Aircraft Seat Wireless Controller for Legacy PCU Mobile Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy aircraft passenger seat control systems are not configured for mobile device-based actuation, requiring extensive reconfiguration and recertification to enable remote control of peripheral devices like seat configuration, lighting, and in-flight entertainment.

Innovation Solution

A wireless controller is installed between the passenger control unit (PCU) and its control module, allowing for simultaneous control of aircraft peripheral devices via a mobile communications device. The wireless controller includes a set of contacts mapped to the PCU switch matrix, enabling virtual contacts on a mobile device to activate corresponding physical switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If legacy aircraft passenger seat control systems are used without modification, then system reliability is maintained, but mobile device-based actuation capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemobile device-based actuation capabilityVSAvoidsystem reconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A wireless communication module is introduced as an intermediary component between the mobile device and the legacy PCU control module. This module receives wireless signals from mobile devices and converts them into the appropriate control signals that the legacy system expects, enabling mobile device-based actuation without requiring modifications to the core legacy control architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless controller creates a virtual copy of the physical PCU switch matrix interface on the mobile device screen. When a passenger interacts with the virtual controls on their mobile device, the wireless controller translates these interactions into signals that mimic the behavior of physical switch actuation, allowing the legacy system to respond as if physical switches were being operated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If extensive reconfiguration is performed to enable mobile device control, then adaptability improves, but recertification requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidrecertification compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the legacy PCU control module, the wireless communication module, and the mobile device interface. This segmentation allows the wireless communication module to be developed, tested, and certified independently, while the core legacy control module maintains its existing certification status, reducing overall recertification requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication module serves as an intermediary that interfaces with the legacy system through standardized connections. By maintaining standard interface protocols and physical connections, the legacy control module's certification remains valid while the wireless add-on module can be certified separately as a peripheral device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If physical PCU switches are used, then control reliability is maintained, but passenger accessibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger accessibilityVSAvoidcontrol system architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is enhanced to support multiple input modalities through the wireless communication module. The same control functions can be accessed through both physical PCU switches and mobile device interfaces, making the system universal and accessible to passengers with different needs and preferences without requiring separate control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical interaction required by physical PCU switches is replaced with wireless electronic communication. Instead of requiring physical contact with switches, passengers can use their mobile devices to send wireless control signals, eliminating the need for mechanical interaction while maintaining control functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4354411B1Retrofit wireless controller for aircraft passenger seats

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 BE AEROSPACE INC

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AI summary

A system and method for remote control of a passenger control unit (106), PCU, via a mobile communications device includes a wireless controller (116) and receiver installed between the PCU and a PCU control module (108) connected to actuators for seats and other peripheral devices (104). The wireless controller includes a set of contacts (126) mapped to a matrix of switches within the PCU. The wireless receiver receives a contact signal from a user device configured for execution of a graphical interface of virtual contacts mapped to the set of contacts (126). When the user engages a virtual contact, the contact signal indicates the engaged virtual contact and the wireless controller engages the corresponding contact. The PCU control module detects the engaged contact as an engagement of the corresponding PCU switch and signals the appropriate seat or peripheral device actuator. Seats and peripheral devices may be simultaneously controlled via the physical PCU or via mobile device.