Wireless Coil Coupling for Aircraft Stowage Bin Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electrical connector systems for overhead stowage bins in aircraft are cumbersome and prone to damage due to limited space and awkward installation, making it difficult to securely connect electrical components like electric latches or locks.

Innovation Solution

A wireless electrical signal transmission system using coils, where a first coil connected to a power or data source on a strongback induces signals in a second coil on a pivotally coupled bucket, eliminating the need for physical connectors and allowing for efficient power and data transfer through a gap.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If standard electrical connectors are used to supply power to electric latches or locks on overhead stowage bins, then electrical components can be powered, but the space between the strongback and bucket is insufficient to accommodate the connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidspace between strongback and bucket

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical electrical connector system with an electromagnetic induction system. A first coil on the strongback generates a magnetic field that induces current in a second coil on the bucket, eliminating the need for physical electrical connectors and wires in the limited space between components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer electrical energy between the strongback and bucket. The magnetic field acts as a mediator that can transmit power through the gap without requiring direct physical contact or wiring between the components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electrical connectors are used to connect the strongback and bucket, then power can be transmitted, but the installation process becomes difficult and awkward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmissionVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connector installation process with a non-contact electromagnetic coupling system. The coils are positioned on each component and automatically couple when brought into proximity, eliminating the complex manual wiring and connector assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electrical connectors and wiring are used between the strongback and bucket, then electrical signals can be transmitted, but the wiring is susceptible to being pinched and damaged during bucket movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidwiring damage from pinching

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the vulnerable mechanical wiring system with a contactless electromagnetic induction system. Energy and signals are transmitted through magnetic coupling between coils, eliminating physical wires that could be pinched, stretched, or damaged during the bucket's movement between open and closed positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If standard electrical connectors are used, then electrical components can be powered, but the overall assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical component operationVSAvoidconnector and wiring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical electrical connector and wiring system with a simpler electromagnetic induction system consisting of two coils. This reduces the number of separate components, connection points, and potential failure modes while maintaining electrical power and signal transmission capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a compact and efficient method for electrically coupling stowage bin components, reducing installation complexity and preventing signal transmission issues, while maintaining a lightweight assembly by eliminating the need for additional wiring and connectors.

Implementation Method 1

The first coil is configured to receive one or more electrical signals from the power source and/or the data source. The electrical signal(s) are induced in the second coil by the first coil and transmitted to the electrical device.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10562631B2Systems and methods for wirelessly transmitting electrical signals to an overhead stowage bin assembly of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A vehicle includes an internal cabin, and a system for wirelessly transmitting electrical signals between a first component and a second component within the internal cabin. The system includes a first circuit including a first coil secured to the first component. The first coil is electrically connected to one or both of a power source or a data source onboard the vehicle. A second circuit includes a second coil secured to the second component. The second coil is electrically connected to an electrical device secured to the second component. The first circuit is separated from the second circuit by a gap. The first coil is configured to receive one or more electrical signals from the power source and/or the data source. The electrical signals are induced in the second circuit by the first circuit and transmitted to the electrical device.