Wireless Aircraft Seat Control via Portable Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seat control systems are hindered by heavy wiring and complex electromechanical components, limiting design flexibility and increasing weight, while traditional passenger service systems are cumbersome and weight-intensive, lacking a simple wireless solution for passenger control and communication with on-board crew.
Innovation Solution
A wireless control system utilizing a portable electronic device, such as a smartphone, with a wireless communication module like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to connect with a seat's functional control unit, enabling passengers to control seat actuators and communicate with on-board crew via a local network, simplifying pairing through QR code reading and offering a graphical interface for intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wired passenger service systems are installed in each seat, then passengers can control seat functions and communicate with on-board crew, but the weight of the aircraft increases significantly due to wiring and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control functionality from the seat structure itself and relocates it to the passenger's portable electronic device. The seat control unit communicates wirelessly with the passenger's device, eliminating the need for wired control panels, switches, and associated wiring harnesses in each seat, thereby removing significant weight while preserving control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the passenger and the seat control unit. Instead of direct wired connection, wireless signals (such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) mediate the control commands and data transmission, eliminating physical wiring while maintaining functional connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex wiring systems and electromechanical components are installed in each seat, then seat functionalities can be controlled, but the device complexity and difficulty of maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control logic and user interface from the seat's fixed infrastructure and relocates it to the passenger's portable electronic device. This leaves the seat with only the essential actuation mechanisms, significantly reducing wiring complexity and making the system easier to maintain while preserving full functionality through wireless control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the passenger's existing portable electronic device, which already possesses universal capabilities for processing, display, and communication. This universal device serves multiple functions: controlling seat position, adjusting lighting, managing entertainment, and communicating with crew, thereby reducing the need for dedicated specialized components in each seat.
3Ease of operation
If traditional wired control units are installed in each seat, then passengers can control reading lights and call crew, but the ease of operation is reduced due to physical location constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses wireless communication as an intermediary that decouples the control interface from the controlled device. The passenger can issue commands from any location within wireless range, and the control unit receives and executes them, providing ease of operation without requiring physical proximity or complex wired connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A system to control a seat and its environment in a cabin of a transportation vehicle. A functional controller of the seat is connected to an electric controller to activate electric actuators and/or effectors, such as electric motors of the seat. The functional controller includes a wireless communication module to establish a wireless link with at least one portable electronic device associated with a passenger of the seat. The portable electronic device enables the passenger, by means of a dedicated computer interface, to control the actuators and/or the effectors of the seat, and/or to communicate with on-board crew on a local network of the transportation vehicle. The wireless communication module communicates on the local network. Also, a wireless control method implemented by the system is provided.