Wireless Controller Cradle with Electronic Locking and Inductive Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-flight entertainment systems face challenges with tethered handheld controllers, which can create barriers and are not easily usable when passengers recline or move further from their installation location, leading to a desire to eliminate tethering.
Innovation Solution
A docking cradle with an electronically controlled lock apparatus that securely stores and releases the handheld controller, allowing for wireless pairing with a video display unit, and includes inductive charging and theft detection features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tethered controller is used, then the controller can be securely retained at the seat location, but the tethering cable creates barriers to the pathway and serves as a tripping hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the tethering cable from the system entirely, extracting the harmful element that created pathway barriers. The controller is retained through a wireless connection protocol instead of a physical cable, eliminating the tripping hazard while maintaining secure association between the controller and seat location
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical tethering system (physical cable) is replaced with an electronic/wireless system. The controller associates with a specific seat location through wireless communication protocols rather than physical connection, eliminating the need for a mechanical restraint cable
2Reliability
If a tethered controller is used, then the controller remains at the seat location, but the tethering cable may not extend sufficient distance when passenger reclines or moves further
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed-length mechanical cable is replaced with a wireless communication system that maintains connection regardless of physical distance. The controller can move freely within the cabin while maintaining wireless association with its assigned seat location, providing both secure retention and unrestricted accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static mechanical connection with fixed length to a dynamic wireless connection that adapts to changing distances. The wireless protocol maintains connection as the passenger moves, reclines, or changes position, providing flexible accessibility while maintaining secure association
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the controller is made portable and untethered, then pathway barriers are eliminated, but the controller may be removed or stolen from the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The physical cable restraint is replaced with electronic security measures including wireless authentication protocols and tracking systems. The controller maintains secure association with its assigned seat through software-based security rather than mechanical restraint, preventing unauthorized removal while eliminating pathway barriers
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms including wireless communication to monitor controller location and status, and alerts to crew members if a controller is removed or not properly returned to its assigned seat. This feedback loop maintains security awareness without requiring physical restraints
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 secure, convenient, and flexible control of in-flight entertainment systems without tethering, ensuring controllers are stored when not in use and can be easily paired with their corresponding units, enhancing passenger experience and reducing theft.
Implementation Method 1
The lock apparatus can include a solenoid controlled responsive to the lock electrical signal to move an arm structure to block movement of the locking tab when a passenger presses the unlock button
Implementation Method 2
The docking cradle may include an inductive charging circuit within the housing that inductively couples to a corresponding inductive charging circuit within a handheld controller
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle entertainment system is disclosed that includes docking cradles that can store handheld controllers, and a management terminal. The management terminal controls an electronically controlled lock apparatus of the cradles to selectively lock the handheld controllers in a stored position within the docking cradles. The management terminal may receive and display the status of which of the docking cradles store a handheld controller, and may display at least one user selectable indicia that is touch selectable by a user to control one or more of the docking cradles to lock and unlock handheld controllers stored therein. Related inductive charging circuits, theft alert circuits, and other components of the vehicle entertainment system are disclosed.