Aircraft Seat Shared Control Architecture Reduces Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seats with complex electromechanical systems face issues of excessive electrical connections, which lead to space constraints and potential malfunctions, while existing solutions either burden the seat structure with cables or risk depriving groups of seat functions in case of central processing unit failures.
Innovation Solution
The control unit for nodes is integrated into the keyboard, connected via a CAN multiplexed network, and the screen control unit is embedded within the screen, both within the same pack, reducing electrical links and incorporating redundancy to ensure passenger comfort during unit malfunctions. Additionally, a high-bit-rate network, such as Ethernet, is used for video and audio data management, and a power source and switch are housed in a single pack within the seat frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a control unit is placed beneath each seat to control nodes and screens, then each seat can be independently controlled, but the number of cables under the seat increases significantly, burdening the seat structure and taking up all available space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a shared control unit that serves multiple seats simultaneously. This control unit is positioned remotely (e.g., in the galley area) and controls nodes and screens across several seats through a multiplexed communication system, eliminating the need for separate control units under each seat and dramatically reducing cable requirements.
2Device complexity
If a single central processing unit controls multiple seats to reduce cable quantity, then wiring is lightened, but the entire group of seats loses all node functions if the central unit malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple independent control units, each responsible for specific seats or groups of seats. This segmentation ensures that a malfunction in one control unit does not affect other units, maintaining system reliability while still reducing overall cable quantity compared to having a control unit under every seat.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundancy mechanisms where control functions are distributed across multiple units rather than concentrated in a single point of failure. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that if one control unit fails, other units can continue to operate, preventing total system failure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables connect the control unit to each node and screen, then complete control functionality is achieved, but the cables burden the seat structure and cause malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cable connections with a multiplexed communication system that uses fewer electrical connections. The control unit communicates with multiple nodes and screens through a shared communication bus, substituting the need for individual point-to-point cable connections and thereby reducing cable-induced malfunctions.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention essentially concerns an aircraft seat, comprising control units, at least one node to execute a particular action or function, and a display for viewing video data. The node and the display are capable of being actuated by the control units. A keyboard for transmitting a command signal addressed to the control units is connected to the control units. The control units are shared between the display, the keyboard and the node.