Aircraft Passenger Seat Wireless Power Using Solar Windows and LEDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing power to passenger seats in aircraft is challenging during reconfiguration, as existing power lines add significant weight to the aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power system utilizing photovoltaic cells and solid-state batteries to generate electricity from light, which charges batteries and powers electrical loads in passenger seats, eliminating the need for power cables and allowing seat reconfiguration without reconfiguring power infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If power lines are provided to passenger seats, then power delivery to electrical loads is ensured, but aircraft weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the power lines (disturbing element) from the aircraft seating system and replaces them with a wireless power transmission system using photovoltaic cells and electromagnetic fields, thereby eliminating the weight penalty of extensive cabling while maintaining power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical electrical connection system (power lines and connectors) with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system, eliminating physical contact and reducing weight while enabling power delivery to movable seats
2Power
If power lines are installed for passenger seats, then power supply is established, but seat reconfiguration becomes complex and constrained
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the physical power lines that constrain seat movement, the patent enables complete freedom in seat reconfiguration while maintaining continuous power supply through wireless transmission to each seat's photovoltaic cells
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic power delivery system where power is transmitted wirelessly to seats regardless of their position or configuration, allowing seats to move freely and be reconfigured without being bound by fixed electrical infrastructure
3Weight of stationary object
If photovoltaic cells and batteries are used for wireless power, then aircraft weight is reduced by eliminating power lines, but power availability depends on light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-source power system where photovoltaic cells can receive energy from multiple sources including LED arrays, sunlight through windows, and other light sources, ensuring reliable power availability regardless of external conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates rechargeable batteries that can store energy in advance from photovoltaic cells or other sources, ensuring continuous power availability to electrical loads even when light sources are unavailable or insufficient
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 system reduces aircraft weight by eliminating power cables and enables flexible seat reconfiguration while ensuring robust power availability through solar energy and LED arrays, meeting power requirements efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more photovoltaic cells are configured to receive light and convert the light into electricity
Implementation Method 2
The one or more arrays each comprise a plurality of light emitting diodes. The one or more arrays are configured to emit the light
Implementation Method 3
The one or more batteries are rechargeable. The electricity from the one or more photovoltaic cells recharges the one or more batteries. The one or more batteries deliver power to the one or more electrical loads
Implementation Method 4
The light pipe is configured to receive the light and transport the light to the display for backlighting the display
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger seat is wirelessly powered. A combination of solid-state battery technology, photovoltaics, and LED arrays provide electrical power to an interactive display in a wireless power system. The LED arrays include redundant LEDs which are selected based on seat position and wireless feedback. The system uses solar window energy to offset the power requirements of the arrays, making the wireless power system more green or renewable. The LED arrays provides power when the solar window energy is unavailable, enabling robust power availability.