Patent Grant
11554637
A passenger service unit is disclosed. Improvements are applicable to aircrafts and other vehicles that employ passenger service units.
Personal service units (PSUs) are generally employed in passenger vehicles such as aircrafts and trains. These PSUs play an important role in the passenger experience. A PSU generally provides an assortment of functionality to the passenger. For example, a PSU often provides gasper control (i.e., airflow control), reading light control, and a flight attendant call button to the passenger. Further, a PSU often provides information to the passenger via signage. A fasten seatbelt sign, for example, notifies the passenger when it is important to remain seated with the seatbelt fastened, while “no smoking” signage notifies the passenger of the importance of not smoking in an aircraft. An assortment of other functionality may also be provided to the passenger via the PSU.
Often PSU functionality is provided to the passenger via an overhead panel. Further, each functionality is presented as a distinct and discrete component of the PSU spread out over the overhead panel. That is, for example, the panel often includes a no smoking sign, a separate fasten seatbelt sign, a distinct gasper, and separate lighting control. In other words, each functionality of the PSU is often provided to the passenger as a separate discrete component. Installation of these PSUs can be time consuming since it may require the installation of a variety of separate components.
Further, for the sake of symmetry, a PSU for the left side of an aisle in a passenger cabin may be different than a PSU for the right side of the aisle. Still further, aircrafts of different models often have different interiors. As such, a PSU for one model of an aircraft may be different than a PSU for another model of an aircraft. Accordingly, an aircraft manufacturer often manufactures a variety of discrete PSU components and different variations of each component so that they fit properly in different cabin interiors.
As such, PSUs can be costly in light of installation costs and manufacturing costs.
As such, there is a need for improvements in PSUs.
The PSU 100 includes a dial 108 encircling a housing 110 and a passenger control unit 112. The dial 108 can be considered a gasper control. That is, the dial 108 can be used to control airflow 114 out of the PSU 100. For example, a passenger 116 can increase airflow 114 out of the PSU 100 by rotating the dial 108 a first direction 118 and decrease the airflow 114 by rotating the dial in a second or opposite direction 120. Alternatively, the airflow 114 may be decreased by turning the dial 108 in the first direction 118 and increased by turning the dial in the second direction 120.
Regardless of what direction dial rotation increases or decreases airflow 114, rotation of the dial 108 in one direction (e.g., the first direction 118) makes a first adjustment to the airflow 114 and rotation of the dial 108 in the opposite direction (e.g., the second direction 120) makes a second (opposite) adjustment to the airflow 114.
The dial 108 may, for example, be comprised of a polymer or metallic material such as aluminum. Further details regarding the gasper control will be set forth below with regard to
The control unit 112 of
The control unit 112 may be comprised of a variety of materials. For example, the control unit 112 may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) touchscreen. As such, signage may be presented on the screen when needed and the passenger 116 may interact with the control unit 112 via touching the screen. Alternatively, the control unit 112 may be comprised of a variety of signage and touch or pressure sensitive buttons that allow functionality control. Other materials not mentioned may also be employed in the control unit 112.
The PSU 100 serves as a universal PSU presented in a compact fashion. The PSU 100 is configured to be easily mounted and removed from the passenger cabin 104. Instead of having a separate or discrete unit for each of a gasper, reading light control, no smoking signage, fasten seatbelt signage, flight attendant calls, and etc., the PSU 100 allows for these controls and passenger information to be presented in a compact unit 100. Further, since all of this functionality may be encompassed in the compact unit 100, installation costs are reduced. That is, instead of time being spent installing separate signage and other discrete functionalities into the aircraft cabin (e.g., aircraft cabin 104), one PSU 100 may be installed, thus saving installation costs. Further, due to the compact nature of the PSU 100, the PSU 100 may fit in a variety of different model aircrafts (not shown). As such, different PSUs for different model aircrafts do not need to be manufactured. That is, a single type of PSU (e.g., the PSU 100 of
The PSU 100 may also be serviceable. As such, if any functionality or signage fails to operate properly, the entire PSU 100 may quickly be removed and replaced with a functioning unit. The removed unit may then be serviced to repair any functionality not working properly and then be put back into service.
With reference now to
The exemplary dial 202 includes a helical first portion (a.k.a., screw thread) 214 along an interior wall 216. Along an exterior wall 218 of the flow control ring 206 is a helical second portion (a.k.a., screw thread) 220 that threadingly engages with the helical first portion 214. As will be discussed below with respect to
It is noted that the helical first portion 214 may be a helical groove or ridge and the helical second portion 220 may be a helical groove or ridge. The difference between a helical groove and a helical ridge is a matter of perspective. That is, between each ridge of a helical ridge is a helical groove and between each groove of a helical groove is a helical ridge. As such, an area with a helical groove includes a helical ridge and an area with a helical ridge includes a helical groove.
Further, while
With reference back to the dial 202, the dial 202 may also include a coupling rib 222 projecting inwardly from the interior wall 216 of the dial 202. To rotatably couple with the coupling rib 222, the housing 204 may include a coupling slot 224 about its exterior wall 226. As will be described below with respect to
As illustrated in
The dial 202 may, for example, be machined from a metallic material such as aluminum or be molded using a polymer. As an alternate example, 3-D printer technology may be implemented to manufacture the dial 202 out of a variety of materials. While
With regard to the initial air router 208, a plurality of spacers 230 are included on its top surface 232. Alternatively, these spacers 230 could instead be included on a bottom surface 234 of the housing 204. Further, the plurality of spacers 230 may be a discrete part to be coupled to the top surface 232 of the initial air router 208 and/or the bottom surface 234 of the housing 204. Regardless of the spacers employed, the spacers 230 create a gap between the housing 204 and the initial air router 208 when assembled. As such, when assembled, a plurality of airflow passages (openings) 236 are created between the spacers 230. Further details regarding the plurality of airflow passages 236 will be set forth below with respect to
As illustrated, the PSU 200 may also include a coupling ring 238 that enables the PSU 200 to be mounted to a panel 240 (see also, e.g., panel 102 of
If the backlighting 212 is employed, the PSU 200 may be backlit when installed. Further, the control unit 210 may have functionality that allows a passenger to control the intensity of the backlighting 212 and/or the color of the backlighting 212. While
Referring now to
The exemplary coupling mechanism (i.e., the coupling ring 238) that enables easy installation and removal from the panel 240 is also shown. Alternate coupling mechanisms, however, may instead be employed. For example, though not shown, fasteners may be used or snap-clips may be integrated into the PSU 200 to allow the PSU 200 to be coupled to the panel 240.
The PSU 200 is configured to have airflow 248 pass through a duct 242 of the initial air router 208, through the plurality of airflow passages 236 and through a cavity between the dial 202 and the housing 204 before exiting the PSU 200.
The flow control ring 206 is configured to control the intensity of the airflow 248 through the PSU 200. The flow control ring 206 may, for example, be comprised of a metallic material such as aluminum or a polymer.
The flow control ring 206 includes a first end 250 facing a first longitudinal direction 252 and a second end 254 facing a second (opposite) longitudinal direction 256.
For example, with reference to
In a similar manner, if the flow control ring 206 begins in the blocked position 264 (
With continued reference to
Alternatively, if the PSU 200 is already in a closed or partially open/closed position (
The control unit 210 and backlighting 212 (if employed) may be powered by wiring feed 270 passed up through the duct 242 of the initial air router 208. Since a single wiring feed 270 may be employed, installation and removal of the PSU 200 can be efficiently carried out. For example, a PSU (not shown) not working properly may quickly be replaced between flights. It is noted that other methods of wiring not shown may also be employed to power the control unit 210 and backlighting 212.
As illustrated in
Referring now to
The dial 302 includes a helical first portion (a.k.a., screw thread) 314 along an interior wall 316 of the dial 302. Along an exterior wall 318 of the flow control ring 306 is a helical second portion (a.k.a., screw thread) 320. As will be discussed below with respect to
It is noted that the helical first portion 314 may be a helical groove or ridge and the helical second portion 320 may be a helical groove or ridge. As discussed above, the difference between a helical groove and a helical ridge is a matter of perspective. That is, between each ridge of a helical ridge there is a helical groove and between each groove of a helical groove is a helical ridge. As such, an area with a helical groove includes a helical ridge and an area with a helical ridge includes a helical groove.
Further, while
With continued reference to the dial 302, the dial 302 may also include a coupling rib 322 projecting inwardly from the interior wall 316 of the dial 302. The housing 304 may include a coupling slot 324 about its exterior wall 318 to rotatably couple with the coupling rib 322. As will be described below with respect to
The dial 302 may, for example, be machined from a metallic material such as aluminum and/or be molded using a polymer. As an alternate example, 3-D printer technology may be implemented to manufacture the dial 302 out of a variety of materials.
Regarding the housing 304, the housing 304 includes a duct 326 and a flange 328 radially extending outward from one end 330 of the duct 326. Further, there is a wall 332 extending transversely from an outer circumference 334 of the flange 328. As will be illustrated in
With regard to the bezel 308, the bezel 308 includes a hollow cylindrical wall 338 having a flange 340 radially projecting from one end of the cylindrical wall. A bezel air channel 342 (i.e., an air diverting channel) encircles the flange 340. As will be described below with respect to
The bezel 308 also includes a plurality of spacers 344 projecting from its top surface 346. The spacers 344 may be coupleable to the housing 304. For example, a top portion 348 of the spacers 344 may be snap-fit into a plurality of voids 350 in the housing 304 to affix the bezel 308 to the housing 304.
Though not shown, according to another example, instead of having the spacers 300 incorporated into the bezel 308, the spacers 344 may instead be included on a bottom surface 352 of the housing 304. In which case, the spacers may be snap-fit to the bezel. Still further, another example may include the spacers as a separate element that may be snap-fit into both the bezel 308 and the housing 304.
Regardless of the manner in which the spacers 344 are employed, a plurality of airflow passages (openings) 354 are formed between the spacers 344 when the PSU 300 is assembled. Further details regarding the plurality of airflow passages 354 will be set forth below with respect to
As illustrated in
Referring now to
The PSU 300 is configured to allow airflow 364 to pass between the cylindrical wall 338 of the bezel 308 and the duct 326 of the housing 304, out the plurality of airflow passages 354 (see also
The flow control ring 306 is configured to control the intensity of the airflow 364 out of the PSU 300. Further, the flow control ring 306 has a first end 370 (see
For example, with reference to
Alternatively, if the flow control ring 306 begins in the blocked position 380 (
With continued reference to
Alternatively, if the PSU 300 is already in a closed or partially open/closed position (
As noted above, the interaction between the coupling rib 322 and the coupling slot 324 stops the dial 302 from moving longitudinally 366, 374 as the dial is rotated in either direction 382, 384 to move the flow control ring 306.
To power the control unit 310 and backlighting 312 (if employed), a wiring feed 386 may be passed up through the duct 326 of the housing 304. Since a single feed of wiring 386 may be employed, installation and removal of the PSU 300 can be efficiently carried out. For example, a PSU (not shown) that is not functioning properly may quickly be replaced between flights. Though not shown, other manners of powering the control unit 310 and the backlighting 312 may instead be employed.
As illustrated in
With reference now to
The OLED control unit 400 is configured to provide a passenger 402 the ability to cycle through different functionalities (e.g., lighting control, flight attendant calls, and/or flight information). For example, a dial (e.g., the dials 108, 202, 302 of
For example, the passenger 402 may touch one of a plurality of light intensity icons 410 to set the intensity of a reading light (e.g., the light 106 of
To cycle to a different function, the passenger 402 may, for example, touch a side of the touchscreen 404 (e.g., the right side 412 of the touchscreen 404) to cycle to a different functionality such as the flight attendant call “button” icon 408 represented in
It is noted that other tapping or touching procedures may be used for controlling the OLED control unit 400. Further, gesture control may also be employed such that the passenger 402 does not have to make contact with the touchscreen 404.
While not shown, the touchscreen 404 may present other information and functionality that the passenger 402 may interact with. For example, passenger flight information, no smoking signage, and fasten seatbelt signage may be presented on the OLED control unit 400 to the passenger 402.
Referring now to
The signage 504, 506 may be controlled by aircraft personnel, while the call button 502 and the lighting control button 508 may be controlled by a passenger 510. For example, the passenger 510 may simply push or touch the call button 502 to notify an attendant that assistance is needed. Similarly, the passenger 510 may touch or push the lighting control button 508 to turn on or off a light (see, e.g., the light 106 of
While two types of control units 400, 500 are illustrated in
With reference now to
An exemplary process control may begin at BLOCK 602 where encircling a dial around a housing such that the dial is rotatable about the housing is carried out. The dial includes a passenger facing end and an opposite end. Process control may then proceed to BLOCK 604 where mating of threads of a flow control ring to threads of the dial is carried out. The threads are mated such that rotation of the dial in a first direction moves the flow control ring towards the passenger facing end of the dial and rotation of the dial in an opposite direction moves the flow control ring towards the opposite end of the dial.
The rotation of the dial in the first direction either increases airflow past the flow control ring and out of the PSU or decreases airflow past the flow control ring and out of the PSU. Rotation in the opposite direction, on the other hand, has an opposite effect on airflow than rotation in the first direction. For example, if rotation in the first direction increases airflow past the flow control ring, then rotation in the opposite direction decreases airflow past the flow control ring. Alternatively, if rotation in the first direction decreases airflow past the flow control ring, then rotation in the opposite direction increase airflow past the flow control ring.
According to an example, the rotation of the dial in the first direction moves the flow control ring towards the passenger facing end of the dial to decrease airflow. Further, in this example the airflow moving past the flow control ring may pass between the dial and the housing as it exits the PSU.
According to another example, technique 600 may include coupling a bezel to a bottom portion of the housing at BLOCK 606. The bezel may include a bezel channel around the bezel that is configured to direct the airflow past the flow control ring along an outside wall of the dial and to a passenger. In such an example, the rotation of the dial in the first direction moves the flow control ring towards the opposite end of the dial.
After mating threads of a flow control ring to threads of the dial at BLOCK 604 (or the coupling of the bezel at BLOCK 606 if employed), process control may proceed to BLOCK 608, where coupling a passenger control unit to the housing such that the dial encircles the passenger control unit is carried out. The passenger control unit allows a passenger to control lighting and an attendant calls.
After coupling the passenger control unit to the housing, process control proceeds to an END.
While an order to BLOCKS 602-608 are set forth above with respect to the exemplary technique 600, other techniques not shown may carry out BLOCKS 602-608 in a different order. For example, the mating of the threads of the flow control ring with the threads of the dial (BLOCK 604) may be carried out prior to, or during, the encircling of the dial around the housing such that the dial is rotatable about the housing (BLOCK 602).
With regard to
Accordingly, it is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided would be apparent upon reading the above description. The scope should be determined, not with reference to the above description or Abstract below, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the technologies discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In sum, it should be understood that the application is capable of modification and variation.
All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadest reasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood by those knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless an explicit indication to the contrary in made herein. In particular, use of the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be read to recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recites an explicit limitation to the contrary. Further, the use of terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and the like that immediately precede an element(s) do not necessarily indicate sequence unless set forth otherwise, either explicitly or inferred through context.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/785,222 filed on Dec. 26, 2018. Further, the U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/785,222 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5328152 | Castle | Jul 1994 | A |
| 7340333 | Lenneman et al. | Mar 2008 | B2 |
| 20150036368 | Rittner | Feb 2015 | A1 |
| Entry |
|---|
| Shah, Vivek “Deep Tread”, May 29, 2018. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20200207183 A1 | Jul 2020 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62785222 | Dec 2018 | US |
