Aircraft Seatback Ventilation Assembly for Laminar Purified Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cabin air distribution systems inject high velocity non-laminar air streams, which can be uncomfortable and increase fuel consumption by reducing outside airflow, while also posing challenges for emergency egress and requiring extensive design and testing for integrated personal air delivery solutions.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation assembly comprising fan systems and air distribution assemblies that provide purified air through removably installed vents on seatbacks, with ductwork and seat attachment devices to direct air flow, and mounting plates that connect to seat tracks to reduce weight and avoid recertification of passenger seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high velocity air streams are injected into the cabin, then air circulation is improved, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to drafts
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution system is segmented into multiple personal air distribution assemblies, each serving individual passengers or small groups. Each assembly includes multiple air distribution vents that deliver air at lower velocities directly to the passenger breathing zone, eliminating the draft effect while maintaining effective air circulation through distributed delivery points
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides localized air delivery through personal air distribution assemblies positioned at or near each passenger seat. Each assembly delivers conditioned air with appropriate velocity and direction tailored to the local passenger needs, rather than using high velocity streams that cause discomfort in the general cabin environment
2Use of energy by moving object
If recirculated air is used to reduce fuel consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but air purity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously recirculates and reconditions air through filtration and cooling/heating processes. Used air is discarded to the extent necessary for air quality maintenance, while fresh air is introduced to replace it. The recirculated air is recovered and reused after being purified through filters and reconditioned by the thermal management system, maintaining both energy efficiency and air purity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of recirculated air through filtration (removing particles and contaminants), heating or cooling (adjusting temperature), and humidity control. These parameter changes restore the air quality to acceptable levels, enabling continuous recirculation while maintaining air purity and reducing the need for fresh air intake that would increase fuel consumption
3Reliability
If integrated personal air delivery systems are implemented, then air distribution effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and certification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The personal air delivery system is segmented into modular assemblies that can be independently installed on or near individual seats. Each assembly is a self-contained unit with its own air distribution vents and control mechanisms, reducing the complexity of integrating a full system across the entire aircraft while maintaining effective personal air delivery to each passenger
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing aircraft infrastructure (seat structures, air conditioning ducts, power systems) as intermediaries to deliver conditioned air to passengers. By leveraging these already-certified and integrated components, the system achieves effective personal air delivery without requiring complete system redesign or extensive recertification
4Ease of manufacture
If removable air distribution assemblies are used, then installation ease is improved, but connection reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The air distribution assemblies are extracted as removable modules that can be independently installed and removed from the aircraft seats. This extraction enables easy installation and maintenance while incorporating features like quick-connect interfaces and secure mounting mechanisms that maintain connection reliability during flight operations
Solution Approach 2:
The removable connection system incorporates pre-designed coupling mechanisms with built-in redundancy and security features. These include locking mechanisms, sealing elements, and structural reinforcement that cushion against potential connection failures, ensuring reliable air delivery even with removable assemblies
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 solution provides comfortable, purified air to passengers without increasing fuel consumption, while being easily retrofittable and equivalent to integrated designs in terms of effectiveness and safety, without the need for extensive design or testing.
Implementation Method 1
a number of fan systems configured to draw in and purify air
Implementation Method 2
a contaminant conditioning system that delivers purified air to a first and a second laminar flow generator
Implementation Method 3
Each laminar flow generator produces a respective laminar flow that combines to form and fill a breathing space with purified air
Data Source
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AI summary
A ventilation assembly (504) comprises a number of fan systems (518) configured to purify air and a number of air distribution assemblies (522, 524, 528, 532). Each air distribution assembly of the number of air distribution assemblies is configured to be removably installed on a seatback (526, 530, 534) of a passenger seat. Each air distribution assembly (524, 528, 532) of the number of air distribution assemblies comprises a pair of air distribution vents, ductwork configured to receive air from at least one fan system of the number of fan systems and direct air to the pair of air distribution vents, and a seat attachment device configured to removably couple the pair of air distribution vents to the seatback such that each air distribution vent is situated on opposite sides of the seatback for providing purified air to a seated passenger.