Universal Aircraft Supply Module for Flexible Seating Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional passenger service units in aircraft require significant time and resources to reconfigure seating arrangements, as they need to be manually adjusted or replaced to accommodate changes in seat configurations, leading to increased logistical effort and costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible supply module with adjustable lighting and display units integrated into the aircraft cabin's ceiling, controlled by a cabin management system, which can activate different service areas based on predefinable occupancy situations, eliminating the need for physical repositioning and allowing for customizable lighting and information display for each seat configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional supply modules are manually adjusted or replaced to accommodate changes in seat configurations, then seating arrangements can be reconfigured, but significant time and resources are required, leading to increased logistical effort and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The supply module is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple seat configurations (2-seater, 3-seater, 4-seater) without requiring physical reconfiguration. The housing contains supply units arranged to serve different numbers of seats, and the module can be positioned at various locations along the supply channel to adapt to different cabin layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically moving or replacing supply modules when seat configurations change, the system uses the same physical module at different positions along the standardized supply channel. The module effectively 'copies' its service function to different seat arrangements by being relocated along the channel, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional supply modules are manually adjusted or replaced to accommodate changes in seat configurations, then seating arrangements can be reconfigured, but significant resources and costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The supply module is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple seat configurations (2-seater, 3-seater, 4-seater) without requiring physical reconfiguration. The housing contains supply units arranged to serve different numbers of seats, and the module can be positioned at various locations along the supply channel to adapt to different cabin layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows different seat configurations to be served by changing the position parameter of the supply module along the standardized supply channel, rather than changing the physical structure of the module itself. This parameter-based adaptation (position along the channel) reduces manufacturing and installation complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reading lights are moved mechanically or replaced to accommodate new seating positions, then lighting can be provided for reconfigured seats, but manual adjustment is required, increasing workload
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is copied to different seat positions by relocating the entire supply module along the standardized supply channel, rather than manually adjusting individual light fixtures. The module's integrated lighting units automatically align with the new seating configuration upon installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply module contains multiple reading light units that can serve different numbers of seats (2, 3, or 4 seats) depending on the configuration. The same module design universally provides lighting adaptability across various seat arrangements without requiring manual repositioning of individual light fixtures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different supply module variants are used depending on seat configuration, then specific seating arrangements can be accommodated, but inventory complexity and conversion costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply module is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple seat configurations (2-seater, 3-seater, 4-seater) without requiring physical reconfiguration. The housing contains supply units arranged to serve different numbers of seats, and the module can be positioned at various locations along the supply channel to adapt to different cabin layouts.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple supply module variants (designed for 2, 3, or 4 seats) are merged into a single standardized module design. The unified module contains all necessary supply units (lighting, air supply, power, communication) that can serve different seat configurations, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventory of different module types.
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
This solution reduces installation and maintenance costs, saves time during seat reconfiguration, and enhances passenger comfort by providing personalized lighting and information without manual intervention, while also reducing the workload for flight attendants.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting unit (101, 102, 250, 251) has a light source (161), with the light source being designed to individually illuminate two or more seats in the aircraft cabin
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a supply module for a passenger transport vehicle, comprising a first supply unit for supplying passengers with a first supply medium in a first supply area, and a second supply unit for supplying a second supply medium in a second supply area. The supply module further comprises a control unit designed for activating the first supply unit in a first partial area of the first supply area and for activating the second supply unit in a second partial area of the second supply area, based on a pre-definable seating configuration.