Aircraft Seat Pod Controller Layout for Recline-Aware Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seat controllers are static and ergonomically compromised, limiting flexibility and convenience for passengers of varying sizes and orientations, and existing solutions are primarily limited to flat surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft seat pods with a reclining seat and a controller interface that extends around the seat surface, tracking the seat's position and orientation to display controls at convenient locations, using vision sensors and multiple interfaces to accommodate different passenger sizes and orientations, and incorporating touch-sensitive or proximity sensing for input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a static controller interface is used at a fixed location, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates for passengers of varying sizes and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller interface transitions from a static fixed-location design to a dynamic system that tracks seat position and orientation in real-time, automatically adjusting control display locations to maintain ergonomic accessibility for passengers in various seating configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor seat position and orientation, providing feedback to the control system which then adjusts the interface display locations accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing passenger needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If the controller interface is limited to flat surfaces, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different seat configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller interface extends from traditional flat 2D surfaces into three-dimensional space, wrapping around curved surfaces and adapting to the contours of the seat pod, thereby accommodating various seat configurations and recline positions
Solution Approach 2:
The interface is designed to function across multiple surface types and geometries (flat, curved, wrapped), making it universally applicable to different seat designs and configurations while maintaining consistent user interaction
3Ease of operation
If a single controller interface location is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates for passengers in different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The controller interface is divided into multiple display locations distributed around the seat pod, with each location optimized for specific passenger orientations, allowing the system to present controls at the most accessible position based on current seat configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft seat pod with a reclining seat includes a controller interface that extends around a surface of the pod, include a surface obscured by the seat when in an upright position. The controller tracks the position and orientation of the seat and displays seat controls on the interface at a convenient location. More than one interface may be disposed at different locations to conveniently accommodate passengers of different size or in different orientations. Vision sensors may track the position and orientation of a passenger and preemptively display controls at a convenient location.