Aircraft Trolley Wireless Charging for Continuous In-Service Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft trolleys and carts often run low on power during service, requiring frequent returns to the galley for charging, disrupting passenger service and limiting battery size due to the need for continuous power availability.
Innovation Solution
A trolley with a receiver configured to receive energy wirelessly from field generators placed beneath the aircraft surface, allowing continuous charging while in use, enabling efficient power replenishment without contact and allowing for a smaller battery pack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a larger battery is installed in the trolley to extend operation time, then the duration of action is improved, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements wireless charging pads at strategic locations throughout the aircraft cabin, enabling continuous charging of the trolley battery during its operational use. This allows the battery to be continuously replenished without returning to the galley, effectively extending operation time while maintaining a smaller, lighter battery capacity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the trolley returns to the galley for charging, then the battery is recharged, but service continuity is disrupted and time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The trolley is equipped with a receiver that automatically engages with wireless charging pads embedded in the floor at various cabin locations. When the trolley is positioned over these pads during normal service operations, charging occurs automatically without requiring manual intervention or interruption of service, allowing the trolley to recharge itself during use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging infrastructure is installed throughout the aircraft, then charging availability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging infrastructure is extracted from the traditional centralized galley location and distributed as simple wireless charging pads embedded in the floor at multiple strategic locations throughout the cabin. This distributes the charging function across multiple simple points rather than requiring one complex centralized charging system, reducing overall system complexity while improving charging availability.
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 during service without power depletion, improving service efficiency and allowing for a smaller, more efficient battery pack by wirelessly charging the trolley as it moves over 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
AI summary
An aircraft trolley battery charging system includes a trolley. The trolley includes a battery and a receiver. The aircraft trolley battery charging system further includes an aircraft surface and the trolley is configured to move on the aircraft surface and at least one field generator provided at the aircraft surface.