure that can be installed in multiple positions (rearward portion, forward portion, or overhead) and orientations of passenger seats. The housing includes standardized mounting features that accommodate different installation scenarios without requiring different reader models, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reader housing is designed as a modular unit with separable mounting components and an independently adjustable antenna assembly. This segmentation allows the same base unit to be configured for different installation types by adjusting the antenna orientation and mounting position, enabling single-manufacturing with multi-application capability.
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
The solution enables a single contactless payment terminal to be used across different passenger seat installations, reducing the need for re-certification and minimizing installation complexities, while maintaining optimal magnetic field performance and user accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
NFC readers are known which allow a payment device to be presented in proximity of the reader and to obtain payment credential data from the payment device by way of inductive coupling. The reader has an antenna which emits a field. This is received by an antenna of the payment device
Data Source
AI summary
A contactless credential reader which is arranged to be installed in a rearward portion of a passenger seat of a transportation vehicle, such as an aircraft, in which the reader is arranged to be capable of being installed as either a rear mount or as a front mount.