Aircraft Trolley Induction Charging for Continuous Cabin Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft trolleys and carts often run low on power while in use, requiring frequent returns to the galley for charging, disrupting service and necessitating larger battery packs to compensate for the need for continuous power.
Innovation Solution
A trolley/cart battery charging system utilizing field generators placed beneath the aircraft surface, which induce energy to a receiver on the trolley, allowing continuous charging while in use, enabling efficient power replenishment without contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery is used to power the trolley during service, then the trolley can operate independently, but the battery will run low on power requiring frequent returns to the galley for charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous charging of the battery by utilizing induction charging zones distributed throughout the aircraft cabin. As the trolley moves through these zones during normal service operations, the battery is continuously recharged, eliminating the need to stop service for charging and maintaining uninterrupted power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The trolley automatically charges itself by passing through induction charging zones during its normal movement between service locations. The system requires no manual intervention to connect charging cables or return to a central charging station, as the charging process occurs autonomously during routine operations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the trolley is returned to the galley for charging, then the battery can be recharged, but service to passengers is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The induction charging zones are strategically positioned along the trolley's service route, allowing the battery to be recharged continuously during normal service movements. This eliminates idle time at a central charging station and maintains uninterrupted service to passengers.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging function is integrated into the spatial environment of the aircraft cabin rather than requiring a dedicated charging station. By embedding charging zones throughout the cabin space, the system transforms the charging process from a discrete stop into a continuous environmental feature.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a larger battery pack is used to extend operation time, then the trolley can operate longer without charging, but the weight of the trolley increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a single large battery, the system uses multiple smaller induction charging zones distributed throughout the aircraft. The battery is continuously topped up during service, effectively extending operational duration without requiring a larger battery capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging infrastructure is segmented into multiple distributed induction zones throughout the aircraft cabin, replacing the need for a single large battery. Each zone contributes to the overall energy supply, allowing the use of a smaller battery while maintaining extended operation capability.
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
Enables continuous operation of trolleys without power depletion, allowing cabin crew to serve passengers efficiently and reducing the need for larger battery packs by charging the trolley while in motion over strategically placed field generators.
Implementation Method 1
moving the receiver over the at least one field generator such that energy may be transferred, via induction, from the at least one field generator to the receiver
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
There is provided an aircraft trolley battery charging system comprising a trolley (100). The trolley includes a battery (102) and a receiver (104). The aircraft trolley battery charging system further comprises an aircraft surface (120), wherein the trolley (100) is configured to move on the aircraft surface (120) and at least one field generator (122a, 122b) provided at the aircraft surface (120).