Integrated Seatback Module for Passenger Entertainment Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle information systems are complex, heavy, difficult to install, and generate heat, leading to passenger discomfort and increased fuel consumption due to their numerous discrete components and intricate cable networks, which also restrict heat dissipation in limited passenger cabin spaces.

Innovation Solution

An integrated system module that combines multiple discrete components into a compact, lightweight, and low-power unit for installation at a passenger seat, featuring a touchscreen video display, power management, and ventilation to reduce size and heat generation, while maintaining functionality and aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple discrete system components are individually installed throughout the passenger vehicle, then each component can be independently maintained and replaced, but the system becomes heavy, complex, and difficult to install with intricate cable networks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent maintainabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete system components (video interface, audio interface, input system, access point) into a single integrated system module that is disposed within the seatback envelope. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate mounting locations and reduces the intricate cable networks while maintaining the functional independence of each component through modular internal architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete system components are distributed throughout the passenger vehicle, then system functionality is maintained, but the system generates significant heat and consumes excessive power

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple system components into a single module, reducing the total power consumption by eliminating redundant power management circuits and reducing heat generation through consolidated thermal management. The integrated design allows for more efficient power distribution and heat dissipation compared to distributed discrete components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If user interface system components are installed within the seatback and armrests, then passenger seat functionality is enhanced, but the passenger seat size increases despite cramped cabin space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat functionalityVSAvoidseat size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the integrated system module within the existing seatback envelope, utilizing the unused space in the seat structure. The module is disposed within the seatback in a manner that does not increase the overall external dimensions of the passenger seat, effectively nesting the entertainment system components within the existing seat geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Adaptability or versatility

If system components are installed in the passenger seat, then viewing content functionality is provided, but heat is generated within the passenger seat resulting in passenger discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing content capabilityVSAvoidpassenger discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the heat-generating system components from the passenger seating area by disposing the integrated module within the seatback envelope, separating the thermal source from the passenger contact surfaces. This extraction of heat-generating elements from the immediate passenger environment reduces thermal discomfort while maintaining full system functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

5Adaptability or versatility

If discrete system components are individually mounted, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but installation becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individually mountable components into a single pre-assembled integrated system module that is designed for simplified installation within the seatback envelope. This consolidation maintains the functional optimization of each component while dramatically reducing installation complexity from multiple separate mounting operations to a single module installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10556684B2System and method for providing an integrated user interface system at a seat

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 PANASONIC AVIONICS CORP

AI summary

A light-weight and low-power integrated system module suitable for installation at a passenger seat disposed aboard a passenger vehicle and methods for manufacturing and using same. By integrating selected interface system components with the associated interconnections, the integrated system module provides an intuitive user interface system for interacting with a passenger entertainment system. The integrated system module can be installed within a seatback of the passenger seat that compliments the look and feel of the user interface system, creating an immersive entertainment experience during travel.