U.S. patent application number 11/510787 was filed with the patent office on 2008-03-06 for system and method for compartment control.
This patent application is currently assigned to The Boeing Company. Invention is credited to Philip J. Ayoub, Henry V. Fletcher, Heidi J. Kneller, Bret L. Lamoree, Dennis C. Lin, Brock J. Prince.
Application Number | 20080055836 11/510787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39151186 |
Filed Date | 2008-03-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080055836 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lamoree; Bret L. ; et
al. |
March 6, 2008 |
System and method for compartment control
Abstract
An interactive switch system for a stowage compartment system
for a mobile platform (for example, commercial aircraft) is
provided. The switch system is mounted to a moveable structure,
such as an overhead stowage bin, and is responsive to a local input
from a user, as well as to a remote input from an external
control/monitoring panel. The switch system has at least one
indicator surface responsive to the local input and the remote
input to display indicator data. The indicator surface has a
portion that forms at least one user input device for enabling the
local input. The switch system further comprises a control system
disposed behind the indicator surface. The control system is
responsive to the local input and the remote input to transmit the
indicator data to the indicator surface.
Inventors: |
Lamoree; Bret L.;
(Snohomish, WA) ; Lin; Dennis C.; (Everett,
WA) ; Kneller; Heidi J.; (Bellevue, WA) ;
Fletcher; Henry V.; (Everett, WA) ; Prince; Brock
J.; (Seattle, WA) ; Ayoub; Philip J.;
(Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS DICKEY & PIERCE, PLC
P.O. BOX 828
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48303
US
|
Assignee: |
The Boeing Company
|
Family ID: |
39151186 |
Appl. No.: |
11/510787 |
Filed: |
August 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
361/837 ;
361/679.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64D 11/003
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
361/683 |
International
Class: |
H05K 5/00 20060101
H05K005/00 |
Claims
1. An interactive switch system adapted for use on a moveable
component, the switch system comprising: an indicator surface
including: first and second opposing sides; a first portion forming
a user engageable surface for enabling a user to generate a local
input signal by pressing against the first side of the indicator
surface; a second portion forming a display surface for displaying
information to the user concerning operation of the moveable
component; a control system disposed adjacent the second side of
the indicator surface, the control system including: a controller
for receiving the local input signal and a remote input signal from
an external system remotely located from the switch system; and at
least one light generating element responsive to the controller,
and disposed adjacent the second side of the indicator surface, for
generating light that is transmitted via the display surface to the
user to apprise the user of an operational condition of the
moveable component.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the indicator surface forms a
single piece component.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the display surface comprises a
translucent portion.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the first portion of the
indicator surface is sufficiently translucent to pass light
therethrough.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the light generating element
comprises at least one first light emitting diode (LED) and at
least one second LED, with each of the first LED and second LED
operating to illuminate the display surface.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the control system includes a
switch positioned in proximity to the second surface of the
indicator surface, and in communication with the controller, the
switch being responsive to pressure applied to the first portion of
the indicator surface by the user, to thus enable generation of the
local input.
7. The system of claim 5, wherein the first and second portions of
the indicator surface cooperatively form an arrow shaped symbol
when either of the first LED or the second LED are turned on, and
the user engageable surface is depressed.
8. A mobile platform comprising: a body structure having an
interior cabin area; an overhead stowage compartment system mounted
within the interior cabin area, the overhead stowage compartment
system including: at least one stowage compartment; a controller in
communication with the stowage compartment and responsive to a
movement of the stowage compartment to generate data; and a switch
system including an indicator surface, the switch system coupled to
the stowage compartment and enabling the generation of a signal to
move the stowage compartment, the switch system in communication
with the controller to transmit the signal and to receive the data,
the switch displaying the data on the indicator surface.
9. The mobile platform of claim 8, wherein the switch system
further comprises: a control system disposed behind the indicator
surface and responsive to the data to display the data on the
indicator surface.
10. The switch of claim 9, wherein the indicator surface further
comprises: an area forming a first, manually engageable user input
device; an area forming first indicator panel disposed adjacent to
the first, manually engageable user input device; an area forming
second indicator panel disposed adjacent to the second, manually
engageable user input device; a first light source in communication
with the control system and disposed adjacent the first indicator
panel and the first, manually engageable user input device, the
first indicator panel enabling the transmission of light
therethrough; and a second light source coupled to the printed
circuit board and disposed adjacent the second indicator panel and
the second, manually engageable user input device, the second
indicator panel enabling the transmission of light
therethrough.
11. The mobile platform of claim 10, wherein the control system
illuminates at least one of the first light source and second light
source in response to the indicator data.
12. The mobile platform of claim 10, wherein the first user input
device and the second user input device are responsive to pressure
to enable generation of a local input.
13. The mobile platform of claim 9, further comprising a conductor
in communication with the controller and the switch system, the
conductor operable to transmit at least one of data and power
between the controller and the switch system, the data indicative
of a status of the compartment.
14. The mobile platform of claim 10, wherein the intensity of the
first light source and second light source is dependent on a
lighting condition of the interior cabin area.
15. The mobile platform of claim 12, wherein the first and second
user input devices provide at least one of audible and tactile
feedback in response to the pressure.
16. A method for operating an overhead stowage compartment in an
interior area of a mobile platform using a switch, the method
comprising: proving a switch system coupled to a stowage
compartment; transmitting an operational signal to the switch
system; and displaying the operational signal on an indicator
surface of the switch system.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: actuating the switch
system to generate the operational signal; transmitting the
operational signal to a controller in communication with the switch
system; and moving the stowage compartment in response to the
operational signal.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: inputting an
operational signal at the switch system by a user input device on
the switch system; transmitting the operational signal to a
controller of the switch system in communication with the switch;
and moving the stowage compartment in response to the operational
signal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related in general subject matter
to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket
No. 7784-000904), filed concurrently herewith, entitled "System and
Method for a Power-Assisted Compartment," assigned to The Boeing
Company, and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into
the present application. The present application is further related
in general subject matter to pending commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 7784-000912CPA),
filed concurrently herewith, entitled "System and Method for Pivot
for Stowage Compartments or Rotating Items," hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety into the present application.
Additionally, the present application is related in general subject
matter to pending commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/905,502, filed on Jan. 7, 2005, entitled "Pivot Mechanism
for Quick Installation of Stowage Bins or Rotating Items," hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present
application.
[0002] The present application is also related in general subject
matter to pending commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser.
No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 7784-000909), filed concurrently
herewith, "System and Method for Compartment Control," hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present
application. In addition, the present application is related in
general subject matter to pending commonly assigned U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 7784-000913),
filed concurrently herewith, entitled "System and Method for
Compartment Control," hereby incorporated by reference in its
entirety into the present application. The present application is
also related in general subject matter to pending commonly assigned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.
7784-000914), filed concurrently herewith, entitled "System and
Method for Compartment Control," hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety into the present application. The present
application is also related in general subject matter to pending
commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney
Docket No. 7784-000928), filed concurrently herewith, entitled
"System and Method for Electronically Latching Compartments,"
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into the present
application.
FIELD
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a switch, and
more particularly to an electronic communicative switch.
BACKGROUND
[0004] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0005] Many mobile platforms (such as trains, ships, aircraft and
automobiles) employ stowage compartments in a cabin of the mobile
platform to enable stowage of passenger items, such as carry-on
baggage. With regard to commercial passenger aircraft, increased
baggage stowage demands have required the stowage compartments to
increase in size and load capacity. In addition, there is a drive
to increase passengers "personal space" (i.e., headroom) in the
cabin of the aircraft. The desire for increased "personal space" in
the cabin has resulted in higher ceilings and the placement of
storage compartments higher in the cabins.
[0006] The increased size and load capacity of the stowage
compartments coupled with the higher cabin ceilings and higher
stowage compartment placement in the cabins can make it difficult
for some passengers to close the door on the overhead stowage
compartments. Further, the higher placement of the compartments can
make it difficult for a passenger to easily determine the status of
the compartment, i.e. fully loaded, locked, or overweight.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to have an electronic switch
system that is capable of displaying data regarding the
compartments, while facilitating easier opening and closing of the
compartments.
SUMMARY
[0007] A system and method for an interactive switch system adapted
for use on a moveable component is provided. The interactive switch
system comprises an indicator surface including first and second
opposing sides, and a first portion forming a user engageable
surface for enabling a user to generate a local input signal by
pressing against the first side of the indicator surface. The
indicator surface also includes a second portion forming a display
surface for displaying information to the user concerning operation
of the moveable component. The switch system further comprises a
control system disposed adjacent the second side of the indicator
surface. The control system includes a controller for receiving the
local input signal and a remote input signal from an external
system remotely located from the switch system and at least one
light generating element responsive to the controller. The light
generating element is disposed adjacent the second side of the
indicator surface, in order to generate light that is transmitted
via the display surface to the user to apprise the user of an
operational condition of the moveable component.
[0008] In one embodiment, the system includes a switch that is
mounted to a moveable structure, and responsive to a local input
and a remote input. The switch comprises at least one indicator
surface responsive to the local input and the remote input to
display indicator data. The indicator surface includes at least one
user input device for enabling the local input. The switch further
comprises a printed circuit board disposed behind the indicator
surface. The printed circuit board is responsive to the local input
and remote input to transmit the indicator data to the indicator
surface.
[0009] In one embodiment, the present disclosure further provides a
mobile platform including a body structure having an interior cabin
area, and an overhead stowage compartment system mounted within the
interior cabin area. The overhead stowage compartment system
includes at least one stowage compartment and a controller in
communication with the stowage compartment. The controller is
responsive to a movement of the stowage compartment to generate
data. The overhead stowage compartment system also includes a
switch system including an indicator surface. The switch system is
coupled to the stowage compartment and enables the generation of a
signal to move the stowage compartment. The switch system is also
in communication with the controller to transmit the signal and to
receive the data, with the switch displaying the data on the
indicator surface.
[0010] The present teachings also provide a method for operating an
overhead stowage compartment in an interior area of a mobile
platform using a switch. The method comprises proving a switch
system coupled to a stowage compartment and transmitting an
operational signal to the switch system. The method also comprises
displaying the operational signal on an indicator surface of the
switch system.
[0011] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The present disclosure will become more fully understood
from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of a mobile
platform incorporating one exemplary embodiment of the system and
method for a power-assisted compartment, and illustrating a
plurality of power-assisted compartments according to the present
disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a control system for the
plurality of power-assisted compartments of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a single power-assisted
compartment according to one embodiment of the present disclosure
in an opened and unlatched position;
[0016] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the power-assisted
compartment of FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of the power-assisted compartment of
FIG. 3 illustrating the power-assisted compartment in a closed and
latched position;
[0018] FIG. 5A is a detail side view of a portion of the
power-assisted compartment of FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a side view of the power-assisted compartment of
FIG. 3, illustrating the power-assisted compartment in a partially
opened and unlatched position;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a side view of the power-assisted compartment of
FIG. 3 in an opened and unlatched position;
[0021] FIG. 7A is an exploded detail view of a pivot system
employed by the power-assisted compartment of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a rear view of the power-assisted compartment of
FIG. 3;
[0023] FIG. 9 (System Control Module) is a dataflow diagram
illustrating an exemplary compartment control system of the present
disclosure;
[0024] FIG. 10 (Compartment Initialization Procedure) is a
flowchart illustrating a start-up method for the system of FIG. 9
(System Control Procedure);
[0025] FIG. 11 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a first method for testing the control system;
[0026] FIG. 12 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 11 (Control Module Test Procedure) at A;
[0027] FIG. 13 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 12 (Control Module Test Procedure) at B;
[0028] FIG. 14 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 13 (Control Module Test Procedure) at C;
[0029] FIG. 15 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 14 (Control Module Test Procedure) at D;
[0030] FIG. 16 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 15 (Control Module Test Procedure) at E;
[0031] FIG. 17 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 16 (Control Module Test Procedure) at F;
[0032] FIG. 18 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 17 (Control Module Test Procedure) at G;
[0033] FIG. 19 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 18 (Control Module Test Procedure) at H;
[0034] FIG. 20 (Control Module Test Procedure) is a continuation of
the flowchart of FIG. 19 (Control Module Test Procedure) at I;
[0035] FIG. 21 (Hardware Test Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a second method for testing the system;
[0036] FIG. 22 is a continuation of the flowchart of FIG. 21
(Hardware Test Procedure) at A;
[0037] FIG. 23 (Control Module) is a dataflow diagram illustrating
a compartment control module for the system of FIG. 9 (System
Control Procedure);
[0038] FIG. 24 (Compartment Status Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a compartment monitoring method;
[0039] FIG. 25 (Obstruction Monitoring Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating an obstruction monitoring method;
[0040] FIG. 26 (Fasten Seatbelt (FSB) Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a warning sign monitoring method;
[0041] FIG. 26A (Volume Sensing Procedure A) is a flowchart
illustrating a volume sensing method;
[0042] FIG. 27 (Speed (Current) Control Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a method for determining a control current and speed
of compartment movement;
[0043] FIG. 28 ("OPEN" Button Activation Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a method for responding to a first input;
[0044] FIG. 29 (Power Management Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a power management method;
[0045] FIG. 30 ("CLOSE" Button Activation Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a method for responding to a second input;
[0046] FIG. 31 (Manual Close Procedure) is a flowchart illustrating
a method for responding to a third input;
[0047] FIG. 32 (Compartment Activation Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a first control method;
[0048] FIG. 33 (Halt Motion Procedure) is a flowchart illustrating
a second control method;
[0049] FIG. 34 (Set Light/Indication Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a first indicator status update method;
[0050] FIG. 35 (Set Light/Indication Procedure (FSB ON and Timed
Out)) is a flowchart illustrating a second indicator status
update;
[0051] FIG. 36 (Set Light/Indication Procedure (FSB ON and Not
Timed Out)) is a flowchart illustrating a third indicator status
update method;
[0052] FIG. 36A (Compartment Range of Motion) is a graph of the
compartment direction and motion from the fully opened to the fully
closed positions;
[0053] FIG. 37 (System Shutdown Procedure) is a flowchart
illustrating a shutdown method;
[0054] FIG. 38 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
"Control" screen;
[0055] FIG. 39 illustrates a control system and an alternative
control system;
[0056] FIG. 40 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
"Settings" screen;
[0057] FIG. 41 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
"Settings" screen with a "Zone Locator" selector displayed;
[0058] FIG. 42 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
"Security" screen;
[0059] FIG. 43 illustrates a "Password" prompt screen;
[0060] FIG. 44 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
"Configuration" screen;
[0061] FIG. 45 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a first
"Configuration" screen;
[0062] FIG. 46 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
second "Configuration" screen;
[0063] FIG. 47 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a third
"Configuration" screen;
[0064] FIG. 48 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
fourth "Configuration" screen;
[0065] FIG. 49 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a fifth
"Configuration" screen;
[0066] FIG. 49A is a graph of the position, velocity and
acceleration according to an Automatic profile;
[0067] FIG. 50 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a sixth
"Configuration" screen;
[0068] FIG. 51 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
seventh "Configuration" screen;
[0069] FIG. 52 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including an
eighth "Configuration" screen;
[0070] FIG. 53 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a ninth
"Configuration" screen;
[0071] FIG. 54 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a tenth
"Configuration" screen;
[0072] FIG. 55 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including an
eleventh "Configuration" screen;
[0073] FIG. 56 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
twelfth "Configuration" screen;
[0074] FIG. 57 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a first
"Indicator" screen;
[0075] FIG. 58 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
second "Indicator" screen;
[0076] FIG. 59 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a third
"Indicator" screen.
[0077] FIG. 60 illustrates a "Bin Control" screen including a
fourth "Indicator" screen;
[0078] FIG. 61 illustrates a "Cabin Settings" screen;
[0079] FIG. 62 is a perspective front view of a power-assisted
stowage compartment including an electronic indicative switch in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0080] FIG. 62A is a cross-sectional view of the electronic
indicative switch of FIG. 62 taken along line 62A-62A of FIG.
62;
[0081] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of a rear surface of the
electronic indicative switch of FIG. 62;
[0082] FIG. 63A is a front view of the electronic indicative switch
of FIG. 62 illustrating an illumination of the electronic
indicative switch according to the present disclosure;
[0083] FIG. 63B is a cross-sectional view of the electronic
indicative switch of FIG. 63A taken along line 63B-63B of FIG.
63A;
[0084] FIG. 64 is a partially exploded view of the electronic
indicative switch of FIG. 62;
[0085] FIG. 64A is a fully exploded view of the electronic
indicative switch of FIG. 62;
[0086] FIG. 65 is a detailed perspective view of the electronic
indicative switch of FIG. 62 in a first illuminated state;
[0087] FIG. 66 is a detailed perspective view of the electronic
indicative switch of FIG. 62 in a second illuminated state;
[0088] FIG. 67 is a detailed electrical schematic of a printed
circuit board for the electronic indicative switch of FIG. 62;
[0089] FIG. 68A is a rear view of the printed circuit board from an
interior of the power-assisted stowage compartment;
[0090] FIG. 68B is a front view of the printed circuit board from
an exterior of the power-assisted stowage compartment;
[0091] FIG. 69 is a detailed circuit diagram for the printed
circuit board from a first perspective;
[0092] FIG. 70 is a detailed circuit diagram for the printed
circuit board from a second perspective;
[0093] FIG. 71 is a side view of the power-assisted compartment of
FIG. 3, including an electronic latch in accordance with one
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0094] FIG. 71A is a detail side view of the electronic latch of
the power-assisted compartment of FIG. 71 in a first, engaged
position;
[0095] FIG. 71B is a detail perspective view of a portion of the
latching system of FIG. 71A in a second, disengaged position;
[0096] FIG. 71C is a detail perspective view of a portion of the
latching system of FIG. 71A;
[0097] FIG. 72 is an exploded perspective view of the
power-assisted compartment including the electronic latch of FIG.
71;
[0098] FIG. 73 is a side view of the power-assisted compartment in
a partially opened and unlatched position, including the electronic
latch of FIG. 71;
[0099] FIG. 74A is a front view of a second alternative embodiment
of an electronic indicative switch;
[0100] FIG. 74B is a front view of a third alternative embodiment
of an electronic indicative switch;
[0101] FIG. 74C is a front view of a fourth alternative embodiment
of an electronic indicative switch;
[0102] FIG. 74D is a front view of a fifth alternative embodiment
of an electronic indicative switch;
[0103] FIG. 74E is a front view of a sixth alternative embodiment
of an electronic indicative switch;
[0104] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of a portion of a mobile
platform illustrating a plurality of alternative stowage
compartments including an alternative electronic latch in
accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure;
[0105] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the alternative stowage
compartment of FIG. 75 in a closed and latched position;
[0106] FIG. 77 is a partially broken away side view of the
alternative stowage compartment of FIG. 75 illustrating the
latching system in the closed and latched position;
[0107] FIG. 78 is a partially broken away side view of the
alternative stowage compartment of FIG. 75 illustrating the
latching system in a partially opened and unlatched position;
and
[0108] FIG. 79 is a side view of the alternative stowage
compartment of FIG. 75 illustrating the latching system in an
opened and unlatched position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0109] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses. Although the following description is related generally to a
power-assisted compartment for a mobile platform (such as an
aircraft, ship, spacecraft, train or land-based motor vehicle), it
will be understood that the electronic indicative switch, as
described and claimed herein, can be used with any appropriate
application where it would be useful to have an electronic
indicative switch. Therefore, it will be understood that the
following discussion is not intended to limit the scope of the
appended claims to only mobile platforms and overhead stowage
systems on mobile platforms.
[0110] With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary mobile platform 10
employing a power-assisted compartment system 12 is shown. The
mobile platform 10, in this example, is a passenger aircraft
including a cabin 14 and a crew area 16. The mobile platform 10
includes two rows, seven abreast, of passenger seating 18 with one
row of four power-assisted compartment systems 12; however, any
number of power-assisted compartment systems 12 or rows of seating
18 could be employed.
[0111] With additional reference to FIG. 2, the power-assisted
compartment system 12 includes a control system 20, a support
structure or system 22, at least one or a plurality of compartments
24, a pivot system 25, an actuator system 26 and a latching system
28. It will be understood that although the present disclosure
illustrates a plurality of compartments 24, the present disclosure
could involve any number of compartments 24, and may just include
one compartment 24 if desired. Furthermore, it will be understood
that although the description herein of the support system 22,
actuator system 26 and latching system 28 is directed towards an
outboard compartment 24, the principles disclosed herein can be
applied to any suitable compartment 24 in any orientation, such as
inboard. Generally, each of the compartments 24 is in communication
with the control system 20, and the control system 20 is responsive
to each of the compartments 24. The support system 22 supports the
compartments 24 in the cabin 14. The actuator system 26 is coupled
to each of the compartments 24 to enable the compartments 24 to
rotate into an opened position (FIGS. 3, 6 and 7) and a closed
position (FIG. 5). It will be understood, however, that although
the compartments 24 are described herein as rotating between an
opened and closed position the compartments 24 could also pivot,
articulate or translate between the opened and closed position
depending upon how the actuator system 26 is coupled to the
compartments 24. The latching system 28 is also coupled to each of
the compartments 24 and the support system 22 to secure the
compartments 24 in closed positions, or to permit the compartments
24 to be rotated into their opened positions. In addition, it will
be understood that although the actuator system 26 and latching
system 28 are illustrated and described as separate components,
these systems could be integrated if desired.
[0112] With reference to FIG. 2, a schematic of the control system
20 is illustrated. The control system 20 includes a plurality of
first controllers or compartment controllers 30, a plurality of
first or amperage sensors 34 (shown in phantom), a plurality of
second or obstruction sensors 36 (shown in phantom), a plurality of
third or open sensors 37, a plurality of fourth or position sensors
139, a plurality of switch system(s) 40 each coupled to each of the
compartments 24, a plurality of fifth or volume sensors 41, and a
second controller or central controller 32 coupled to a
multi-purpose control panel 33. Each of the compartment controllers
30 are coupled to the compartments 24 at any desired location, but
are preferably coupled to the compartments 24 at a location not
visible to passengers within the cabin 14. It should be noted that
although the following discussion describes the compartments 24 as
each having a compartment controller 30, one compartment controller
30 could be in communication with and responsive to a plurality of
compartments 24. The compartment controllers 30 are in
communication with and responsive to the amperage sensors 34,
obstruction sensors 36, open sensors 37, switch system(s) 40 and
central controller 32. The compartment controllers 30 are also
responsive to and in communication with the actuator system 26 and
the latching system 28 to move the compartment 24 from an open and
a closed position, and also to latch and unlatch the compartment
24, as will be described in greater detail herein. The compartment
controllers 30 receive power from a main power source of the
aircraft (not shown). The compartment controllers 30 manage and
distribute energy to the actuator system 26 and the latching system
28. The compartment controllers 30 are in communication with and
responsive to the amperage sensors 34, obstruction sensors 36, open
sensors 37, position sensors 139, switch system(s) 40, volume
sensors 41, central controller 32, actuator system 26 and latching
system 28 through either a wired, wireless or plumbed connection or
any combination thereof.
[0113] With additional reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the amperage
sensors 34 generally monitor a weight of the compartment 24.
Typically, the first amperage sensors 34 are mounted with the
actuator system 26 such that the amperage sensors 34 receive
accurate measurements associated with the weight of the compartment
24. The amperage sensors 34 are in communication with the
compartment controller 30 through either wired, wireless or plumbed
communication to transmit the data regarding the weight of the
compartment 24 to the compartment controller 30. The amperage
sensors 34 receive power from the compartment controller 30. The
amperage sensors 34 can be any appropriate sensor for measuring
weight or load on the compartments 24, such as, a strain gage,
power sensor or load sensor. If an amperage sensor is used, the
amperage sensor is coupled to the actuator motor system 126, as
will be discussed in greater detail herein. If the weight of the
compartment 24 received from the amperage sensors 34 is greater
than a predetermined acceptable loading weight, the compartment
controller 30 can either prevent the movement of the compartment 24
and/or issue a warning that the compartment 24 is overloaded, as
will be discussed in greater detail herein. Primary obstruction
detection is also accomplished by a combination of the amperage
sensors 34 and the position sensor 139. In particular, the amperage
sensors 34 provide an accurate data measurement associated with the
load on the compartments 24, and a sudden increase in the load with
reduced movement of the compartments 24 indicates an obstruction in
the movement of the compartment 24. The position sensor 139 will be
discussed in greater detail herein with reference to the pivot
system 25.
[0114] The obstruction sensors 36 are in communication with the
compartment controllers 30 to provide the compartment controllers
30 with a signal if the movement of the compartment 24 is
obstructed, as best shown in FIG. 5. The obstruction sensors 36
provide secondary obstruction detection. Generally, the obstruction
sensors 36 are pinch strips that, as generally known, include two
separated conductive surfaces that transmit a signal when they are
forced together. The obstruction sensors 36 receive power from the
compartment controller 30, and alternatively through the pivot
system 25, as will be discussed in greater detail herein. It will
be understood, however, that any other electromechanical device
could be used to generate a signal based on an obstruction, and
further, the actuator system 26 can be configured to further
monitor for an obstruction, as will be discussed herein. The
obstruction sensors 36 are generally coupled to the support system
22 and the compartment 24, as will be discussed in greater detail
herein. It should be noted that although three obstruction sensors
36 are illustrated, any number of obstruction sensors 36 could be
employed.
[0115] The open sensors 37 are coupled to the support system 22 and
are adapted to be in communication with the compartment 24. The
open sensors 37 are in wired and/or wireless communication with the
compartment controllers 30 to provide the compartment controllers
30 with a signal if the compartment 24 is in the full opened
position. Generally, the compartment 24 rests on the open sensors
37 when the compartment 24 is in the full open position, as will be
described in greater detail herein.
[0116] The switch system(s) 40 can be coupled to each of the
compartments 24, and are generally mounted on a front surface 44 of
the compartments 24, such that the switch system(s) 40 face into
the cabin 14 of the mobile platform 10. The switch system(s) 40
includes a first, or "OPEN", or "DOWN," switch contact or button 46
and a second, or "CLOSE" or "UP," switch contact or button 48
arranged about an indicator surface 50. It should be noted,
however, that the switch system(s) 40 shown are for illustrated
purposes, as any appropriate switch with any appropriate number of
buttons could be employed. In addition, the OPEN button 46 and
CLOSE button 48 could be placed in any appropriate orientation with
respect to each other, and with respect to the indicator surface
50, such as adjacent to each other. Typically, the switch system(s)
40 is in wired and/or wireless communication with the compartment
controllers 30. The switch system(s) 40 receive power from the
compartment controller 30, and alternatively through the pivot
system 25, as will be discussed in greater detail herein. In
addition, the switch system(s) 40 can be energy harvesting switches
such that the switch system(s) 40 do not require an external source
of power from the mobile platform 10 to function.
[0117] When the OPEN button 46 is depressed by a user, it sends a
signal to the compartment controller 30 to appropriately operate
the compartment 24. For instance, if the compartment 24 is already
in the fully closed position, depressing the OPEN button 46 or
CLOSE button 48 will cause the compartment controller 30 to lower
the compartment 24. Further, if the OPEN button 46 or CLOSE button
48 is depressed while the compartment 24 is in the process of
moving from the opened to the closed position or vice versa, a
signal will be sent to the compartment controller 30 to stop the
operation or movement of the compartment 24. In order to resume
operation or movement of the compartment 24, the user can then
press either the OPEN button 46 or the CLOSE button 48 for the
respective movement of the compartment 24. In addition, the OPEN
button 46 and CLOSE button 48 could each be programmable to send a
series of signals to the compartment controller 30, so that the
compartment controller 30 performs a specific operation, such as
preventing the operation of the compartment 24.
[0118] The indicator surface 50 is disposed between the OPEN button
46 and the CLOSE button 48, and comprises at least one or a
plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 52. Generally, the
indicator surface 50 comprises three LEDs 52, each of which are in
communication with and responsive to the compartment controller 30.
The LEDs 52 can be in wired and/or wireless communication with the
compartment controller 30. Typically, the LEDs 52 can be different
colors to indicate the status of the compartment 24, such as
latched, unlatched, overloaded, available for operation, operating,
delayed, disabled, and if the movement of the compartment 24 is
obstructed. A first LED 52a can be red in color and a second LED
52b can be blue in color. Alternatively, an LCD monitor type
display could be used. Optionally, the indicator surface 50
includes a speaker 54 in communication with and responsive to the
compartment controller 30 to announce an audible status condition
and/or audible messages regarding the compartment 24 and/or the
mobile platform 10, such as "Warning: Compartment Overloaded,"
"Obstruction," "Wait for Attendant Assistance," or "Operation
Pending, Please Stand By," for example. The indicator surface 50
receives power from the compartment controller 30, or alternatively
through the pivot system 25, as will be discussed in greater detail
herein.
[0119] A fifth or volume sensor 41 is coupled with the compartment
24 which monitors the occupied volume within the compartment 24.
Information from this sensor is transmitted to compartment
controller 30 which then transmits a signal to the LEDs 52 on the
indicator surface 50 to indicate the bin is full. This information
may only be displayed when the compartment 24 is closed at certain
times of utilization. The volume sensor 41 can be any sensor
capable of sensing a volumetric capacity, and can employ an
infrared, laser or sonic device to determine a volume of the
compartment 24. The volume sensor 41 is coupled to the compartment
24 such that it can monitor the volume of the compartment 24, and
is preferably recessed or mounted flush with respect to the surface
of the compartment 24.
[0120] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the central controller 32
is in communication with and responsive to the compartment
controllers 30 and the control panel 33. It should be noted that
although two central controllers 32 and two control panels 33 are
shown, the two central controllers 32 could be combined into one
subassembly, as could the two control panels 33. In addition, the
central controllers 32 and the control panels 33 could be combined
into a single unit. The central controller 32 relays signals from
its associated compartment controllers 30 to its associated control
panel 33, and potentially wireless crew devices (not specifically
shown), as well as from the control panel 33 to the compartment
controllers 30. The control panel 33 comprises at least one or a
plurality of user input devices 56, such as buttons or a touch
screen, to enable a crew member C to control the operation of the
compartments 24 (FIG. 1). In addition, the central controller 32 is
capable of notifying crew member C via the control panel 33 that
certain compartments 24 should be disabled due to performance
issues such as system faults. It will be understood that the user
input devices 56 are shown as buttons for illustration purposes
only, as any number of user input devices (such as a laptop
computer or an integrated attendant panel running a software
system) could be employed. In addition, if a software system is
employed, the software system could control the calibration of the
actuator system 26 by use of the position sensor 139, as will be
discussed herein. Through the control panel 33, the crew member C
can send a signal to the central controller 32, which sends the
signal to the compartment controllers 30, to unlatch and move the
selected compartments 24.
[0121] In addition, the control panel 33 can include at least one
or a plurality of user input devices 56a, which correspond to a
selected area A.sub.1, A.sub.2 . . . A.sub.n of the cabin 14 of the
mobile platform 10, as best shown in FIG. 1. Thus, when the crew
member C activates the user input devices 56a, a signal is sent to
the central controller 32, which sends the signal only to the
compartments 24 in the selected area A.sub.1, A.sub.2 . . . A.sub.n
in the cabin 14. Further, the control panel 33 can include a
plurality of user input devices 56b that correspond to each of the
compartments 24. The control panel 33 can also include at least one
or a plurality of functional user input devices 56c, such as
"LATCH," "UNLATCH," "DISABLE," and the like, which can be used with
the user input devices 56a and 56b to control specific functions
for specific compartments 24 to the central controller 32. In
addition, the control panel 33 can also include user input devices
56c, which are capable of controlling the operation of all of the
compartments 24, such as an "ALL CLOSED" OR "ALL OPEN" user input
device (not specifically shown). It should be noted that the above
control panel 33 could also comprise a computer-based software
program that allows user input in this fashion. The control panel
33 can also be an access panel for maintenance purposes including
retrieving built-in test equipment data, deactivation of specific
compartments 24 if required, and retrieval of data log information
as a history of performed operations.
[0122] With continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and with
additional reference to FIGS. 3-5, the support system 22 includes a
frame 58 and a plurality of housings 60. The frame 58 is preferably
a rigid, strong structural member that forms a portion of the frame
of the mobile platform 10, and is typically arcuate. The frame 58
may be comprised of a lightweight material, such as aluminum, a
composite material, or any other lightweight, suitably strong
material. The frame 58 spans the cabin 14 of the mobile platform 10
and includes various mounting points or apertures 62 for coupling
the housings 60, the actuator system 26 and the latching system 28
to the frame 58 (FIG. 4). The housings 60 are generally rectangular
and include a mating ledge 64, a shell 66 and a pair of sidewalls
68. The mating ledge 64 is coupled to the shell 66 and provides a
surface for the obstruction sensor 36. The mating ledge 64 is
preferably configured to aesthetically corresponding to the cabin
14, and also serves to seal the compartment 24 against the housing
60 when the compartment 24 is in the closed position, as will be
discussed further herein.
[0123] The shell 66 typically defines a cabin forward panel 70 and
a rear panel 72. The cabin forward panel 70 is preferably not
visible to passengers within the cabin 14 and supports the mating
ledge 64. The cabin forward panel 70 also provides a mounting point
for a ceiling panel 71 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The ceiling panel
71 substantially covers the cabin forward panel 70. The cabin
forward panel 70 is coupled to or integrally formed with the rear
panel 72. The sidewalls 68 are coupled to or integrally formed with
the cabin forward panel 70 and the rear panel 72.
[0124] Each of the sidewalls 68 includes a first end 78 and a
second end 80. The first end 78 of the sidewall 68 is coupled to
the shell 66. The first end 78 also includes a flange 89. The
flange 89 is generally triangular, with a base 93 and a shelf 95.
The base 93 is generally integrally formed with the shelf 95 and
can define apertures to couple the flange 89 to the first end 78
via mechanical fasteners, however, any other mechanism could be
used such as adhesives and/or welding. The shelf 95 extends
generally perpendicular to the base 93 to form a surface for
possible receipt of the open sensor 37, while also providing a
catch for stopping the compartment 24 once the compartment 24 has
reached the full opened position. Generally, only one open sensor
37 is required per compartment 24. The first end 78 and the second
end 80 each include a mounting point or apertures 84 and a mounting
flange 86. The mounting flange 86 includes a first end 88 and a
second end 91. The first end 88 of the mounting flange 86 is
coupled to the first end 78 of the sidewall 68 through at least one
or a plurality of mechanical fasteners, such as screws, which are
received through corresponding apertures in the first end 88 of the
mounting flange 86 and into the apertures 84 in the sidewall 68. It
should be understood that any suitable fastener could be used and,
in the alternative, the mounting flange 86 could be coupled to the
sidewall 68 by welding and/or adhesives.
[0125] The second end 91 of the mounting flange 86 is coupled to
apertures 62 in the frame 58. Generally, the second end 91 of the
mounting flange 86 is coupled to the frame 58 via a plurality of
fasteners, such as screws, linkages, brackets, bridges and/or pins;
however, it will be understood that any suitable fastener could be
used and, in the alternative, the mounting flange 86 could be
coupled to the frame 58 by welding and/or adhesives. The second end
80 of the sidewall 68 also includes a plurality of apertures 84 for
coupling a mounting flange 86 to the sidewall 68 to further couple
the housing 60 to the frame 58. As the mounting flange 86 of the
second end 80 is substantially similar to the mounting flange 86 of
the first end 78, it will not be discussed further herein with
regard to the second end 80. The pivot system 25 is coupled to the
sidewall 68, typically adjacent to the second end 80 of the
sidewall 68.
[0126] The compartments 24 are rotatably coupled to the housing 60
via the pivot system 25. Each of the compartments 24 includes a
cabin forward panel 102, a rear panel 104, a stop 105, and
sidewalls 106 disposed between the cabin forward panel 102 and the
rear panel 104. The compartments 24 form a structure for receiving
passenger items through an aperture 107 defined between the cabin
forward panel 102 and the rear panel 104. Each of the compartments
24 also includes an adjustable ledger 108 for coupling the
compartments 24 to the actuator system 26 and the latching system
28. The cabin forward panel 102 and rear panel 104 are generally
mounted to each other and the sidewalls 106 through a plurality of
mechanical fasteners, such as screws or rivets (not shown);
however, any suitable technique could be used to form the
compartments 24, such as molding, welding and/or adhesives. The
cabin forward panel 102 includes the front surface 44 and an
interior surface 110. The front surface 44 includes a mounting
point for the switch system(s) 40, such as at least one or a
plurality of apertures (not shown). The interior surface 110
provides a surface for receiving passenger items. The interior
surface 110 is also coupled to the sidewalls 106 such that the
interior surface 110 extends a distance beyond the sidewalls 106
for receipt of one of the obstruction sensors 36. Generally, two of
the obstruction sensors 36 are mounted opposite each other on the
portion of the interior surface 110 that extends beyond the
sidewalls 106. The rear panel 104 includes an interior surface 112
and the rear surface 42. The interior surface 112 also provides a
surface for receiving passenger items, and with the interior
surface 110 of the cabin forward panel 102 forms an interior of the
compartment 24. An edge 114 of the rear surface 42 provides a
mounting point, such as apertures 116, for coupling the stop 105
and the adjustable ledger 108 to the rear panel 104. The stop 105
includes a housing 109 and a lever 111. The housing 109 includes a
slot 113 for receipt of the lever 111. The lever 111 includes a
handle 115 coupled to or integrally formed with a base 117. The
handle 115 extends from the housing 109, while the base 117 of the
lever 111 is sized to slideably engage the slot 113 such that the
base 117 translates within the slot 113 from an extended position
to a retracted position upon the movement of the handle 115. In the
extended position, the base 117 can contact the shelf 95 of the
flange 89 of the housing 60 to stop the movement of the compartment
24 when the compartment 24 reaches the full opened position. In the
retracted position, the base 117 is retained within the housing 109
of the stop 105 such that the compartment 24 is able to rotate
beyond the full opened position. When the compartment 24 rotates
beyond the full opened position, the compartment 24 can be removed
from the pivot system 25 of the housing 60 of the support system
22.
[0127] The sidewalls 106 are generally configured to mate with the
cabin forward panel 102 and the rear panel 104. The sidewalls 106
also couple the pivot system 25 to the compartment 24 to enable the
compartment 24 to pivot with respect to the housing 60. The
adjustable ledger 108 is coupled to the edge 114 of the rear panel
104 via at least one or a plurality of fasteners, such as screws or
rivets. It should be understood, however, that the adjustable
ledger 108 could be coupled to the rear panel 104 via any suitable
technique, such as molding, welding and/or adhesives. The
adjustable ledger 108 includes a first surface 122 and a second
surface 124. The first surface 122 is coupled to the rear panel 104
of the compartment 24. The second surface 124 preferably includes
rails 127 to couple the actuator system 26 and latching system 28
to the compartment 24.
[0128] With reference to FIG. 4, the pivot system 25 is coupled to
each of the sidewalls 68, 106 of the housing 60 and compartment 24,
respectively. The pivot system 25 includes at least one conductor
131, a housing pivot 133, a compartment pivot 135, a bushing 137,
and a position sensor 139. The conductor 131 is in communication
with and receives power from the compartment controller 30. The
conductor 131 is preferably an embedded foil conductor, available
from 3M. The conductor 131 is coupled to the housing 60 and enables
the pivot system 25 to transfer power between the housing 60 and
the compartment 24. Preferably, one of the conductors 131 of the
two pivot systems 25 coupled to the housing 60 and compartment 24
has a positive charge, while the other conductor 131 of the
opposite pivot system 25 has a negative charge. The housing pivot
133 is disposed on the conductor 131 and is coupled to the sidewall
68 of the housing 60. The housing pivot 133 is generally composed
of a conductive material, such as a metal or metal alloy, to
transfer power from the conductor 131 to the compartment pivot 135.
The housing pivot 133 is generally annular and includes a radial
space for a bushing 137, which includes a slot 141. Between each
moving component (from the housing pivot 133 to the bushing 137 to
the compartment pivot 135) at least one conductive spring plunger
143 is used. The slot 141 is sized to slideably engage the
compartment pivot 135, and the spring plunger 143 is disposed
within the housing pivot 133 to maintain electrical contact between
the housing pivot 133, the bushing 137 and the compartment pivot
135.
[0129] The compartment pivot 135 includes an annular base 145 with
a T-shaped protrusion 147. The annular base 145 couples the
compartment pivot 135 to the sidewall 106 of the compartment 24,
while the T-shaped protrusion 147 is sized to slideably engage the
slot 141 of the pivot bushing 137 of the housing pivot 133. The
compartment pivot 135 is generally composed of a conductive
material, such as a metal or metal alloy, to enable the
transmission of power from the housing pivot 133 to the compartment
pivot 135 via the pivot bushing 137. The compartment pivot 135 is
also coupled to various conductors 131a to enable the transmission
of data and/or power to the obstruction sensor 36 and the switch
system(s) 40.
[0130] The pivot bushing 137 enables the compartment pivot 135 to
rotate within the housing pivot 133 to allow the compartment 24 to
pivot with respect to the housing 60. The pivot bushing 137 is
generally rotatably engaged to the inside of the housing pivot 133.
The position sensor 139 is installed on the housing 60 such that
the spring plunger 143 contained in the pivot busing 137 applies a
pressure to the position sensor 139 to send a signal to the
compartment controller 30 regarding the degree of rotation of the
compartment 24. Only one of the two pivot systems 25 on each
compartment 24 requires this position sensor 139. The position
sensor 139 can be a radial potentiometer, but any other suitable
position sensor could be employed. Further detail regarding the
pivot system 25 is outside the scope of the current disclosure, but
is disclosed in greater detail in pending commonly assigned U.S.
patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.
7784-000912CPA), filed concurrently herewith, entitled "System and
Method for Pivot for Stowage Compartments or Rotating Items," which
is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0131] The actuator system 26 includes an actuator 125 and a motor
126 coupled to the actuator 125. The actuator 125 is produced by
M-Mac of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The motor 126 is
produced by Maxon Motors of Burlingame, Calif., USA. The motor 126
coupled with the actuator 125 comprise an electro-hydraulic linear
actuator. As will be appreciated, the actuator system 26 provides a
direct drive system for moving the compartment 24 and does not
require additional cables or rigging of the compartment 24. The
actuator system 26 is pivotably coupled to the adjustable ledger
108 of the compartment 24 via a first mounting flange 128, and is
pivotably coupled to the frame 58 via a second mounting flange 130.
The first mounting flange 128 comprises a car which slidably
engages the rails 127 of the adjustable ledger 108. The first
mounting flange 128 includes a U-shaped flange for receipt of a
mechanical fastener for pivotably coupling the actuator 125 to the
first mounting flange 128. The first mounting flange 128 is secured
to the adjustable ledger 108 via a quick release fastener, such as
a pin 129. By slideably engaging the adjustable ledger 108, the
first mounting flange 128 enables the actuator system 26 to be
positioned such that the actuator system 26 can be coupled to the
compartment 24 generally perpendicular to the rear panel 104 in
cases when the attachment of the actuator system 26 to the frame 58
is offset from the compartment 24 centerline, such as in tapered
sections of the mobile platform 10. The second mounting flange 130
is generally triangular, with a first end 134 for pivotably
coupling the second mounting flange 130 to the actuator system 26
and a second end 136 defining at least one or a plurality of
apertures 138 for receipt of mechanical fasteners, such as screws
or rivets, to couple the second mounting flange 130 to the frame 58
via the apertures 62, as best shown in FIGS. 5-7. It will be
understood, however, that any appropriate mechanism or technique
could be employed to couple the actuator system 26 to the
compartment 24 and the frame 58, such as welding and/or
adhesives.
[0132] The actuator 125 includes a rod 140 and a hydraulic pump
142. The rod 140 includes a first end 144 and a second end 146. The
first end 144 includes a bearing (not specifically shown) that
defines an aperture (not specifically shown) for receipt of a
mechanical fastener to couple the rod 140 to the first mounting
flange 128. Typically, the fastener that couples the rod 140 to the
first mounting flange 128 is a quick-release fastener. The use of a
quick-release fastener enables the rod 140 to be disconnected from
the compartment 24 without additional disassembly. The second end
146 of the rod 140 is affected by the hydraulic pump 142 (specific
attachment not shown). The hydraulic pump 142 drives the second end
146 of the rod 140 linearly upon the receipt of pressure from the
hydraulic pump 142 as a result of torque from the motor 126, as is
generally known in the art. It should be noted, however, that in
the case of a power outage, for example, the rod 140 can act as a
traditional snubber to enable the compartment 24 to be manually
opened or closed, if necessary. The hydraulic pump 142 forms a
closed loop system such that the actuator 125 is not affected by
changes in the pressure of the cabin 14 and is a low pressure
hydraulic system.
[0133] The motor 126 is coupled to the hydraulic pump 142 and
communicates with and receives power from the compartment
controller 30. The compartment controller 30 provides signals to
the motor 126 upon the receipt of a signal to operate the
compartment 24, as will be discussed in greater detail herein. More
specifically, the compartment controller 30 signals the motor 126
so that the motor 126 drives the linear actuator as needed to
manage the compartment 24 movement. A software system may be
employed to enhance the operation of the power-assisted compartment
system 12. When the motor 126 is energized, the motor 126 drives
the hydraulic pump 142, which in turn drives the rod 140 to extend
or retract the rod 140, depending upon the rotation of the motor
126, as is generally known in the art. The motor 126 further
includes the amperage sensor 34 for monitoring an amperage, as
described herein. The amperage sensor 34 is in communication with
the compartment controller 30 such that the compartment controller
30 can determine, based on the motor amperage, if there is an
obstruction to the movement of the compartment 24. If there is a
rapid change in the sensed motor amperage, the compartment
controller 30 senses that an obstruction to the movement of the
compartment 24 has occurred, and the compartment controller 30 can
then reverse and/or stop the motor 126 in a predetermined
fashion.
[0134] If the motor amperage exceeds a predetermined maximum during
initial closing efforts, the compartment controller 30 senses
excessive load or weight in the compartment 24 and commands the
actuator to reverse and/or stop the motor 126 while also sending
signals to the indicator surface 50 of the switch system(s) 40 and
the control panel 33 to indicate an overloaded or obstructed
condition as applicable.
[0135] The latching system 28 includes a latch 154 and a latch
sensor 156, and is in communication with and responsive to the
compartment controller 30. The latching system 28 is in either
wired and/or wireless communication with the compartment controller
30. The latch 154 can be formed by any suitable latch mechanism.
Briefly, however, the latch 154 includes a pin 158, a receiver
assembly 160, a solenoid 162, and a manual release 163. The pin 158
is coupled to the adjustable ledger 108 of the compartment 24 via
mechanical fasteners (not specifically shown), such as screws;
however, the pin 158 could be coupled to the compartment 24 and/or
adjustable ledger 108 via molding, welding and/or adhesives. The
receiver assembly 160 is coupled to the housing 60 through a
mounting flange 161 via mechanical fasteners (not specifically
shown); however, any suitable technique could be employed to couple
the receiver assembly 160 to the housings 60 or frame 58. The
receiver assembly 160 is configured to secure the pin 158 to the
receiver assembly 160 to hold the compartment 24 in the closed
position. The receiver assembly 160 is responsive to the solenoid
162 via a lever (not shown). The lever is pivoted by the solenoid
162 to release the pin 158 from the receiver assembly 160, as will
be discussed herein.
[0136] The solenoid 162 is in communication with and responsive to
the compartment controller 30 to receive power from the compartment
controller 30. When the solenoid 162 receives power from the
compartment controller 30, the pin 158 is released. When the pin
158 re-engages the receiver assembly 160, the pin 158 is recaptured
and secured. An exemplary latch is disclosed in greater detail in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,599, assigned to and commercially available
from Southco., Inc. of Concordville, Pa., and incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety. The solenoid 162 is also coupled
to the manual release 163. The manual release 163 includes a
push-button 165 and a cable 167. The push-button 165 can be
accessible by a crewmember C in the cabin 14 to enable the release
of the compartment 24 in cases of a power outage or system failure,
for example. The push button 165 is coupled to the cable 167. The
cable 167 is in turn coupled to the receiver assembly 160. In the
case where manual release of the compartment 24 is necessary, the
depression of the push-button 165 causes the cable 167 to release
the pin 158.
[0137] Based on the position of the pin 158, the compartment
controller 30 also determines whether the latching system 28 is
latched or unlatched. The latch sensor 156 is comprised of multiple
micro-sensors (not shown) to verify that the pin 158 has securely
entered the latch engagement device (not shown) of the receiver
assembly 160. In addition, the latch sensor 156 is in wired and/or
wireless communication with the compartment controller 30 to send a
signal if the pin 158 is not fully engaged and secured in the
receiver assembly 160.
[0138] In order to operate one of the compartments 24, when the
compartment 24 is in the closed and latched position, an operator
in the cabin 14 depresses the switch system(s) 40 or applicable
control panel 33 button, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. This sends a
signal to the compartment controller 30 that a request to open the
compartment 24 has been made. The compartment controller 30 then
supplies power to the solenoid 162, which causes the pushrod 166 of
the solenoid 162 to release the pin 158. Once the compartment 24 is
unlatched, the compartment controller 30 provides power to the
motor 126 of the actuator system 26. The torque from the motor 126
then drives the hydraulic pump 142, which drives the actuator 125
to extend the rod 140 and, thus, lower the compartment 24 into the
full opened position (FIG. 7). When the compartment 24 reaches the
full opened position, the open sensor 37 sends a signal to the
compartment controller 30 to indicate that the compartment 24 has
reached the full opened position. When the compartment 24 is in the
opened position, the operator may then place his/her items into the
compartment 24.
[0139] When the compartment 24 is in an opened position, the
compartment 24 is commanded to close by pressing the appropriate
switch system(s) 40. This sends a signal to the compartment
controller 30 that a request to raise the compartment 24 has been
made. Alternatively, the compartment 24 can be commanded to close
by the user pressing up on the compartment 24. By pressing up on
the compartment 24 when in the full open position, the open sensor
37 sends a signal to the compartment controller 30 that the
compartment 24 is no longer in the full opened position. Based on
the signal from the open sensor 37, the compartment controller 30
signals the actuator system 26 to raise the compartment 24. If the
compartment 24 is not fully open or closed, pressing up or pulling
down on the compartment 24 would transmit a signal via the one or a
combination of many sensors, such as the amperage sensor 34 or
position sensor 139, to signal the compartment controller 30 to
send a signal to the actuator system 26 to raise or lower the
compartment 24, respectively.
[0140] In any event, when the compartment controller 30 determines
that the compartment 24 should be raised, the compartment
controller 30 supplies power to the motor 126 of the actuator
system 26 (FIG. 2). The torque from the motor 126 drives the
hydraulic pump 142, which drives the actuator 125 to retract the
rod 140 and thus raise the compartment 24. If the load of the items
contained in a single compartment 24 exceed a predetermined
threshold as determined by the amperage sensor 34, then a signal is
sent to the compartment controller 30 to reverse and/or stop the
motor 126 and indicate that the allowable weight of the compartment
24 has been exceeded. The compartment controller 30 then sends a
signal to the speaker 54 of the indicator surface 50 to announce
that the weight has been exceeded, and a signal to the LEDs 52 on
the indicator surface 50 to illuminate to signal a compartment
overloaded condition (FIG. 4). In addition, a notification will be
provided to the control panel 33 for annunciation.
[0141] Once the passenger has loaded his/her personal items, the
operator depresses the switch system(s) 40 (FIGS. 1 and 4). This
sends a signal to the compartment controller 30 that a request to
raise the compartment 24 has been made. The compartment controller
30 then supplies power to the motor 126 of the actuator system 26
(FIG. 2). The torque from the motor 126 drives the hydraulic pump
142, which drives the actuator 125 to retract the rod 140 and thus
raise the compartment 24. As the compartment 24 is moved into the
closed position, the pin 158 of the latching system 28 enters into
the receiver assembly 160 (FIG. 5). The pin 158 moves into the
receiver assembly 160 until the latch sensor 156 detects a closed
position, then the compartment controller 30 discontinues the
supply of power to the motor 126 of the actuator system 26. If,
however, the pin 158 is not fully secured in the receiver assembly
160, then the latch sensor 156 will send a signal to the
compartment controller 30 that the compartment 24 is not properly
latched. Based on this signal from the latch sensor 156, the
compartment controller 30 will then send a signal to the speaker 54
of the indicator surface 50 to announce that the compartment 24 is
not properly latched, and send a signal to the LEDs 52 on the
indicator surface 50 to illuminate to signal an incorrectly latched
compartment condition (FIGS. 2 and 4). In addition, a notification
will be provided to the control panel 33 for annunciation.
[0142] If, during travel of the compartment 24, the compartment 24
encounters a sudden change in loading (primary obstruction
detection) as determined by the amperage sensor 34, a signal is
sent to the compartment controller 30 to reverse and or stop the
direction of the motor 126. The compartment controller 30 then
reverses or stops the motor 126 by altering or discontinuing the
supply of power to the motor 126. Based on the signal from the
amperage sensor 34, the compartment controller 30 will then send a
signal to the speaker 54 of the indicator surface 50 to announce
that the compartment 24 has encountered an obstruction, and a
signal to the LEDs 52 on the indicator surface 50 to illuminate
signaling an obstructed condition of the compartment 24 (FIGS. 2
and 4). In addition, a notification will be provided to the control
panel 33 for an appropriate annunciation. If, during travel of the
compartment 24, the compartment 24 encounters an object as
determined by one of the obstruction sensors 36, the obstruction
sensor 36 will send a signal to the compartment controller 30. The
compartment controller 30 then briefly reverses the direction of
the motor 126 and then discontinues the supply of power to the
motor 126 to stop the movement of the compartment 24. The
compartment controller 30 also sends a signal to the speaker 54 of
the indicator surface 50 to announce that there is an obstruction,
and sends a signal to the LEDs 52 on the indicator surface 50 to
illuminate to signal an obstructed condition. Upon clearing the
obstruction, the user may depress either one of the OPEN or CLOSE
buttons 46, 48 to operate the compartment 24 in the desired
direction.
[0143] In addition, if a crew member desires to control the
operation or prevent the operation of a certain compartment or
compartments 24, the crew member, through the appropriate control
panel 33, can manage use of any and all applicable compartment(s).
In the alternative, a software program could be used to manage
operation of selected compartments 24. When the associated area
user input device 56a, specific compartment user input device 56b
and functional user input device 56c are depressed, signals are
sent from the control panel 33 to the central controller 32. The
central controller 32 then routes the commands or signals to the
affected compartment controllers 30. The compartment controllers 30
then perform the requested operation and provide annunciation on
the applicable LEDs 52 on the indicator surface 50 as well as
annunciation on the control panel 33.
[0144] Thus, the present disclosure provides the power-assisted
compartment system 12 with no visible mechanisms to the cabin 14 to
raise and lower the compartments 24. Specifically, as the actuator
system 26 is coupled to the rear wall of the compartment 24, the
actuator system 26 cannot be damaged by the loading and unloading
of personal items stored in the compartment 24. Further, the
present disclosure requires a single attachment to the support
structure instead of the two attachments typically required, such
as the two latches and snubbers traditionally employed to operate
the compartments 24.
[0145] Referring now to FIG. 9 (System Control Module), the control
system 20 includes a control module 200. As used herein, the term
module refers to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group)
and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs,
a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable components
that provide the described functionality. In FIG. 9 (System Control
Module), a dataflow diagram illustrates various components of a
compartment control system that can be embedded within a control
module 200. Various embodiments of compartment control systems
according to the present disclosure may include any number of
sub-modules embedded within the control module 200. The sub-modules
shown may be combined and/or further partitioned to similarly
monitor the compartment(s) 24. Inputs to the system may be received
from the amperage sensors 34, obstruction sensors 36, open sensors
37, position sensors 139, switches 40, volume sensors 41, latch
sensor 156, or other sensors (not shown), or even received from
other control modules (not shown) within the mobile platform 10,
and/or determined by other sub-modules (not shown) within the
control module 200 (not shown). In various embodiments, the control
module 200 of FIG. 9 (System Control Module) includes a start-up
module 202, a compartment control module 204, a shutdown module
206, and a graphical user interface (GUI) manager module 208.
[0146] The start-up module 202 receives as input a start-up signal
210. The start-up signal 210 indicates an initiation of the control
system 20. The start-up module 202 performs a start-up procedure
upon receipt of the start-up signal 210 and outputs failure data
212 or sets a start-up command 214 accordingly. The compartment
control module 204 receives as input the start-up command 214,
volume data 216, warning active data 218, open data 220, close data
222, position data 224, obstruction data 226, weight data 228, and
a shutdown command 230.
[0147] The compartment control module 204 also receives GUI data
232 as input. Based on these inputs, the compartment control module
204 determines a proper function for the compartment(s) 24, and
sets control signal 234, indicator data 236 and compartment status
data 238. The compartment control module 204 also sets compartment
status data 240, indicator data 242, and fault data 244 for the
graphical user interface (GUI) manager module 208.
[0148] The shutdown module 206 receives as input a shutdown signal
245 and compartment status data 240. The shutdown signal 245
indicates a termination of the system. The shutdown module 206
performs a shutdown procedure upon receipt of the shutdown signal
245 and outputs data 247 or sets the shutdown command 230
accordingly. The GUI manager module 208 receives as input the
failure data 212, compartment status data 240, indicator data 242,
fault data 244 and user input data 246. Based on these inputs, the
GUI manager module 208 generates GUI information 248 for a GUI
based control panel 249. The GUI manager module 208, the GUI
control panel 249, the user input data 246 and the GUI information
248 can collectively be viewed as forming a graphical user
interface subsystem of the control module 200.
[0149] With additional reference to FIG. 10 (Compartment
Initialization Procedure), a process flow diagram illustrates a
start-up sequence performed by the start-up module 202. In
operation 250, communication is enabled with the compartment
controller 30. In operation 252, control tests the control module
200.
[0150] With reference now to FIG. 11 (Control Module 200 Test
Procedure), a process flow diagram illustrates a method performed
to test the control module 200. In operation 253, control makes
sure the warning sign, such as the "Fasten Seatbelts" sign, is off.
Then, in operation 254, control first makes sure the compartment 24
is fully closed. In operation 256, control tests the logic
associated with the OPEN button 46 on the switch system 40. If, in
operation 258, the compartment 24 unlatches and begins moving into
the opening direction, and stops in the fully opened position, then
in operation 262, control tests the logic associated with the CLOSE
button 48 of the switch system 40. Otherwise, in operation 260, the
error is logged and the control module 200 test is complete.
[0151] In operation 264, after the CLOSE button 48 test has been
initiated, the compartment 24 should move into the closed position
and latch. If the compartment 24 does not close and latch, in
operation 266, then error is logged. Otherwise, in operation 268,
control initiates the logic associated with a signal from the CLOSE
button 48 of the switch system 40. The compartment 24 should
unlatch and begin moving into the fully open position until the
fully opened position is reached. In operation 270, if the
compartment 24 has successfully opened, then, in operation 274,
control initiates the logic associated with the OPEN button 46 of
the switch system 40. Otherwise, in operation 272, the error is
logged and the control module 200 test is complete.
[0152] With the OPEN button 46 logic test initiated, while the
compartment 24 is in the fully opened position, the compartment 24
should begin moving into the closed position. If, in operation 276,
the compartment 24 reaches the closed position successfully, then
with reference now to FIG. 12 (Control Module 200 Test Procedure),
in operation 280, with the compartment in the fully closed
position, control tests the logic associated with an operator
depressing the switch system 40 such that the compartment 24 moves
into the opened position. Otherwise, with reference back to FIG. 11
(Control Module 200 Test Procedure), in operation 278, the error is
logged and the control module 200 test is complete.
[0153] With reference to FIG. 12 (Control Module 200 Test
Procedure), if the compartment 24 is opening in operation 282, then
the control initiates the logic associated with the OPEN button 46
in operation 286 to pause the motion of the compartment 24. If the
compartment 24 is not opening then in operation 283 the error is
logged and the control module 200 test is complete. The motor 126
should stop and the compartment 24 should continue to open under
gravity. Otherwise, the error is logged in operation 284 and the
control module 200 test is complete.
[0154] If the motion of the compartment 24 has stopped, then in
operation 292, the compartment 24 should be fully opened under
gravity. If the compartment 24 is not fully opened under gravity,
then in operation 294, control loops until the compartment 24 is
fully opened. With the compartment 24 fully opened, in operation
296, control initiates the logic associated with the compartment 24
being lifted off of the open sensor 37. The compartment 24 should
begin moving into the closed position. In operation 298, if the
compartment 24 closes successfully, then with reference now to FIG.
13 (Control Module 200 Test Procedure), control initiates the
opening of the compartment 24 by the depressing either the OPEN
button 46 or the CLOSE button 48 of the switch system 40 in
operation 302. Otherwise, in operation 300 the error is logged and
the control module 200 test is complete (FIG. 12).
[0155] With continuing reference to FIG. 13 (Control Module 200
Test Procedure), in operation 304, if the compartment 24 is
opening, then in operation 308 control initiates the depression of
the CLOSE button 48. Then, the motor 126 should stop and the
compartment 24 should continue to open under gravity. If, in
operation 310, the motor 126 did not stop, then in operation 312,
the error is logged and the control module 200 test is
complete.
[0156] In operation 314, if the compartment 24 is fully opened
under the power of gravity, then in operation 318, control
initiates the logic associated with the depression of the CLOSE
button. Otherwise, control loops in operation 316 until the
compartment 24 is fully opened. After the CLOSE button 48 logic is
initiated, then in operation 320, if the compartment 24 is closing,
then, in operation 324, control initiates the logic associated with
the OPEN button 46 being depressed as shown in FIG. 14 (Control
Module 200 Test Procedure). Otherwise, if the compartment 24 is not
closing, then, in operation 322 the error is logged and the control
module 200 test is complete.
[0157] When the OPEN button 46 logic initiated, the motor 126 and
the compartment 24 should stop, and return to the fully opened
position under gravity. In operation 326, if the compartment 24
motion has stopped, and, in operation 330, if the compartment 24 is
fully opened, then in operation 334, control initiates the logic
associated with either the OPEN button 46 or CLOSE button 48 being
depressed. Otherwise, in operation 328, the error is logged and the
control module 200 test is complete.
[0158] In operation 336, if the compartment 24 is closing, then in
operation 340, control initiates the CLOSE button 48 logic.
Otherwise, in operation 338, the error is logged and the control
module 200 test is complete. If in operation 342 the motor 126
stops, and then control loops in operation 346 the compartment 24
opens under the power of gravity. With reference to FIG. 15
(Control Module 200 Test Procedure), once the compartment 24 is
fully opened, in operation 350 control initiates the logic
associated with the depression of the CLOSE button 48.
[0159] In operation 352, if the compartment 24 is closing, then in
operation 356 control initiates the logic associated with either
the OPEN button 46 or CLOSE button 48 being depressed. Otherwise,
in operation 354 the error is logged and the control module 200
test is complete. With the logic associated with the OPEN or CLOSE
buttons 46, 48 depressed initiated in operation 358, the motor 126
should stop and the compartment 24 should continue to open under
gravity. If the motor 126 does not stop, then the error is logged
in operation 360 and the control module 200 test is complete. If
the motor 126 stops in operation 358, then in operation 362 control
initiates the logic associated with the CLOSE button 48 being
depressed.
[0160] If in operation 364, the compartment 24 has reached the
fully closed position, then in operation 368, control initiates the
logic associated with the OPEN button 46 or CLOSE button 48 being
depressed. Otherwise, in operation 366 the error is logged and the
control module 200 test is complete. If in operation 370, the
compartment 24 is opening, then with reference now to FIG. 16
(Control Module 200 Test Procedure), in operation 374 control
initiates the logic associated with OPEN button 46 or CLOSE button
48 being depressed. If the compartment 24 is not opening, in
operation 370, then the error is logged and the control module 200
test is complete. If in operation 376 motor 126 has stopped then,
in operation 380, control initiates the logic associated with the
depression of the OPEN button 46. Otherwise, the error is logged in
operation 378 and the control module 200 test is complete.
[0161] If in operation 382, the compartment 24 has completed
opening into the fully opened position, then in operation 386 the
CLOSE button 48 logic is initiated. Otherwise, the error is logged
in operation 384 and the control module 200 is complete. If in
operation 388 the compartment 24 is closing, then in operation 392
the control initiates the logic associated with the depression of
either the OPEN button 46 or CLOSE button 48. Then in operation
394, with reference to FIG. 17 (Control Module 200 Test Procedure)
if the compartment 24 has stopped moving, then in operation 398
control initiates the OPEN button 46 logic. If in operation 400 the
compartment 24 completes opening into the fully opened position,
then in operation 404 control initiates the logic associated with
the depression of either the OPEN or CLOSE buttons 46, 48.
Otherwise, the error is logged in operation 402 and the control
module 200 is complete.
[0162] In operation 406, if the compartment 24 is opening, then in
operation 410 control initiates the logic associated with the
depression of either the OPEN or CLOSE buttons 46, 48 to pause the
motion of the compartment 24. If the compartment 24 is not opening,
then the error is logged and the control module 200 test is
complete in operation 408.
[0163] In operation 412, if the motor 126 has stopped, then in
operation 416 the CLOSE button 48 logic is initiated. If the motor
126 does not stop, then the error is logged and the control module
200 test is complete. In operation 418, if the compartment 24 has
completed closing, then with reference to FIG. 18 (Control Module
200 Test Procedure), control initiates the logic associated with
the depression of either the OPEN or CLOSE buttons 46, 48 in
operation 422. Otherwise, in operation 420 the error is logged and
the control module 200 test is complete.
[0164] If in operation 424 the compartment 24 is opening, then in
operation 428 control initiates the obstruction sensor 36 logic. If
in operation 430 the motor 126 reverses its direction of motion and
then stops, then control goes to operation 434. Otherwise, the
error is logged and the control module 200 test is complete in
operation 426. In operation 434, if the compartment 24 has reached
the fully open position under gravity, then with reference to FIG.
19 (Control Module 200 Test Procedure), control initiates the logic
associated with the depression of the switch system 40 in operation
438.
[0165] If, in operation 440, the compartment 24 is closing, then,
in operation 444, control initiates the logic of a second force
being applied to the obstruction sensor 36. Otherwise, the error is
logged and the control module 200 test is complete in operation
442. If, in operation 446, the motor 126 reverses direction and
then stops, then control goes to operation 450. Otherwise, the
error is logged and the control module 200 test is complete in
operation 448. In operation 450, if the compartment 24 has reached
the fully opened position, then, the warning sign logic is
initiated. In operation 452, control determines if the warning sign
is off. If the warning sign is off, then in operation 453, control
turns the warning sign on and loops to Q. If the warning sign is
on, then in operation 454, control determines if the grace period
has expired, and loops to operation 454 until the grace period
expires. Once the grace period of the warning sign has expired, in
operation 456, control initiates the logic associated with the
depression of the switch system 40, and the compartment 24 should
move into the closed position. If in operation 458 the compartment
24 does not reach the fully closed position, then in operation 460
the error is logged and the control module 200 test is
complete.
[0166] Once the compartment 24 is closed, with reference to FIG. 20
(Control Module 200 Test Procedure), in operation 462, control
initiates the logic associated with an operator depressing the OPEN
or CLOSE buttons 46, 48 an incorrect number of times for the crew
code. If, in operation 464, the compartment 24 opens, then in
operation 466 the error is logged and the control module 200 test
is complete. Otherwise, in operation 468, control tests the logic
associated with an incorrect crew code. If, in operation 470, the
compartment 24 is opening, then, in operation 472, the error is
logged and the control module 200 test is complete. Otherwise, in
operation 474, control tests the logic of a correct crew code being
entered, and if, in operation 476, the compartment 24 opens, then,
in operation 480, the control module 200 test is complete.
Otherwise, the error is logged in operation 478 and the control
module 200 test is complete.
[0167] With reference back to FIG. 10 (Compartment Initialization
Procedure), in operation 482, the hardware is tested. With
reference now to FIG. 21, a process flow diagram illustrates a
method performed to test the hardware. In order to test the
hardware, an operator depresses the obstruction sensor 36 in
operation 484. If the obstruction sensor 36 input is sensed in
operation 486, then the operator depresses the obstruction sensor
36 coupled to the sidewall 68 of the compartment 24 in operation
488. Otherwise, the error is logged in operation 490. If the side
obstruction sensor 36 input is sensed in operation 492, then the
compartment 24 is instructed to close in operation 494. Otherwise,
the error is logged in operation 496. If in operation 497, the
latch sensor 156 sends a signal that the compartment 24 is latched
and closed, then in operation 498, the compartment 24 is commanded
to open. Otherwise, the error is logged in operation 500. In
operation 502, if the open sensor 37 does not signal that the
compartment 24 is fully opened, the error is logged.
[0168] Next, with reference to FIG. 22, if the open sensor 37 does
signal that the compartment 24 is fully opened, then the
compartment 24 is commanded to close in operation 504. In operation
506, if the amperage sensor 34 provides the proper position
signals, then in operation 508, the hardware check is complete.
Otherwise, in operation 510 the error is logged.
[0169] With reference back to FIG. 10 (Compartment Initialization
Procedure), if any errors were logged during operation 252 and
operation 482, then in operation 512 the failure data 212 is
transmitted to the GUI manager module 208, as will be discussed in
greater detail herein (FIG. 9: System Control Module). If there are
no errors logged, then in operation 514, the initial compartment 24
position is received from the amperage sensors 34. Then, in
operation 516, the Kalman filter is initialized to determine the
estimated position or measured position and speed of the
compartment 24, and the steady state Kalman filter gain matrix is
computed.
[0170] The speed of the compartment 24 is computed from the
position data from the amperage sensors 34 by using a steady state,
linear, discrete Kalman filter. In order to achieve these
estimates, first, the measured position of the actuator system 24
is taken to be X. Then, the previous position estimate is set as
X.sub.old and the previous speed estimate is set as S.sub.old. The
new estimates for position and speed of the compartment 24 are:
X.sub.new=X.sub.old+K.sub.1(X-X.sub.old)+T(S.sub.old+K.sub.2(X-X.sub.old-
)) (1)
S.sub.new=S.sub.old+K.sub.2(X-X.sub.old) (2)
[0171] where K.sub.1 is the first element of the steady state
Kalman gain matrix and K.sub.2 is the second element. Next,
X.sub.old is replaced by X.sub.new and Sold is replaced by
S.sub.new. Then, the steady state Kalman gain matrix is computed
upon initialization of the actuator system 24. The computation of
the Kalman gain matrix is an iterative process. The following
operations are performed:
[0172] (1) Initialize 2.times.2 state estimate covariance matrix
P.sup.+
[0173] (2) Initialize 2.times.2 process noise covariance matrix
Q
[0174] (3) Initialize 1.times.1 measurement noise covariance matrix
R.
[0175] (4) Set 2.times.1 saved Kalman gain matrix K to zero.
[0176] (5) Establish state transition matrix .phi., where T is a
measurement sampling rate:
.PHI. = T 0 1 ( 3 ) ##EQU00001##
[0177] (6) Establish measurement matrix H:
H=|1 0| (4)
[0178] (7) Compute new Kalman gain matrix:
K=P.sup.+H.sup.T(HP.sup.+H.sup.T+R).sup.-1 (5)
[0179] (8) Determine if K is converged (with an epsilon of previous
K)? If K is converged, then the computation is complete with
K.sub.1 as the first element of K and K.sub.2 as the second element
of K. Otherwise, the computed K is saved, and the process continues
to operation (9).
(9) Update P matrix:
P.sup.-=(I-KH)P.sup.+ (6)
[0180] (10) Propagate P Matrix:
P.sup.+=.phi.P.sup.-.phi..sup.T+Q (7)
[0181] (11) Go to Operation (7).
[0182] After the Kalman filter computed speed is determined, with
continuing reference to FIG. 10 (Compartment Initialization
Procedure), in operation 518 a warning sign is turned off or
deactivated. The warning sign can be a "No Smoking" sign, a "Fasten
Seatbelts" sign, or any other appropriate warning indicator. Then,
in operation 520, the type of compartment 24 is determined, such as
crew, emergency or passenger. In operation 522, the start-up
command 214 is transmitted to the compartment compartment control
module 204.
[0183] With reference now to FIG. 23 (Control Module), a dataflow
diagram illustrates various embodiments of a compartment control
system that can be embedded within the compartment control module
204. In various embodiments, the compartment control module 204
includes a compartment monitor module 524, a control module 526,
and an indicator module 528.
[0184] The compartment monitor module 524 receives as input the GUI
data 232, start-up command 214, volume data 216, warning active
data 218, open data 220, close data 222, position data 224,
obstruction data 226, weight data 228, and the shutdown command
230. Based on these inputs, the compartment monitor module 524
determines a proper status for the compartment(s) 24, and sets
compartment status data 238. The compartment monitor module 524
also sets the fault data 244 for the graphical user interface (GUI)
module 208. The control module 526 receives as input the
compartment status data 238, and based on the compartment status
data 238, the control module 526 outputs the control signal 234.
The indicator module 528 receives as input the compartment status
data 238, and based on the compartment status data 238, the
indicator module 528 outputs the indicator data 236.
[0185] With reference to FIG. 24 (Compartment Status Procedure), a
process flow diagram illustrates a compartment status monitoring
method 530 performed by the compartment monitor module 524. In
operation 532, the obstruction status is checked. With reference
now to FIG. 25 (Obstruction Monitoring Procedure), a process flow
diagram 534 illustrates a method for checking for an obstruction.
In operation 536, if the control current is less than a maximum,
then in operation 538 the change in the control current is compared
to the maximum. The determination of the control current will be
discussed in greater detail herein. If the change in the control
current is greater than the maximum, then in operation 540 control
checks if a signal has been received from the obstruction sensor
36.
[0186] If no signal has been received from the obstruction sensor
36, then in operation 542 the compartment 24 is held to not be
obstructed. Otherwise, if one of operation 536, 538 and 540 are
true, then in operation 544 the compartment controller 30 applies a
reverse current to the motor 126 such that the compartment 24
reverses its direction of motion. Then in operation 546 the
compartment reversing status is set to true, and in operation 548
the compartment obstructed status is set to true. In output 550,
the compartment status data 238 is output.
[0187] With reference back to FIG. 24 (Compartment Status
Procedure), in operation 552 control checks to see if the warning
sign is active. With reference to FIG. 26 (Fasten Seatbelt (FSB)
Procedure), a process flow diagram 554 illustrates the warning sign
monitoring method performed by the compartment monitor module 524.
In operation 556 control checks if a signal has been received that
the warning, such as the "No Smoking" sign or the "Fasten
Seatbelts" sign has been activated. If the warning has been
activated, then in operation 558 control determines if a warning
light is on. If the warning light is on, then in operation 560
control turns the warning light off stops a warning light timer,
and sets a timed-out status to false. Otherwise, if the warning
light is not on, then in operation 562 control turns the warning
light on and starts the warning light timer. At the end of
operation 560 and 562 the compartment status data 238 is set to
indicate that the warning timer is on.
[0188] If, however, the warning is not active, then in operation
564 control determines whether the warning light is on. If the
warning light is not on, then control sets compartment status data
238 in operation 566 to reflect that the warning is not active.
Otherwise, if the warning light is on, then in operation 568
control determines if the warning light timer has expired. If the
warning light timer has expired, then in operation 570 control sets
the warning timed-out status to true. Otherwise, control updates
the compartment status data 238 to indicate that the warning timer
is active.
[0189] With reference back to FIG. 24 (Compartment Status
Procedure), operation 572 control determines the weight of the
compartment 24 for the purpose of monitoring the amount of luggage
or items in the compartment at any given time. The weight of the
compartment 24 is computed using the deviation in actual operating
speed from the expected operating speed of the compartment 24.
First, the applied torque is computed, wherein the applied torque
in Newton-meters (N-m) is:
T=K.sub.T(Control current-I.sub.NL)/1000 (8)
[0190] where K.sub.T is a torque constant (N-m/A) and I.sub.NL is
the motor no-load current (mA). The determination of the control
current will be discussed in greater detail below. After the
applied torque is determined, the compartment open angle (.theta.)
is computed based on the estimated compartment position. Then, the
estimated weight of the compartment 24 is computed, wherein the
weight in kilograms (kg) is:
W=2T/(L sin .theta.) (9)
[0191] where L is the effective moment arm of the compartment 24 in
meters (m). In our sample case, L is not perfectly a constant. The
location of the center of gravity relative to the pivot system 25
varies as the compartment 24 moves through its range of motion.
Also, since the compartment 24 rotates, the factor that the force
of gravity places on the compartment 24 varies. These factors have
been ignored in our calculation as the variances these factors
would cause were determined to be negligible. This may not always
be the case. If the estimated weight W is greater than the
pre-designated compartment maximum load, then the compartment 24 is
declared to be overweight, and with reference to FIG. 24
(Compartment Status Procedure), the compartment status is outputted
as overweight.
[0192] With reference to FIG. 27 (Speed (Current) Control
Procedure), a process flow diagram 574 illustrates how to calculate
the control current for the compartment 24. In operation 526, if
the compartment 24 is not opening or closing and is obstructed,
then the control current is set to zero in operation 578.
Otherwise, if the compartment 24 is opening or closing and not
obstructed, then in operation 580 control determines if the current
is set under automatic control. When operating under automatic
control, the control current is computed based on speed error,
based on a profile provided through the GUI data 232, as will be
discussed in greater detail herein.
[0193] Based on the GUI data 232, a real-time correction is applied
to the selected profile to ensure that the perceived profile is
close to the selected profile. The real-time correction is applied
through the following operations:
[0194] (1) Receive demand velocity D, which can be a constant or a
profile. There are two possible modes for setting the demand speed
used in the compartment control system--constant speed and variable
speed. The constant speed mode ramps up to a constant input speed
value that is used for the entire opening process and closing
process. This demand speed can be different for opening and closing
of the compartment 24 if desired. The ramp up time is an input
value, which will be discussed in detail herein. The variable speed
mode computes a demand speed profile for the compartment controller
30 to follow once an OPEN button 46 or CLOSE button 48 is pressed.
This profile shape is based on several parameters such as a
measured location of the compartment 24, a desired direction of
motion, a desired current draw, and a desired time to reach the
fully opened or fully closed position, as will be discussed in
detail herein.
(2) Compute speed error E:
[0195] E=D-S.sub.new (10)
[0196] If, however, the compartment 24 is opening or closing, is
not obstructed and is under automatic control, in operation 588 the
control current is set to an automatic control current.
[0197] where S.sub.new is the speed estimate from the Kalman filter
described herein.
[0198] (3) Compute control current:
Control current = - K P E - K l i = 1 n E i T ( 11 )
##EQU00002##
[0199] where K.sub.P is the proportional gain, K.sub.I is the
integral gain, and T is the sampling interval. The second term
computed in equation (11) is the summed integral errors since the
motor 126 was activated to begin motion. If the current is not
under automatic control, then in operation 582 control determines
whether the compartment 24 is opening. If the compartment 24 is
opening, then the control current is set to a maximum input value
in operation 584. Otherwise, if the compartment 24 is not under
automatic control and is not opening, then the control current is
set to a negative maximum input value, in operation 586. The
automatic mode, with its ability to ramp up to and down from the
maximum speed, creates less wear and tear on mechanical components
of the power-assisted compartment system 12.
[0200] Referring back to FIG. 24 (Compartment Status Procedure),
after the weight of the compartment 24 is determined, then in
operation 588, control determines if the compartment 24 is
disabled. Then, in operation 591, control determines if the
compartment 24 is full. In order to determine if the compartment 24
is full, with reference to FIG. 26A (Volume Sensing Procedure), the
occupied volume of the compartment 24 is determined in operation
593. The occupied volume of the compartment 24 can be determined
through a variety of techniques, such as based on an input from the
volume sensor 41. In operation 595, the available volume in the
compartment 24 is computed. In operation 597, the available volume
is output as compartment status data 238.
[0201] With reference back to FIG. 24 (Compartment Status
Procedure), in operation 592, a check is made if the OPEN button 46
has been pushed. If the OPEN button 46 has been pushed, then in
operation 594, an OPEN button operational sequence 596. Otherwise,
in operation 598, a check is made if the CLOSE button 48 has been
pushed. If the CLOSE button 48 has not been pushed, then a check is
made in operation 599 if a manual input has been applied to the
compartment 24. If no manual input has been applied, then a loop is
made to operation 532. Otherwise, in operation 600, a CLOSE button
operational sequence 602 is initiated, and in operation 601 a
manual input operational sequence 603 is initiated, as will be
discussed herein.
[0202] With reference to FIG. 28 ("OPEN" Button Activation
Procedure), a process flow diagram illustrates the OPEN button
operational sequence 596 for the compartment 24. If the OPEN button
46 has been pushed, then in operation 604, a power management
routine 606 is performed. With reference to FIG. 29 (Power
Management Procedure), a process flow diagram illustrates the power
management routine 606. In operation 608, if the OPEN or CLOSE
button 46 or 48 is pushed, then in operation 610 control decides if
the compartment 24 is allowed to move. If the compartment 24 is not
allowed to move, then control loops to operation 623. Otherwise, if
the compartment 24 is allowed to move, then in operation 612
control logs that a command to move the compartment 24 has been
made along with the compartment identification number and the
compartment tier type. The compartment tier type refers to the
hierarchy of the compartments 24. For instance, emergency equipment
compartments 24 may have a higher priority than crew or passenger
compartments 24, and in addition, first class compartments 24 may
have a higher priority than economy class compartments, however,
any priority scheme is possible.
[0203] In operation 614, the move requests are sorted by the tier
of compartment 24. Then, in operation 616 a specific compartment 24
is assigned to move. In operation 618, the existent power draw of
the power-assisted compartment system 12 is calculated, and then in
operation 620 the existent power availability is calculated. The
existent power availability calculation will take into account
various elements such as, but not limited to, how much power is
being supplied to the mobile platform 10, how much of this power is
available for the compartment 24 operation, and how much power the
compartment 24 operation is already using. In operation 622,
control determines if power is available. If power is available,
then in operation 623 the power mitigation strategy is checked.
This strategy dictates the method in which the control system 20
determines in what manner to best supply the power. These scenarios
may be determined by the user. For example, in some cases where all
of the compartments 24 are to be opened at once, the amount of time
to required for the compartments 24 to completely open may not be
an important factor. In this case the control system 20 would
sacrifice the usual short opening period of several seconds and
would allow all the compartments 24 to be moving at once but at a
slower rate and thus supply a lower current to the moving
compartment(s) 24. Once the mitigation strategy has been determined
the system will calculate the available current to supply to the
compartment 24 in operation 625. Then in operation 624, the
compartment 24 assigned to move is removed from the log and then in
operation 626 the log is resorted by the compartment tier level. In
operation 628 the compartment 24 assigned to move is allowed to
move, and in operation 630 control loops to either the OPEN button
operational sequence 596 or the CLOSE button operational sequence
602.
[0204] However, if power is not available in operation 622, then
compartment status data 238 is sent to the indicator module 528 to
change the indicator surface 50 to indicate a delay. For example,
the indicator surface 50 could be instructed to enable the first
LED (52a) to flash. After the compartment status data 238 has been
relayed in operation 632, control loops to operation 620 until the
compartment 24 is assigned move.
[0205] Now, with reference back to FIG. 28 ("OPEN" Button
Activation Procedure), if the compartment 24 is disabled or
overweight, then in operation 634 the compartment status data 238
is transmitted to the indicator module 528. Otherwise, if the
compartment 24 is not disabled or overweight, then in operation
636, control determines if the compartment 24 is fully closed. If
the compartment 24 is not fully closed, then in operation 638
control determines if the compartment 24 is fully opened. If the
compartment 24 is fully opened, then the compartment status data
238 is set to move compartment 24 into the closed position in
operation 640. If the compartment 24 is not in the fully opened
position, then in operation 642, control determines if the
compartment 24 is in a paused position. If the compartment 24 is in
a paused position, then the compartment status data 238 is set to
move compartment 24 into the opened position in operation 644. If
the compartment 24 is not in the paused position, then the
compartment status data 238 is set to stop the movement of the
compartment 24 in operation 646.
[0206] If the compartment 24 is fully closed in operation 636, then
in operation 646, control determines if the compartment 24 is a
crew compartment or a passenger compartment with the warning active
and the warning timer expired. If the compartment 24 is a crew or
passenger compartment 24 with the warning active and timer expired,
then in operation 650, control determines if a correct crew code
has been inputted. The correct crew code can be a series of
predefined inputs to the switch system 40 that enable the
compartment 24 to operate even after the warning timer has expired.
If the latest input to the switch system 40 completes a correct
number of crew code inputs in operation 650, then in operation 649
control checks to see if the correct crew code series has been
input. If the correct crew code series input has been entered then,
in operation 652, the compartment status data 238 is set to open
the compartment 24. If, however, the latest input to the switch
system 40 does not complete a correct number of crew code inputs,
then an additional button push is added to the crew code, in
operation 654. If the correct number of crew code inputs has been
recorded in operation 650 but, in operation 650 were not determined
to be the correct series then operation 651 control resets the
compartment 24 for receipt of a new crew code. Then, in operation
656, the compartment status data 238 is set to locked and the
movement of the compartment 24 is prohibited.
[0207] If in operation 648, the compartment 24 is not a crew or a
passenger compartment 24 and the warning signal is active but the
timer has not expired, then in operation 658 the compartment status
data 238 is set to unlatch the compartment 24 and move the
compartment 24 into the opened position.
[0208] With reference to FIG. 24 (Compartment Status Procedure), if
the CLOSE button 48 has been pushed, then with reference to FIG. 30
("CLOSE" Button Activation Procedure), a process flow diagram
illustrates the CLOSE button operational sequence 602 for the
compartment 24. When the CLOSE button 48 is pushed, then in
operation 660 the power management routine is performed, as
discussed with regard to FIG. 28 ("OPEN" Button Activation
Procedure). Next, in operation 662 control determines if the
compartment is disabled or overweight. If the compartment 24 is
disabled or overweight, then in operation 664 the compartment
status data 238 is outputted to the indicator module 528.
[0209] Otherwise, if the compartment 24 is not disabled or
overweight, then in operation 666, control determines if the
compartment 24 is fully closed. If the compartment 24 is not fully
closed, then in operation 668 control determines if the compartment
24 is fully opened. If the compartment 24 is fully opened, then the
compartment status data 238 is set to move compartment 24 into the
closed position in operation 670. If the compartment 24 is not in
the fully opened position, then in operation 672, control
determines if the compartment 24 is in a paused position. If the
compartment 24 is in a paused position, then the compartment status
data 238 is set to move compartment 24 into the closed position in
operation 674. If the compartment 24 is not in the paused position,
then the compartment status data 238 is set to stop the movement of
the compartment 24 in operation 676 and control goes to the stop
compartment operational sequence 706.
[0210] If the compartment 24 is fully closed in operation 666, then
in operation 678, control determines if the compartment 24 is a
crew compartment or a passenger compartment with the warning active
and the warning timer expired. If the compartment 24 is a crew or
passenger compartment 24 with the warning active and timer expired,
then with reference to FIG. 28A, in operation 650, control
determines if a correct crew code has been inputted. If the latest
input to the switch system 40 computes a correct number of crew
code inputs in operation 650, then in operation 649, control checks
to see if the correct crew code series has been input. If the
correct crew code series input has been entered then, in operation
652, the compartment status data 238 is set to open the compartment
24. If, however, the latest input to the switch system 40 does not
complete a correct number of crew code inputs, then an additional
button push is added to the crew code, in operation 654. If the
correct number of crew code inputs has been recorded in operation
650 but, in operation 649 were not determined to be the correct
series then operation 651 control resets the compartment 24 for
receipt of a new crew code. Then, in operation 656, the compartment
status data 238 is set to locked and the movement of the
compartment 24 is prohibited.
[0211] If, in operation 678, the compartment 24 is not a crew or a
passenger compartment 24 and the warning signal is active but the
timer has not expired, then in operation 688 the compartment status
data 238 is set to unlatch the compartment 24 and move the
compartment 24 into the opened position.
[0212] With reference to FIG. 24 (Compartment Status Procedure), if
the manual input has been applied to the compartment 24, then with
reference to FIG. 31 (Manual Close Procedure), a process flow
diagram illustrates the manual input operational sequence 603 for
the compartment 24. In operation 690, control determines if current
is being supplied to the motor 126. If there is current supplied to
the motor 126, then the compartment status data 238 is set to
moving. If there is no current being supplied to the motor 126,
then in operation 692, control determines if the compartment 24 is
fully closed. If the compartment 24 is fully closed, then in
operation 693 control determines if the compartment 24 is latched.
If the compartment 24 is latched, then the compartment status data
238 is set to closed. If the compartment 24 is not latched, then
the compartment status data 238 is set to paused in operation 695.
If the compartment 24 is not fully closed, then in operation 694,
control determines if the compartment 24 is fully opened. If the
compartment 24 is fully opened, then control determines if the
compartment 24 is in contact with the open sensor 37 in operation
696. If the compartment 24 is in contact with the open sensor 37,
then the compartment status data 238 is set to full opened. If,
however, the compartment 24 is fully opened, but not in contact
with the open sensor 37, then in operation 698 the CLOSE button
operational sequence 600 is performed.
[0213] If the compartment 24 is not fully opened in operation 694,
then in operation 700, control determines if the compartment 24 is
manually being pushed towards the closed position. If the
compartment 24 is being manually pushed towards the closed
position, then the CLOSE button operational sequence 600 is
performed. If the compartment 24 is not being pushed towards the
closed position, then the compartment status data 238 is set to
manual open.
[0214] With reference to FIG. 32 (Compartment Activation
Procedure), a process flow diagram illustrates a first control
method performed by the control module 526 of the compartment
control module 204. The first control method is performed when the
compartment status data is set to move. In operation 702 control
checks the compartment status data 238 and measures the position of
the compartment 24 using the amperage sensors 34. Then, in
operation 704, control determines if the compartment 24 is in the
fully opened or fully closed position. If the compartment 24 is in
the fully opened or fully closed position, then control goes to the
stop compartment method 706. Otherwise, if the compartment 24 is
not fully opened or fully closed, then in operation 708 the
measures position of the compartment 24 and computes speed of the
compartment 24 and the desired position of the compartment 24 as
discussed herein. In operation 710, control determines if the
compartment 24 is reversing. If the compartment 24 is reversing,
then in operation 712, control determines which control current to
apply to the motor 126. Then, in operation 714 the compartment
status data 238 is set to moving.
[0215] If in operation 710 the compartment 24 is not reversing,
then in operation 716 control determines if the compartment 24 has
reversed a sufficient amount as set in the parameters of the
control system 20 or if the compartment 24 is now fully opened or
fully closed. If the compartment 24 has reversed a sufficient
amount or is fully closed or fully opened, then control goes to the
stop compartment operational sequence 706. Otherwise, in operation
718 control determines if the compartment 24 is closing. If the
compartment 24 is closing, then in operation 720 control applies a
reverse current to the motor 126, then, control goes to operation
714. If the compartment is not closing in operation 718, then
control applies a current to the motor in operation 722. Then
control goes to operation 714.
[0216] With reference to FIG. 33 (Halt Motion Procedure), a process
flow diagram illustrates the stop compartment operational sequence
706 performed by the control module 526 of the compartment control
module 204. In operation 724 control stops the compartment 24
motion processing thread, then in operation 726 control sets the
applied motor current to zero. In operation 728 control sets the
compartment status data 238 to stopped.
[0217] Referring now to FIG. 34 (Set Light/Indication Procedure), a
process flow diagram illustrates an indicator status method
performed by the indicator module 528 of the compartment control
module 204. The indicator status method determines the proper
illumination of the LEDs 52 associated with the indicator surface
50.
[0218] In operation 730, control determines if the compartment 24
is disabled based on if the compartment status data 238 is set to
disabled. If the compartment status data 238 is set as disabled,
then there is no illumination of the LED 52 and any previous
illumination is turned off. If the compartment 24 is not disabled,
then in operation 732 control determines if the compartment status
data 238 is set to obstructed. If the compartment status data 238
is set as obstructed, then control outputs indicator data 236. The
indicator data 236 output from operation 732 can comprise a series
of illuminations of the LEDs 52 such as illuminating LED 52b, LED
52b, LED 52a, LED 52a in order every 500 milliseconds. If the
compartment status data 238 is not set as obstructed, then in
operation 734 control determines if the compartment status data 238
is set as overweight. If the compartment status data 238 is set as
overweight, then indicator data 242 is outputted in a particular
pattern such as illuminating LED 52b and illuminating LED 52a in
flashing intervals every 500 milliseconds. If, however, the
compartment status data 238 is not overweight, then in operation
736 control determines if the warning is active and the warning
timer has expired. If the warning is active and the warning timer
has expired, then control checks in operation 739 to see if an
incorrect crew code has been entered recently. If an incorrect crew
code has been entered, then control sets the LEDs to remain
unilluminated for 1000 ms in operation 741. If an incorrect crew
code has not been entered, then control goes to a timed-out
indicator operational sequence 738. Otherwise, if the warning is
active and the warning indicator has not timed-out, then control
goes to a not timed-out indicator operational sequence 740.
[0219] With reference to FIG. 35 (Set Light/Indication Procedure
(FSB ON and Timed Out)), a process flow diagram indicates the
timed-out indicator operational sequence 738. In operation 742,
control determines if the compartment status data 238 is set as
fully closed. If the compartment status data 238 is set as fully
closed, then in operation 744 control determines if the compartment
status data 240 is set to latched. If the compartment status data
238 is set to latched, then the indicator data 242 can be set such
that LED 52a is illuminated. If the compartment status data 238 is
set to unlatched, then LED 52a can be set to flash at 1,000
millisecond intervals.
[0220] If in operation 742 the compartment status data 238 was not
set to fully closed, then in operation 746 control determines if
the compartment status data 238 indicates that the compartment 24
is a passenger compartment 24. In operation 752, if the compartment
24 is a passenger compartment, then the indicator data 236 can be
set to illuminate LED 52a in flashing intervals of 1,000
milliseconds. Otherwise, if the compartment 24 is not a passenger
compartment, then the indicator data 236 can be set to illuminate
LED 52b in 1,000 millisecond flashing intervals.
[0221] With reference now to FIG. 36 (Set Light/Indication
Procedure (FSB ON and Not Timed Out)), a process flow diagram
illustrates the "not timed-out" indicator operational sequence 740.
In operation 748, control determines if the compartment status data
238 is set as closed. If the compartment status data 238 is not set
as closed, then in operation 750 control determines if the
compartment status data 238 indicates that the compartment 24 is
paused or fully opened. If the compartment 24 is not paused or
fully opened, then the indicator data 236 can be set to illuminate
LED 52b at 1,000 millisecond intervals, for example. If, however,
the compartment 24 is paused or fully opened, then control
determines if the compartment status data 238 indicates that the
compartment 24 is operating within its "X"-range limit. Over the
full range of the compartment motion there are two sections: there
is the section "X" and the section "Y", as shown in FIG. 36A
(Compartment Range of Motion). Section "X" is a preset percentage
of the full range measured from the full closed position. This
separation is to aid in the indication of the direction of the
motion of the compartment 24 and location of the compartment 24, as
shown in FIG. 36A (Compartment Range of Motion). In operation 752,
if the compartment 24 is not operating within its "X"-range limit,
then indicator data 236 can be set to illuminate LED 52b.
Otherwise, if the compartment 24 is within its "X"-range limit,
then indicator data 236 can be set to illuminate LED 52b in 100
millisecond flashing intervals to signify that the position of the
compartment 24 is nearing fully closed. This signifies that the
operation of the compartment 24 is nearing or leaving the full
closed position.
[0222] If in operation 748 the compartment status data 238 is set
as not closed, then in operation 754 control determines if the
compartment 24 is a passenger compartment. If it is not a passenger
compartment 24, then in operation 756 control determines based on
the compartment status data 238 if the compartment 24 is latched.
If the compartment 24 is not latched, then the indicator data 236
is set as illuminating LED 52a in flashing 100 millisecond
intervals by designating different LED 52 signals. If the
compartment 24 is latched, then the indicator data 236 can be set
to illuminate LED 52a. If the compartment 24 is a passenger
compartment 24, then in operation 758 control can determined based
on the compartment status data 238 if the compartment 24 is
latched. If the compartment 24 is not latched, then the indicator
data 236 can be set as illuminating LED 52b in 100 millisecond
flashing intervals. If the compartment 24 is latched, then the
indicator data 236 can be set to illuminate LED 52b.
[0223] With reference to FIG. 37 (System Shutdown Procedure), a
process flow diagram illustrates a shutdown method performed by the
shutdown module 206. Upon receipt of a shutdown signal 760, in
operation 762 control determines if all the compartments 24 are
closed based on the compartment status data 238. If all of the
compartments 24 are closed, then in operation 764 control closes
communication with the compartment controllers 30. Then, in
operation 766 control sends a shutdown command 230 to the
compartment control module 204 to power down. If all the
compartments 24 are not closed, then in operation 768 control
determines based on the shutdown signal 760 if it is necessary to
wait to make sure all of the compartments 24 are closed. If it is
not necessary to wait for all the compartments to close, such as in
an emergency, then control goes to operation 764. Otherwise, if
control needs to make sure all compartments 24 are closed, then
control goes to operation 770.
[0224] In operation 770, control starts a timer. In operation 771,
control commands all the compartments 24 to close. Then, in
operation 772, control determines if all compartments 24 are
closed. If all the compartments 24 are closed, then control goes to
operation 764. Otherwise, if there are compartments 24 opened, then
control determines if enough time has passed for all compartments
24 to be closed. In operation 774, if not enough time has passed,
then control loops to operation 772. If, however, enough time has
passed, then control goes to operation 778. In operation 778,
control runs the test of the control system 20 as previously
described herein. Then control goes to operation 780. In operation
780, the hardware system test is performed, which was previously
described herein. At the end of the hardware system test, operation
782 is performed in which it is determined if there are any faults.
If there are no faults detected at operation 782, then at operation
786 data is output that indicates that all compartments 24 may not
be closed and the system tests show no errors. Then control loops
to operation 764. If there are faults, however, in operation 788
control outputs data 247 that indicates that all compartments 24
may not be closed and also sends the system fault data. Then, in
operation 790, control determines whether to control to power down
based on the errors. If control decides to not power down, then in
operation 792 control stops the shutdown procedure and indicates
faults. Otherwise, control loops to operation 764.
[0225] With additional reference to FIG. 38, the GUI 248
information used to create the GUI control panel 249 by the GUI
manager module 208 is shown. The GUI control panel 249 is
preferably composed of various GUIs, such as, but not limited to, a
"Flight Information" GUI 792, a "Communication" GUI 794, a "Bin
Control" GUI 796, an "Inventory" GUI 798, a "Cabin Settings" GUI
800, and an "Emergency" GUI 802. As the "Bin Control" GUI 796 and
the "Cabin Settings" GUI 800 are the GUIs most related to the
control of the compartments 24, only these two GUIs will be
discussed in detail herein. The GUIs can be selected from various
menu tabs as indicated. The GUIs can be selected through any
appropriate user input device, such as a touch-screen, a pointer or
other device capable of providing the user input data 246. It
should be noted that the GUI control panel 249 can be ran by
control system 20, specifically the central controller 32 and
displayed on the control panel 33, however, with reference to FIG.
39, the GUI control panel 249 could additionally be displayed at a
variety of user interface stations 799 that can each interface with
the central controller 32 and/or with the compartment controllers
30 interfacing directly between the compartments 24 and the central
controller 32. Alternatively, a control system 20' could employ
zone controllers 801 as an interface between selected compartments
24 and the central controller 32, however, any combination of
control system 20, 20' could be employed.
[0226] With reference back to FIG. 38, the "Bin Control" GUI 796
includes a display screen 803, a sub-menu 804, a sub-menu display
screen 806, a top display 808, an "End Program" button 809 and an
indicator box 810. The display screen 803 preferably includes at
least one or a plurality of compartment indicators 812, a legend
814 and location indicators 816. The compartment indicators 812 are
generally arranged in a configuration corresponding to the layout
of the compartments 24 in the mobile platform 10. For example, the
compartments 24 are arranged in six rows of four abreast seating to
correspond to the six rows of seating of the mobile platform shown
in FIG. 1. The compartments 24 are illustrated as rectangles,
however, any appropriate representation of the compartments 24
could be employed, such as, but not limited to, squares, ovals,
trapezoids or other polygons or symbols. The compartment indicators
812 have a body 817. The body is generally configured to change
color upon the selection of the compartment 24 by the indicator.
For example, the body 817 of the compartment indicator 812 can
change to a dark grey upon selection by the operator. The body 817
of the compartment indicators 812 includes an indicator surface
818, a first indicator 820, a second indicator 822 and a third
indicator 824.
[0227] The indicator surface 818 is configured to display a
designation associated with the compartment 24. For example, the
indicator surface 818 could display a symbol, such as a cross, to
indicate that the compartment 24 contains emergency equipment, or
the indicator surface 818 could display a symbol, such as a letter
"C" to indicate that the compartment 24 is designated as a
compartment 24 for use by the crew, or an appropriate symbol to
show that the compartment has been designated as manually disabled,
such as a strikethrough. The first indicator 820 is configured to
display a class or a zone that the compartment 24 is designated.
For example, the classes could be first class, business class or
economy class. Generally, the first indicator 820 displays a color
associated with the particular class, as will be discussed herein,
but the first indicator 820 could display a symbol associated with
the particular class.
[0228] The second indicator 822 is configured to indicate a volume
and weight of the compartment 24 based on the received compartment
status data 240. The second indicator 822 is shown as a bar,
however, the second indicator 822 could be any appropriate shape,
such as a line. The color of the second indicator 822 indicates how
full the compartment 24 is with respect to weight. If the second
indicator 822 is a color yellow, then the compartment is almost
full, while a color green indicates that the compartment 24 is
nearly empty, and a color red indicates that the compartment 24 is
at capacity with regard to weight. The length or height of the
second indicator 822 indicates the volume of the compartment 24. A
fully extended (high height) colored area on the second indicator
822 indicates that the compartment 24 is almost full, while a short
length (low height) indicates that the compartment 24 is empty with
regard to volume.
[0229] The third indicator 824 is configured to indicate a status
of the indicator surface 50 based on the indicator data 242. The
third indicator 824 is illustrated as rectangular, however, any
appropriate shape could be used such as oval. As the third
indicator 824 replicates the indicator data outputted by the
indicator module 528, the third indicator 824 can alternate between
the colors of the LEDs 52, such as a color red and a color
blue.
[0230] The legend 814 is generally disposed near a bottom surface
836 of the display screen 803. The legend 814 is illustrated to
associate the available class designation colors used with the
first indicators 820 with their respective classes. For example,
the legend 814 includes three panels. A first panel 836a is colored
to match the color associated with first class by the first
indicator 820 and includes the text "First Class," while a second
panel 836b is colored to correspond to the color associated with
business class and includes the text "Business Class" and a third
panel 836c is colored to correspond with the color associated with
economy class and includes the text "Economy Class." The location
indicators 816 enable the operator to relate the compartment
indicators 812 to the compartments 24 on the mobile platform 10.
Thus, the location indicators 816 facilitate the operator's
association of the compartments 24 with the configuration of the
mobile platform 10. The location indicators 816 can be directional
with regard to the mobile platform 10, such as right or left, and
can include fixed structures to further assist in the association
of the compartment indicators 812 with the compartments 24.
[0231] The sub-menu 804 includes at least one or a plurality of
sub-GUIs displayed on the sub-menu display screen 806, such as a
"Controls" GUI 844, a "Settings" GUI 846, a "Security" GUI 848, a
"Configuration" GUI 850 and an "Indicators" GUI 851 (FIG. 57) that
can be selected via the user input data 246. The "Controls" GUI 844
includes a selection box 852, and function or operational buttons
854.
[0232] The selection box 852 is configured to enable the operator
to select at least one or a plurality of compartments 24 to
operate. It should be noted that although the selection box 852 is
illustrated as being near a top portion of the sub-menu display
screen 806, the selection box 852 could be in any desired location.
The selection box 852 includes radio buttons 856, however, any type
of selector could be employed. The radio buttons 856 and their
associated text 858 correspond to a respective number of
compartments 24 in the mobile platform 10, and can be keyed to
match the compartment indicators 812. For example, a first radio
button 856a is configured to correspond to all the compartments 24
in the mobile platform 10, and is labeled "Select All Bins," while
a second radio button 856b is configured to enable operation of at
least one or a plurality of user selected compartments 24, and is
labeled "Selected Bins."
[0233] A third radio button 856c is configured to correspond to all
of the compartments 24 designated as "First Class" compartments 24,
and includes the text "First Class" in a box 860c colored to
correspond to the color of the legend corresponding to "First
Class" and the corresponding color of the first indicator 820. A
fourth radio button 856d is configured to correspond to all of the
compartments 24 designated as "Business Class" compartments 24, and
includes the text "Business Class" in a box 860d colored to
correspond to the color of the legend corresponding to "Business
Class" and the corresponding color of the first indicator 820. A
fifth radio button 856e is configured to correspond to all of the
compartments 24 designated as "Economy Class" compartments 24, and
includes the text "Economy Class" in a box 860e colored to
correspond to the color of the legend corresponding to "Economy
Class" and the corresponding color of the first indicator 820.
[0234] When the first, third, fourth and fifth radio buttons 856a,
856c, 856d, 856e are selected the body 817 of the respective
compartment indicators 812 changes to a darker shade than the other
unselected compartment indicators 812 to visually indicate which
compartments 24 are selected. When the third radio button 856c is
selected, the user manually inputs the desired compartments 24 via
the user input data 246. This can be achieved by selecting the
desired compartments 24 via the respective compartment indicators
812 through any suitable user input device.
[0235] The operational buttons 854 are configured to enable the
compartments 24 selected in the selection box 852 to perform a
function. It should be noted that although the operational buttons
854 are illustrated as being near a bottom portion of the sub-menu
display screen 806, the operational buttons 854 could be in any
desired location. For example, a first or OPEN button 862 is
configured to send GUI data 232 to the compartment control module
204 to open the group of compartments 24 selected by the radio
buttons 856 or the individually selected group of compartments 24
selected by the operator. A second or CLOSE button 864 is
configured to send GUI data 232 to the compartment control module
204 to close the group of compartments 24 selected by the radio
buttons 856 or the individually selected group of compartments 24
selected by the operator.
[0236] With reference to FIG. 40, the "Settings" GUI 846 includes a
first selector box or "Zone/Type" selector 866, a second selector
box or "Bin Type" selector 868 and a third selector box or "Zone
Location" selector 888. The "Settings" GUI 846 is generally
protected, as will be discussed herein. The "Zone/Type" selector
866 includes a "Bin Type" radio button 890 and a "Zone Type" radio
button 892. The "Bin Type" radio button 890, once selected, enables
the "Bin Type" selector 868, while the "Zone Type" radio button
892, once selected, enables the "Zone Location" selector 888. The
disabled selector can appear lighter in color to the active
selector.
[0237] The "Bin Type" selector 868 includes a first or "Passenger"
radio button 890, a second or "Crew" radio button 892, a third or
"Emergency Equipment" radio button 894, a fourth or "Latch and
Disable" radio button 896, and a "Restore Defaults" button 898.
While the "Passenger" radio button 890 is selected any compartment
surface(s) 818 selected will designate that compartment as a
passenger compartment 24 which is indicated by the lack of a crew,
emergency equipment cross, disabled, or other symbol. While the
"Crew" radio button 892 is selected any compartment surface(s) 818
selected will designate that compartment as a crew compartment 24,
and the "Emergency Equipment" radio button 894 causes a selected
compartment indicator 812 to be designated as an emergency
equipment compartment 24. The "Latch and Disable" radio button 896
enables a selected compartment indicator 812 to be designated as
disabled. The "Restore Defaults" button 898 resets the compartment
indicators 812 to the original settings.
[0238] With reference to FIG. 41, the "Zone Location" selector 888
includes a first or "First Class" radio button 900, a second or
"Business Class" radio button 902, a third or "Economy Class" radio
button 904, and a "Restore Defaults" button 906. The "First Class"
radio button 900 enables an operator to associate a compartment
indicator(s) 812 with First Class and changes the appropriate
compartment indicators 812. The "Business Class" radio button 902
enables an operator to associate a compartment indicator(s) 812
with Business Class, and the "Economy Class" radio button 904
allows an operator to associate a compartment indicator(s) 812 with
Economy Class. The "Restore Defaults" button 906 resets the
compartment indicators 812 to the original settings.
[0239] In order to designate the settings of the compartments 24,
one of the "Bin Type" radio button 890 and the "Zone Type" radio
button 892 of the "Zone/Type" selector 866 is selected. If the "Bin
Type" selector 868 is activated, then the desired radio button 890,
892, 894, 896 or the "Restore Defaults" button 906 is selected. To
designate the compartment 24, after the radio button 890, 892, 894,
896 is selected, the desired compartment indicator 812 is
selected.
[0240] If the "Passenger" radio button 890 is selected, then after
the compartment indicator 812 is selected, the indicator 818 of the
compartment indicator 812 will remain constant in color. If the
"Crew" radio button 892 is selected, then after the compartment
indicator 812 is selected, the indicator 818 of the compartment
indicator 812 will include a "C" to designate the compartment 24 as
a crew compartment 24. "Emergency Equipment" radio button 894 is
selected, and after the compartment indicator 812 is selected, the
indicator 818 of the compartment indicator 812 will include a cross
to designate the compartment 24 as an emergency equipment
compartment 24. If the "Latch and Disable" radio button 896 is
selected, then after the compartment indicator 812 is selected, the
indicator 818 of the compartment indicator 812 will include a
strikethrough symbol.
[0241] If the "Zone Location" selector 888 is activated, as shown
in FIG. 41, then the desired radio button 900, 902, 904 or the
"Restore Defaults" button 906 is selected. If the "First Class"
radio button 900 is selected, the operator selects the desired
compartment indicator(s) 812 that are to be associated with First
Class. Then, the first indicator 820 of the selected compartment
indicator(s) 812 updates to correspond to the color associated with
First Class. If the "Business Class" radio button 902 is selected,
then the operator selects the desired compartment indicator(s) 812
that are to be associated with Business Class, and the first
indicator 820 of the selected compartment indicator(s) 812 updates
to correspond to the color associated with Business Class. If the
"Economy Class" radio button 904 is selected, then the operator
selects the desired compartment indicator(s) 812 that are to be
associated with Economy Class, and the first indicator 820 of the
selected compartment indicator(s) 812 updates to correspond to the
color associated with Economy Class. The "Bin Type" selector 868
and "Zone Location" selector 888 can work together to allow the
user to designate the compartment type or zone location of multiple
compartments 24 at once.
[0242] With reference now to FIG. 42, the "Security" GUI 848 is
illustrated. The "Security" GUI 848 designates the security
protocols used to access the restricted areas of the GUI manager
module 208 and is security protected itself. A user is required to
be logged in to change or view these settings as will be discussed
herein. The available security protocols are selected by associated
radio buttons. For example, the "Security" GUI 848 includes a
"Code" radio button 908, a "RFID" radio button 910, a "Biometric"
radio button 912, a "Retina Scan" radio button 914, and an "Other"
radio button 916. The "RFID" radio button 910, "Biometric" radio
button 912, and "Retina Scan" radio button 914 are commonly known
security protocols and are not discussed in detail herein.
[0243] The "Code" radio button 908 provides password protection to
the restricted areas of the GUI manager module 208, and the "Other"
radio button 916 enables client specific security protocols to be
selected. If the "Code" radio button 908 is selected, then with
reference to FIG. 43, in order to login to access the restricted
areas of the GUI manager module 208, an operator selects a "Login"
button 918 from the top display 808. A user name and password
prompt screen 920 is displayed, and the operator can enter his/her
user name and password in respective text boxes 922. Once the
operator has logged in, then the button 918 displays "Logout" as is
generally known. The control also updates the user or associated
username to display the entered name of the user who is logged in.
When no user is logged in the user identification box 1086 displays
"unsecured". Secure operation has a timer. For example, five
minutes after a user has logged in, the control resets the settings
to an "unsecured" setting. This is to prevent unauthorized use of
the GUI Control Panel 249.
[0244] With reference now to FIG. 44, the "Configuration" GUI 850
is illustrated. The "Configuration" GUI 850 includes a first or
"Aircraft Model" selector box 924, a second or "Bin open/close
time" selector box 926, and a sub-menu 928. The "Configuration" GUI
850 is restricted. The "Aircraft Model" selector box 924 enables
the user to select the aircraft or mobile platform 10 to which the
compartment control system 20 is employed from a drop-down menu
930. For example, a Boeing 747 can be selected. The "Bin open/close
time" selector box 926 enables the user to set a nominal close time
in seconds for the compartments 24 with a first scroll button 932
and a deviation for the nominal close time in seconds with a second
scroll button 934; although any suitable selector could be
employed.
[0245] With reference to FIGS. 44-56, the sub-menu 928 includes a
"Bin Size" GUI 936, a "Crew Code" GUI 938, a "Volume Sensing" GUI
940, a "Language" GUI 942, a "Profile" GUI 944, an "Emergency
Lockout" GUI 946, a "Maintenance" GUI 948, a "Weight Sensing" GUI
950, a "Feedback" GUI 952, a "Power Allocation" GUI 954 and a
"Current" GUI 956. Scroll tabs 958 are used to move amongst the
GUIs of the sub-menu 928.
[0246] With reference to FIG. 44, the "Bin Size" GUI 936 includes a
plurality of radio buttons 960 that are each associated with a
respective length in inches of the compartments 24 on the mobile
platform 10. For example, five radio buttons 960 could be employed
designated lengths of each selected compartment 24 of 24 inches
(in.), 30 in., 40 in., 48 in., or other to enable client specific
lengths to be inputted. Each compartment surface 818 will have a
size designator that appears only when the "Bin Size" GUI 936 is
active. A "restore defaults" button returns the compartment sizes
to their original settings (not shown).
[0247] With reference now to FIG. 45, the "Crew Code" GUI 938
includes a plurality of check boxes 962 and a scroll bar 964. The
"Crew Code" GUI 938 enables the operator to set a crew code
comprised of a series of presses to the OPEN or CLOSE buttons 46,
48 of the switch to enable access to the crew compartments 24 or
compartments 24 after the warning is active. A first column of
check boxes 962a are designated as "Open" and a second column of
check boxes 962b are designated as "Close." The check boxes 962
designated as "Open" correspond to pressing the OPEN butting 46 and
the check boxes 962 designated as "Close" correspond to pressing
the CLOSE button 48.
[0248] The check boxes 962 are arranged in a plurality of numbered
rows that correspond to the code sequence. For example, there can
be six rows, numbered one to six, which correspond to the order in
which the OPEN button 46 or CLOSE button 48 of the switch system 40
must be pressed. The scroll bar 964 enables the operator to set the
amount of time permitted to enter the crew code in seconds. By
sliding the scroll bar 964, the operator can vary the time as
desired. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 45, the crew code
requires pressing the OPEN button 46 twice and then the CLOSE
button 48, and then the OPEN button 46 within four seconds to gain
access to crew compartments 24 or compartments 24 after the warning
is active, as discussed herein.
[0249] With reference to FIG. 46, the "Volume Sensing" GUI 940 is
illustrated. The "Volume Sensing" GUI 940 includes a "On" radio
button 966 and an "Off" radio button 968 to enable the operator to
turn the volume/compartment capacity sensing on and off. With
reference to FIG. 47, the "Language" GUI 942 is illustrated. The
"Language" GUI 942 includes a drop-down menu 970 to enable the
operator to set the language for GUI 248 generated by the GUI
manager module 208.
[0250] Referring to FIG. 48, the "Profile" GUI 944 is illustrated.
The "Profile" GUI 944 includes a first or "Manual" radio button
972, a second or "Auto" radio button 974, a third or "Smooth" radio
button 976, and a display 978. The "Profile" GUI 944 enables the
operator to select the desired opening and closing motion profile
for the actuator system 26 of the compartments 24. The profiles are
set as desired to provide an aesthetically pleasing movement of the
compartments 24 within the cabin 14. The profile for each radio
button 972, 974, 976 is illustrated in the display 978 upon the
selection of the radio buttons 972, 974, 976.
[0251] The "Manual" radio button 972 provides a manual motion
profile 972a as illustrated in FIG. 48. The manual motion profile
978a is characterized by a sharp beginning and ending motion. The
manual mode is run off a calculated maximum velocity of the motor
125. Based on the computed maximum velocity of the motor 125,
control accelerates and decelerates the compartment 24 to the
maximum velocity using a ramp function. The discontinuities within
the profile can create additional wear on the mechanical components
of the power-assisted compartment system 12 but result in quick
motion changes. The time from start to maximum velocity and from
maximum velocity to full stop is very short. The manual motion
profile 972a is a precalculated preset mode with no real-time
updating or adjustment to compensate for factors that may make the
compartment 24 travel less than optimally.
[0252] With reference to FIG. 50, the "Smooth" radio button 974
provides an automatically computed motion profile 978b as
illustrated. The automatically computed motion profile 978b is more
smooth than the other motion profiles and creates the most
aesthetic motion and causes the least wear on mechanical components
of the power-assisted compartment system 12. The smooth mode would
provide a smooth moving profile for the compartment 24 based off a
desired time for the compartment 24 to move from closed to fully
opened using input values for the percentage of time to accelerate
and the percentage of time to decelerate. In order to minimize wear
on the motor 126, the smooth mode is computed to create smooth
position, velocity, and acceleration profiles, as shown in FIG.
49A. As referred to herein, the first section is characterized by
the beginning of movement or acceleration of the compartment 24,
the second two is characterized as the mid-range movement, or
constant velocity section, of the compartment 24, and section three
is the ending of the movement of the compartment 24. In order to
compute the smooth position, velocity and acceleration profiles,
the following parameters are inputted:
[0253] (1) T.sub.3, wherein T.sub.3 is the desired amount of time
for a full cycle (i.e. fully opened to closed or vice versa);
[0254] (2) P.sub.3(T.sub.3), wherein P.sub.3(T.sub.3) is the total
distance, and can be a radial measurement representing the full
sweep of the compartment 24 (i.e. the angular displacement from
fully opened to fully closed);
[0255] (3) AP, where AP is a percentage of the total time required
to accelerate and is used to compute the duration for section one
of the profile, where the duration for section one of the profile
is equal to:
T.sub.1=T.sub.3*AP/100. (12)
[0256] (4) The duration of sections two and three of profile is
computed using AD, wherein AD is a percentage of the total time
required to decelerate, amounting to the duration for sections two
and three of the profile, and is equal to:
Section.sub.3=T.sub.3*DP/100; T.sub.2=T.sub.3-Section.sub.3
(13)
[0257] Variables of the automatic mode computation include MV,
wherein MV is equal to the maximum velocity. The maximum velocity
is determined from a trigonometric function. The basic
trigonometric function form is used, wherein:
a*sin 2(b*t+c) (14)
[0258] The basic trigonometric function maximizes profile
continuity and smoothness, while potentially minimizing
acceleration and deceleration intervals.
[0259] wherein a represents the function amplitude, b represents
the function period, and c represents the horizontal shift of an
equation to maintain continuity. The base trigonometric function
for the velocity profile is in the form of:
MV=a*sin 2(b*t) (15)
[0260] wherein a is equal to the amplitude, which is equal to MV,
the maximum velocity. In order to calculate the velocity profile,
the following equations are derived and used:
V.sub.1(t)=MV*sin.sup.2(b.sub.1*t) (16)
V.sub.2(t)=MV (17)
V.sub.3(t)=MV*sin.sup.2(b.sub.3*t+c.sub.3) (18)
[0261] wherein b.sub.1 is the b constant of the velocity function
for section one of the motion profile, b.sub.3 is the b constant of
the velocity function for section three of the motion profile, and
c.sub.3 is the c constant of the velocity function for section
three of the motion profile, V.sub.1(t) is the velocity equation
for section one, V.sub.2(t) is the velocity equation for section
two, and V.sub.3(t) is the velocity equation for section three.
[0262] In order to compute the motion profile for the position, the
following equations are used:
P.sub.1(t)=.intg.V(t)dt=MV.intg. sin.sup.2(b.sub.1*t)dt (19)
P.sub.1(t)=MV/(2*b.sub.1)*[b.sub.1*t-sin(2*b.sub.1*t)/2]+D.sub.1
(20)
wherein D.sub.1 is the constant for section one, and is introduced
when the velocity equation is integrated to determine the position
equation. Further, it will be noted that t=0 at the start of
section one, and therefore P.sub.1(t)=0, and D.sub.1=0. In order to
determine the motion profile for the position at section two, the
following equation is used:
P.sub.2(t)=MV*(t-T.sub.1)+P.sub.1(T.sub.1) (21)
[0263] In order to determine the motion profile for the position at
section three, the following equation is used:
P 3 ( t ) = .intg. V 3 ( t ) t = MV / b 3 .intg. sin 2 ( b 3 * t +
c 3 ) ( b 3 * t + c 3 ) = MV / ( 2 * b 3 ) * [ ( b 3 * t + c 3 ) -
sin ( 2 * b 3 * t + 2 * c 3 ) / 2 ) + D 3 ( 22 ) ( 23 )
##EQU00003##
[0264] wherein at t=T.sub.3 and P.sub.3(t)=P.sub.3(T.sub.3), then
D.sub.3 can be computed using the following equation:
D.sub.3=P.sub.3(T.sub.3)-MW(2*b.sub.3)*[b.sub.3*T.sub.3+c.sub.3-sin(2*b.-
sub.3*T.sub.3+2*c.sub.3)/2] (24)
[0265] With D.sub.3 computed, D.sub.3 is substituted into the
equation for P.sub.3(t) to arrive at:
P.sub.3(t)=MV/(2*b.sub.3)*[b.sub.3*(t-T.sub.3)-sin(2*b.sub.3*t+2*c.sub.3-
)/2+sin(2*b.sub.3*T.sub.3+2*c.sub.3)/2]+P.sub.3(T.sub.3) (25)
[0266] wherein D.sub.3 is the constant for section three and is
introduced when the velocity equation is integrated to determine
the position equation, and T.sub.3 is the required time for total
compartment 24 movement.
[0267] In order to compute the motion profile for the acceleration
of the compartment 24, the following equations are used:
A.sub.1(t)=V.sub.1(t) (26)
A.sub.1(t)=b.sub.1*MV*sin(2*b.sub.1*t) (27)
A.sub.2(t)=0 (28)
A.sub.3(t)=b.sub.3*MV*sin(2*b.sub.3*t+c.sub.3) (29)
[0268] In order to compute the maximum velocity MV, which is
related to related to maximum current, and thus, system power draw
and power management, the following equations are used:
MV=rise/run (30)
MV=P.sub.3(T.sub.2)-P.sub.1(T.sub.1)/(T.sub.2-T.sub.1) (31)
[0269] wherein in equation (27) the above equations are substituted
in, resulting in:
MV = - 2 * P 3 ( T 3 ) - T 2 - T 3 + T 1 - 1 / ( 2 * b 3 ) * [ sin
( 2 * ( b 3 T 3 + c 3 ) ) + sin ( 2 * ( b 3 * T 3 + c 3 ) ) ] + sin
( 2 * b 1 * T 1 ) / ( 2 * b 1 ) ( 31 ) ##EQU00004##
[0270] Additionally, based on the values received in the above
equations, the following constants are computed:
b.sub.1=/T.sub.1 (32)
b.sub.3=/(T.sub.3-T.sub.2) (33)
c.sub.3=A sin(0)-b.sub.3*T.sub.3 (34)
[0271] Referring now to FIG. 49, the "Auto" radio button 976 is
self-updating. It is a more sophisticated version of the manual
motion profile. When the "Auto" radio button 976 is selected,
control operates the compartment 24 at a set velocity to maintain a
set time to fully open or fully close the compartment 24. When
operating on the automatic motion profile, control can
instantaneously increase or decrease the supplied current, and thus
the velocity of the compartment 24. A change in characteristics of
the compartment 24 such as an increase in weight or a user pulling
down on the compartment 24 as it is closing would cause control to
instantaneously increase the supplied current to maintain the
necessary velocity required to ensure that the full motion of the
compartment 24 was completed within the designated time.
[0272] With reference to FIG. 51, the "Emergency Lockout" GUI 946
is illustrated. The "Emergency Lockout" GUI 946 includes a first or
"Immediate Lockout Option" selector box 978 and a "Duration" scroll
bar 980. The "Immediate Lockout Option" selector box 978 can
include a first or "1 Fasten Seatbelt Chime" radio button 982, a
second or "2 Fasten Seatbelt Chime" radio button 984, a third or "3
Fasten Seatbelt Chime" radio button 986 and a fourth or "4 Fasten
Seatbelt Chime" radio button 988. The numerals (1, 2, 3, 4) of the
radio buttons 982, 984, 986, 988 indicate the number of times the
warning or Fasten Seatbelt chime has to be activated by user input
data 246 from the pilot of the mobile platform 10 to result in an
immediate lockout of the compartments 24. As illustrated, with the
"2 Fasten Seatbelt Chime" radio button 984 selected, the pilot will
need to activate the warning twice to lockout the compartments
24.
[0273] Referring now to FIG. 52, the "Maintenance" GUI 948 is
illustrated. The "Maintenance" GUI 948 includes a first or
"Download DataLog" button 990, a second or "Run System Test" button
992, a third or "Display Faults" button 994, a fourth or "Clear
Faults" button 996 and a fifth or "Send Error Report" button 998.
The "Download Data Log" button 990 sends data log information
captured during the operation of the compartments 24 to a remote
printer (not shown) or file. The compartment control module 204
maintains a data log of all parameters, events, and faults that
occur during operation. For example, the following are some of the
parameters, events, and faults that are logged and time-stamped:
Compartment 24 type, OPEN button 46 pressed, CLOSE button 48
pressed, compartment 24 unlatching, compartment 24 unlatched,
compartment 24 opening, compartment 24 fully opened, compartment 24
closing, compartment 24 fully closed, compartment 24 latched,
compartment 24 lifted off open sensor 37, motor 126 control
current, compartment 24 position, compartment 24 speed, obstruction
sensor 36 pressed, motor 126 over current obstruction, compartment
24 obstructed, compartment 24 reversing direction, compartment 24
estimated weight, and LED(S) 52 color(s).
[0274] The "Run System Test" button 992 enables the operator to
test the compartment control system. When the operator selects the
"Run System Test" button 992, the GUI data 232 instructs the
compartment control module 204 to run the hardware test and the
software test to ensure all sensors and signals are running
properly, as discussed herein. Report data from these tests is
output to a remote printer (not shown) or file. The "Display
Faults" button 994 displays any current fault data 244 from the
compartment control module 204. The "Clear Faults" button 996
clears any fault data 244 from the compartment control module 204.
The "Send Error Report" button 998 sends the fault data 244 to a
remote system (not shown).
[0275] With reference to FIG. 53, the "Weight Sensing" GUI 950 is
illustrated. The "Weight Sensing" GUI 950 includes a first or
"Overweight Sensing" selector box 1000 and a second or "Weight
Balance Calculation" selector box 1002. The "Overweight Sensing"
selector box 1000 includes a first or "Off" radio button 1004 and a
second or "On" radio button 1006. The radio buttons 1004, 1006
enable the operator to toggle the overweight sensing between on and
off.
[0276] The "Weight Balance Calculation" selector box 1002 includes
a first or "Off" radio button 1008 and a second or "On" radio
button 1010. The radio buttons 1008, 1010 enable the operator to
toggle the weight balance calculation between on and off. If
active, the weight balance calculation generates a display 1012
that indicates whether the weight is distributed evenly over the
mobile platform 10. Generally, the weight balance calculation is
computed by summing the weight in each side of the compartments 24.
The display 1012 includes a color indicator bar 1012, a color text
box 1014 and a balance bar 1016. The color indicator bar 1012 can
be tri-color to provide an indication of the weight balance and is
generally configured to correspond with the display 802 of the
mobile platform 10. The color text box 1014 displays the current
color associated with the weight balance, such as "Yellow," "Red"
or "Green." The bar 1016 indicates the current weight balance. For
example, in FIG. 53, the bar 1016 indicates that the right side of
the mobile platform 10 is heavier than the left side.
[0277] The "Feedback" GUI 952 is illustrated in FIG. 54. The
"Feedback" GUI 952 includes a first or "Audible" check box 1020, a
second or "Tactile" check box 1022, and a third or "Visual" check
box 1024. Any number of the check boxes 1020, 1022, 1024 can be
selected by the operator to customize the feedback provided by the
system.
[0278] Referring now to FIG. 55, the "Power Allocation" GUI 954 is
illustrated. The "Power Allocation" GUI 954 includes a first or
"Power Allocation" selector box 1026 and a second or "Power Shed by
. . . " selector box 1028. The "Power Allocation" selector box 1026
includes a scroll bar 1030 to enable the operator to select the
maximum instantaneous allowable power draw in watts (W) for the
power-assisted compartment system 12.
[0279] The "Power Shed by . . . " selector box 1028 enables the
operator to determine the manner in which the compartment control
system reduces its power consumption, and include a first or "Unit"
radio button 1032, a second or "Zone" radio button 1034 and at
least one or a plurality of "Other" radio buttons 1036. The "Unit"
radio button 1032 instructs the compartment control system to
reduce power by allowing only one unit in each zone to open at a
time. The "Zone" radio button 1034 instructs the compartment
control system to reduce power usage by prioritizing power usage
based on the zone of the compartment 24, such as first class,
business class and economy class. The "Other" radio buttons 1036
enable custom client power shed mechanisms to be implemented.
[0280] The "Current" GUI 956 is illustrated in FIG. 56. The
"Current" GUI 956 enables the operator to set the maximum allowable
current draw in milli-Amperes (mA) with a scroll bar 1038. The
"Current" GUI 956 thus also provides another method to control the
speed of the motor 126.
[0281] The sub-menu 804 further includes the "Indicator" GUI 851 as
illustrated in FIG. 57. The "Indicator" GUI 851 includes a "Types
of Indicators" menu 1038. The "Types of Indicators" menu 1038
includes a "Visual" GUI 1040, a "Tactile" GUI 1042, an "Audible"
GUI 1044, and a "Other" GUI 1046. The "Other" GUI 1046 enables the
inclusion of client specific indicators on the "Indicator" GUI 851,
and will not be discussed in detail herein. Each of the GUIs 1040,
1042, 1044, 1046 include a menu 1048 to enable the selection of
GUIs comprising scenarios specific to the particular indicator. For
example, each of the "Visual" GUI 1040 and "Audible" GUI 1044
include an "Obstructed" GUI 1050, a "Delayed" GUI 1052, a "Locked
Out" GUI 1054, an "In Motion" GUI 1056 and an "Overweight" GUI (not
shown) to enable the operator to specify the look or sound
associated with those compartment 24 characteristics.
[0282] With continued reference to FIG. 57, the "Obstructed" GUI
1050 for the "Visual" GUI 1040 includes a first or "Solid or
Flashing?" selector box 1060 and a second or "Chose the Color"
selector box 1062. The "Solid or Flashing?" selector box 1060
includes a first or "Solid" radio button 1064 and a second or
"Flashing" radio button 1066 to enable the operator to select the
output from the LEDs 52 of the indicator surface 50. If the
operator selects the "Flashing" radio button 1066, the "Chose the
Color" selector box 1062 includes a plurality of color drop-down
menus 1068 and a plurality of duration selectors 1069. The color
drop-down menus 1068 enable the operator to select the desired
output color and output sequence associated with the particular
scenario, and if the output is selected as flashing, the duration
of the interval between flashes in milliseconds (ms) can be set.
For example, as shown in FIG. 57, the visual output for an
obstructed compartment 24 is blue (LED 56b), no light, red (LED
56a), no light, blue (LED 56b), no light, red (LED 56a) flashing at
1000 ms intervals.
[0283] A further example is illustrated with reference to FIG. 58.
In FIG. 58, the "Locked Out" GUI 1054 for the "Visual" GUI 1040
includes the "Solid or Flashing?" selector box 1060, and a "Chose
the Color" selector box 1062'. The "Chose the Color" selector box
1062' lists a plurality of available colors for the LEDs 52, which
can be selected by the operator to visually indicate that the
compartment 24 is locked out. For example, as shown in FIG. 58, if
the compartment 24 is locked out, the red LED 56a will be
illuminated.
[0284] With reference to FIG. 59, an example of the "Tactile" GUI
1042 is shown. The "Tactile" GUI 1042 includes a scroll bar 1070 to
enable the operator to set the amplitude associated with the
tactile feedback. The tactile feedback is associated with the
switch system 40 and the amplitude of mechanical feedback produced
when the user interacts with the OPEN and CLOSE buttons 46, 48 of
the switch system 40.
[0285] With reference to FIG. 60, an example of the "Obstructed"
GUI 1050 of the "Audible" GUI 1044 is shown. The "Obstructed" GUI
1050 of the "Audible" GUI 1044 includes a "Warning Type" selector
box 1072. The "Warning Type" selector box 1072 includes a first or
"Announce" radio button 1078 and a second "Warning Bell" radio
button 1080. The "Warning Bell" radio button 1080, if selected,
sounds a warning bell. The "Announce" radio button 1078, if
selected, sounds a message. If the "Announce" radio button 1078 is
selected, then the "Obstructed" GUI 1050 of the "Audible" GUI 1044
includes a "Volume" scroll bar 1074 and a "Announcement Text" text
box 1076. The "Volume" scroll bar 1074 enables the operator to
select the volume for the announced message, and the "Announcement
Text" text box 1076 enables the operator to enter the desired
message for announcement.
[0286] With reference to FIG. 38, the top display 808 of the "Bin
Control" GUI 796 includes a clock 1082, a warning display 1084 and
a user identification box 1086. The clock 1082 displays the current
time. The warning display 1084 displays a notification that
indicates the warning is active 1085 and the warning timer 1087.
The notification can include text such as "No Smoking Fasten
Seatbelt" as shown, or could include a symbol. The user
identification box 1086 displays the name of the logged in user.
For example, in FIG. 45, the logged in user's identification is
"John Doe".
[0287] The "Bin Control" GUI 796 also includes the end program
button 809 and the indicator box 810, as shown in FIG. 38. The end
program button 809 terminates the program. The indicator box 810
displays the current real-time location of the selected compartment
24 between the opened and closed positions.
[0288] With reference to FIG. 61, the "Cabin Settings" GUI 800 of
the GUI information 248 is illustrated. The "Cabin Settings" GUI
800 is an example of other features that can be controlled by the
compartment control software. The "Cabin Settings" GUI 800 includes
a first or "Cabin Lighting" selector box 1088, a second or "Cabin
Temperature" selector box 1090 and a "Fasten Seatbelt Grace Period"
selector box 1092. The "Cabin Lighting" selector box 1088 includes
a first or "Day" radio button 1094 and a second or "Night" radio
button 1096. These radio buttons 1094, 1096 control the brightness
of the lights in the cabin 14 of the mobile platform 10, according
to the respective day or night conditions. The "Fasten Seatbelt
Grace Period" selector box 1092 includes a text box 1098, a first
or "Minutes" radio button 1100 and a second or "Seconds" radio
button 1102. The text box 1098 enables the operator to input the
desired delay, and then select the desired unit for the delay in
seconds or minutes via the radio buttons 1100, 1102. This delay
represents the amount of time, or grace period, after the crew
turns on the warning signal before compartments 24 are locked down
for safety reasons. The "Cabin Temperature" selector box 1090
includes a scroll bar 1104 to enable the operator to adjust the
temperature of the cabin 14 of the mobile platform 10.
[0289] With reference now to FIGS. 62 and 63, an alternative switch
system 40' is shown. The switch system 40' can be mounted to the
front surface 44 of the compartment 24, and can be sized such that
the switch system 40' is retained entirely within the material
thickness of the compartment 24 and thus, not visible from the
interior surface 110 of the compartment 24 (not specifically
shown). The switch system 40' can also be mounted with or without a
bezel 1999. The switch system 40' includes an indicator surface
1200 disposed over and in communication with a control system or
printed circuit board (PCB) 1202. The indicator surface 1200
displays indicator data 236 received by the PCB 1202, as will be
discussed herein.
[0290] With additional reference to FIGS. 64, 65 and 66, the
indicator surface 1200 includes a first indicator panel 1204, a
second indicator panel 1206, a first user input device 1208 and a
second user input device 1210. The first indicator panel 1204 and
first user input device 1208 are each disposed at a first end 1211
of the indicator surface 1200, while the second indicator panel
1206 and second user input device 1210 are each disposed at a
second end 1213 of the indicator surface 1200. The indicator
surface 1200 is elliptical in shape, however, any other shape could
be employed. The indicator surface 1200 is illustrated as an
integral assembly, but the first and second user input devices
1208, 1210 could be formed separately and coupled to the indicator
surface 1200. Preferably, the indicator surface 1200 is formed of a
polymeric material, such as a silicon-based polymeric material,
which is coupled to the PCB 1202. The indicator surface 1200 can be
coupled to the PCB 1202 with an adhesive, such as a silicon-based
cement, and includes an edge configured to engage an outer edge of
the PCB 1202 to further assist in coupling the indicator surface
1200 to the PCB 1202. It should be noted that although the
indicator surface 1200 is described herein as being comprised of
first and second indicator panels 1204, 1206, and first and second
user input devices 1208, 1210, any number of indicator panels and
user input devices could be employed. In addition, the layout of
the first and second indicator panels 1204, 1206 and a first and
second user input devices 1208, 1210 described herein is for
illustration purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope
of the present disclosure.
[0291] The first and second indicator panels 1204, 1206 are each
generally contoured to match the shape of the first end 1211, and
second end 1213, of the indicator surface 1200, and thus, are
U-shaped. The first and second indicator panels 1204, 1206 are
substantially translucent, such that light energy from specific,
light generating components of the PCB 1202 are able to pass
through and illuminate the first and second indicator panels 1204,
1206, as will be described herein. Preferably, the first and second
indicator panels 1204, 1206 are configured such that light energy
is emitted in an acute area surrounding the first and second user
input devices 1208, 1210, and covers an area of approximately 120
degrees, however, any shape or configuration could be employed, as
shown in FIG. 63. The first user input device 1208 is disposed
adjacent to the first indicator panel 1204 at the respective first
end 1211, and the second user input device 1210 is located adjacent
to the second indicator panel 1206 at the second end 1213 of the
indicator surface 1200.
[0292] The first and second user input devices 1208, 1210 are
preferably integrally formed with the first and second indicator
panels 1204, 1206, but are slightly raised from the indicator
surface 1200 such that an operator can locate the first and second
user input devices 1208, 1210 by feel. It should be noted, however,
that the first and second user input devices 1208, 1210 could be
discrete switch contacts, for example, that could be coupled
individually to the indicator surface 1200. The first and second
user input devices 1208, 1210 are movable from a first, raised
(un-depressed) state 1209 to a second, depressed state 1215 by an
operator (FIGS. 62, 65).
[0293] Depressing the first and second user input devices 1208,
1210 changes a switch state of the device to generate a respective
operational command signal. For example, depressing the first user
input device 1208 enables a user to send an operational signal that
the compartment 24 is to be moved into the closed position, while
the second user input device 1210 can be used to allow the user to
command the compartment 24 be moved into the opened position. Thus,
depressing either of the first and second user input devices 1208,
1210 will send a corresponding operational signal to the PCB 1202
that a request has been made by the user to move the compartment 24
into the opened or closed position. Thus, in effect, the first user
input device 1208 is equivalent to the CLOSE button 48, and the
second user input device 1210 is equivalent to the OPEN button 46
(FIG. 4). In addition, as discussed, the first and second user
input devices 1208, 1210 can also enable a user to input the
predetermined crew code for access to restricted compartments
24.
[0294] When depressed, the first and second user input devices
1208, 1210 provide a tactile and an audible signal to the operator,
such as a "click" or "pop," due to the material used to form the
first and second user input devices 1208, 1210. Further, the
material used to form the first and second user input devices 1208,
1210 is preferably of the type that will enable the first and
second user input devices 1208, 1210 to remain in the depressed
state 1215 for the duration of a depression by the user. In
addition, when one of the user input devices 1208 or 1210 is
depressed, additional light energy from a corresponding light
generating component on the PCB 1202 passes through its associated
indicator panel 1204 or 1206 to form an additional visual indicator
that the selected user input device 1208 or 1210 has been
depressed. Generally, the intensity of the light energy provided by
the control PCB 1202 is increased by the PCB 1202 to provide a
brighter visual indicator that either one of the first and second
user input devices 1208 or 1210 has been depressed.
[0295] The first and second user input devices 1208, 1210 are
generally configured to be opaque when they are in the first,
raised (i.e., un-engaged) state 1209, such that no tangible light
energy from the PCB 1202 can pass therethrough. But when placed in
the depressed state 1215, the combination of the additional light
energy from the PCB 1202 used to illuminate the first indicator
panel 1204, and the depressed first user input device 1208, in this
embodiment, forms an arrow (pointing upwardly to the right in FIG.
65, as indicated by reference numeral 1214). Conversely, the light
that illuminates the second indicator panel 1206 and the second
user input device 1210, when second user input device 1210 is
depressed, forms an arrow pointing in the opposite direction. When
the switch system 40' is mounted on the front surface 44 of the
compartment 24, panel 1204 and input device 1208 cooperatively can
form an upwardly pointing arrow, while input device 1210 and panel
1206 can form a downwardly pointing arrow.
[0296] With reference to FIGS. 62A-70 the PCB 1202 is shown in
greater detail. The PCB 1202 includes the circuitry required to
operate the switch system 40' and to enable the display of
indicator data based on the local and remote inputs, as will be
discussed herein. Referring specifically to FIGS. 68A and 68B, the
PCB 1202 includes a first side 1215 and a second side 1217. The
first side 1215 includes a first or CLOSE switch contact 1219, a
second or OPEN switch contact 1221, and at least one, but more
preferably a plurality, of light sources or LEDs 52. The second
side 1217 includes a first or positive polarity connection 1216, a
second or ground connection 1218, and a third or sensor connection
1220. The positive polarity connection 1216, ground connection 1218
and sensor connection 1220 are electrically coupled to the PCB 1202
via conductive pins (e.g., standoffs) 1223 (FIG. 63) that transfer
power and/or data signals between the second side 1217 of the PCB
1202 and the respective connection 1216, 1218, 1220 (FIG. 63).
Nonconductive covers 1225 are placed over the conductive pins 1223
to prevent a user from contacting the conductive pins 1223.
[0297] Referring to FIG. 64, generally, the indicator surface 1200
is coupled to the first surface 1209 of the PCB 1202 such that the
first user input device 1208 is disposed over the CLOSE switch 1219
and the second user input device 1210 is disposed over the OPEN
switch 1221. The OPEN and CLOSE switches 1219, 1221 can be any
suitable switch, and preferably are configured with a raised
portion 1227 that, when depressed, completes a switch contact
circuit, as is generally known, as best shown in FIG. 62A. A
suitable switch is available from GM Nameplate of Seattle,
Wash.
[0298] The LEDs 52 are coupled to the longitudinal ends of the PCB
1202, beneath the first and second indicator panels 1204, 1206,
such that the LEDs 52 can illuminate the first and second indicator
panels 1204, 1206, as shown in FIGS. 62A, 63B, and 64. Preferably,
the LEDs 52 comprise three first LEDs 52a, which may be red in
color, and three second LEDs 52b, which may be blue in color,
however, any color scheme could be employed (FIG. 67). It should be
noted, that although the use of LEDs is described herein, any light
emitting source, such as a light tube or fiber optics, could be
employed. LEDs are particularly desirable, however, because of
their long life span and relatively low power consumption.
[0299] One group of first LEDs 52a and one group of second LEDs 52b
are arranged as pairs, in an arcuate pattern, around a first end
1222 of the PCB 1202 (FIG. 67). Another group of first LEDs 52a and
a group of second LEDs 52b are also arranged as pairs, in an
arcuate pattern, around a second end 1224 of the PCB 1202. When
either one of a given LED 52a, 52b is illuminated, a uniform color
light output is provided through its associated indicator panel
1204 or 1206 as shown in FIGS. 65 and 66. In FIG. 65, the LEDs 52b
are illustrated as illuminated, and the shading denotes a blue
light output. In FIG. 66, the LEDs 52a are illustrated as
illuminated, and the shading denotes a red light output. The LEDs
52a, 52b serve as indicators of the status of the compartment 24,
as discussed previously herein. In addition, as discussed, the
intensity of the LEDs 52a, 52b can vary based on the lighting
conditions in the cabin 14, as controlled by a user through the GUI
based control panel 249, however, any suitable device could be used
to correlate the intensity of the LEDs 52 to the lighting
conditions in the cabin 14, such as optical sensors, for
example.
[0300] In FIG. 63, the positive polarity connection 1216 provides a
connection point for electrical power to be provided to the switch
system 40'. Briefly, the switch system 40' receives power through a
conductor 131a that is coupled to the positive polarity connection
1216 and incidentally coupled to the pivot system 25. In addition,
through the conductor 131a, the switch system 40' receives
indicator data 236 from the central controller 32 (remote input)
(FIG. 9) via the compartment controller 30, and also transmits
operational commands received by manual or local inputs to the
switch system 40' to the compartment controller 30 for transfer to
the central controller 32. The ground connection 1218 provides the
switch system 40' with a ground connection via a conductor 131a.
The polarity connection 1216, ground connection 1218, and sensor
connection 1220 concurrently serve as an electrical system of the
switch system 40' thereby eliminating the need for wired
connectors.
[0301] With further reference to FIG. 63, the sensor connection
1220 enables the transfer of power to and data from the obstruction
sensor 36 (FIG. 5) via a conductor 131a. The conductor 131a is
coupled to the sensor connection 1220 and the obstruction sensor 36
(not specifically shown). Thus, the PCB 1202 powers the obstruction
sensor 36, and also facilitates the transfer of data from the
obstruction sensor 36 to the compartment controller 30 and the
central controller 32. Further detail regarding the transfer of
data and/or power to the compartment controller 30 and the central
controller 32 through the pivot system 25 is outside the scope of
the current disclosure, but is disclosed in greater detail in
pending commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______
(Attorney Docket No. 7784-000912CPA), filed concurrently herewith,
entitled "System and Method for Pivot for Stowage Compartments or
Rotating Items," which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety.
[0302] With reference now to FIGS. 69 and 70, the PCB 1202 is shown
in detailed electrical schematic form. The illustration of FIG. 69
shows that which is visible from the first surface 1209 of the PCB
1202, as viewed from the front surface 44 of the compartment 24.
FIG. 70 illustrates the components of the PCB 1202 visible from the
second surface 1211 of the PCB 1202 (i.e., as viewed from the
interior surface 110 of the compartment 24). Referring to FIG. 69,
the PCB 1202 includes a power module or circuit 1228, a receive
module or circuit 1230, a transmit module or circuit 1232, and a
LED module or circuit 1234.
[0303] The power circuit 1228 receives the power from the conductor
131a and converts it into a regulated power output for the receive
circuit 1230 and the transmit circuit 1232. The power circuit 1228
includes a power generating subsystem 1228a, a power protection
subsystem 1228b, a filter 1228c, and a power conditioning subsystem
1229. The power generating subsystem 1228a forms a conventional
regulated power supply that generates a regulated +5 volts (across
circuit points 1228a1 and 1228a2), which is used to power the
various integrated circuit components on the PCB 1202. The power
protection subsystem 1228b is a conventional circuit that prevents
current flow into the filter 1228c.
[0304] The power conditioning circuit 1229 provides power to pins
of the integrated circuits on the PCB 1202, such as in the receive
circuit 1230 and includes logic gates in communication with any
unused pins in the digital chips on the PCB 1202 to prevent
interference from the unused pins, as is generally known. The power
conditioning circuit 1229 also includes the filter 1228c. The
filter 1228c is a conventional filter that provides a filtered +0v
output across points 1229e and 1229f if no data is transmitted over
the positive polarity connection 1216. Thus, the filter 1228c
blocks the direct current component from the positive polarity
connection 1216 and enables the extraction of data from the
supplied power. The data extracted by the filter 1228c is
transmitted to the receive circuit 1230.
[0305] The receive circuit 1230 includes a communication over power
lines (COPL) processor 1236. The receive circuit 1230 converts the
data extracted from the filter 1228c into +5v and 0v logic that is
interpreted by the COPL processor 1236. The COPL processor 1236 is
a direct current (DC) COPL processor commercially available from
Yamar Electronics Ltd. of Tel Aviv, Israel. The COPL processor 1236
receives both the power and any indicator data 236 from the
compartment controller 30 via the conductors 131, 131a and converts
the indicator data into signals that are used by the COPL processor
1236 to drive the LED circuit 1234. Based on the signals generated
from the indicator data 236, the COPL processor 1236 transmits
signals to the LED circuit 1234 to selectively illuminate the LEDs
52a, 52b accordingly.
[0306] The COPL processor 1236 also transmits over the conductors
131a input data from the obstruction sensor 36 received via the
conductor 131a to the compartment controller 30 via the conductors
131a, 131. In addition, the COPL processor 1236 receives as input
signals the depression of either of the first or second user input
devices 1208, 1210 (i.e., a local input). The depression of the
first or second user input devices 1208, 1210 generates the
operational signal that a request to move the compartment 24 into
the opened or closed positions has been made. Once the operational
signal is received by the COPL processor 1236, the COPL processor
1236 provides an increased magnitude current signal to the
respective LEDs 52a, 52b on the LED circuit 1234 to increase the
intensity of the illumination of the LEDs 52a, 52b. This provides a
visual indicator that one of the first and second user input
devices 1208, 1210 has been depressed.
[0307] Further, the operational signal generated from the
depression of either the first or second user input devices 1208,
1210 is transmitted by the COPL processor 1236 over the conductors
131a, 131 to the compartment controller 30. The compartment
controller 30 transmits compartment status data 238 to the central
controller 32 indicating that a request to move the compartment 24
into the opened or closed position has been made. If the
compartment 24 is able to move (i.e., not blocked by an
obstruction), then the compartment controller 30 transmits
indicator data 236 over the conductors 131a, 131 indicative of the
desired movement of the compartment 24, which is received by the
COPL processor 1236 and used to illuminate the respective LEDs 52a,
52b, as described herein. If the compartment 24 is not able to
move, then the compartment controller 30 transmits indicator data
236 to the COPL processor 1236 that the compartment 24 is unable to
move, as also described herein.
[0308] The transmit circuit 1232 is in communication with the COPL
processor 1236 of the receive circuit 1230. The transmit circuit
1232 receives data from the COPL processor 1236 and modulates this
data onto the positive polarity connection 1216 using logic gates
to amplify signals while also blocking incoming data signals that
should be received by the receive circuit 1230.
[0309] Thus, the switch system 40' provides an easy to use and
aesthetically pleasing system for enabling users to conveniently
control opening and closing of a compartment 24. Advantageously,
the switch system 40' provides both a visual signal and a tactile
signal to the user to confirm for the user whether opening or
closing of the compartment 24 has been selected.
[0310] With reference now to FIG. 71, an alternative latching
system 28a is shown. The alternative latching system 28a includes
the latch pin or pin 158, a receiver assembly 160a, the manual
release 163 and a latch control system or latch controller 1300 for
use with the compartment 24 described with regard to FIGS. 1-70. As
will be appreciated, the remainder of the compartment 24 employed
with the alternative latching system 28a is similar to that which
is illustrated in and described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-70.
Further, as the pin 158 and the manual release 163 of the
alternative latching system 28a are substantially similar to the
pin 158 and the manual release 163 of the latching system 28, the
pin 158 and the manual release 163 will not be discussed in detail
with regard to the alternative latching system 28a. It should be
further noted that the same reference numerals will be used to
denote the same or similar items discussed in regard to FIGS.
1-70.
[0311] With additional reference to FIG. 71A, the receiver assembly
160a of the alternative latching system 28a is shown coupled to the
frame 58. The receiver assembly 160a is shown coupled to the frame
58 via a bracket 1301, however, any suitable mounting technique
could be employed to couple the receiver assembly 160a to the frame
58. Alternatively, the receiver assembly 160a could be coupled to
the shell 66, if desired (not shown). As any suitable receiver
assembly 160a could be employed to secure the pin 158, the receiver
assembly 160a will not be discussed in detail herein. Briefly, a
suitable receiver assembly 160a could be a radial fastener receiver
assembly 160a available from Telezygology, Inc. of Chicago, Ill.
The radial fastener receiver assembly 160a can include a
cylindrical housing 1302 for receipt of the pin 158. With reference
to FIG. 71B, the cylindrical housing 1302 includes teeth 1304,
which are operable in a first, engaged position to extend into a
bore 1306 formed in the cylindrical housing 1302 to secure the pin
158 to the receiver assembly 160a. With reference to FIG. 71C, the
teeth 1304 are operable in a second, disengaged position to retract
into the bore 1306 and release the pin 158 from the cylindrical
housing 1302.
[0312] Alternatively, the receiver assembly 160a could be a shape
memory alloy radial receiver assembly (not specifically shown),
such as that available from Telezygology, Inc. of Chicago, Ill. The
shape memory alloy radial receiver assembly includes a cylindrical
shape memory alloy receiver, which in a first state retains the pin
158, and in a second state releases the pin 158 by the application
of a current to the shape memory alloy receiver. The current heats
the shape memory alloy receiver causing the receiver to expand and
release the pin 158. When the current is removed, the receiver
cools to the first state for receipt of the pin 158, as is
generally known. The shape memory alloy radial receiver assembly
160a includes a cylindrical shape memory alloy receiver, which is
operable in a first state to retain the pin 158, and is operable in
a second state to release the pin 158, by the application of a
current to the shape memory alloy receiver. The current heats the
shape memory alloy receiver causing the receiver to expand and
release the pin 158. When the current is removed, the receiver
cools to the first state for receipt of the pin 158, as is
generally known.
[0313] The latch controller 1300 of the receiver assembly 160a is
coupled to the receiver assembly 160a and is in communication with
the switch system 40'. The latch controller 1300 could be
integrally formed with the receiver assembly 160a as shown, or
could be a discrete component mechanically coupled to the receiver
assembly 160a, if desired. The latch controller 1300 is in
communication with the switch system 40' through a wired connection
1303, but could be in communication with the switch system 40'
through a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth (802.15.1), WiFi
(802.11), or Zigby (802.15.4) or a conductor 131a via COPL or even
via a separate dedicated conductor (not shown). The latch
controller 1300 is in communication with the switch 40' to receive
a signal that a request to unlatch the compartment 24 has been made
via the switch 40'. In addition, the latch controller 1300 is
responsive to the warning sign, such as the "Fasten Seatbelts"
sign, to prevent the release of the pin 158 from the receiver
assembly 160a. The latch controller 1300 can receive notice that
the warning sign is active either through the compartment
controller 30, or the latch controller 1300 can be in wireless
communication with the central controller 32 for receipt of a
signal that the warning sign is active (not specifically
shown).
[0314] Specifically, the latch controller 1300 activates the
receiver assembly 160a to release the pin 158 upon receipt of the
signal from the switch system 40', or prevents the release of the
pin 158. For example, if the OPEN button 46 is depressed, the
switch system 40' transfers a signal, either wirelessly or through
the compartment controller 30, to the latch controller 1300 that a
request to lower the compartment 24 has been made. If the latch
controller 1300 has not received the signal that the warning sign
is active, then the latch controller 1300 will command or signal
the receiver assembly 160a to release the pin 158. If the latch
controller 1300 receives the signal that the warning sign is
active, then the latch controller 1300, even upon receipt of the
signal from the switch system 40', will prevent the release of the
pin 158. However, if the warning sign is active, and the proper
crew code is provided via the switch system 40', then the latch
receiver 160a will release the pin 158, as discussed
previously.
[0315] In addition, the latch controller 1300 provides the central
controller 32 and compartment controller 30 with a real-time status
of the receiver assembly 160a. The latch controller 1300
communicates its status (i.e. latched, unlatched) and any failure
of the receiver assembly 160a to the compartment controller 30 via
the wired connection 1303. Alternatively, the latch controller 1300
could communicate its status wirelessly through Bluetooth
(802.15.1), WiFi (802.11), or Zigby (802.15.4), for example. Thus,
the latch controller 1300 provides the same functionality as the
latch sensor 156, but also controls the activation of the receiver
assembly 160a while monitoring the receiver assembly 160a for
failure.
[0316] Based on the input received from the switch system 40' and
the latch controller 1300, the compartment controller 30 generates
the indicator data 236 for the switch system 40', as shown in Table
1. It should be noted that the light output of the LEDs 52 of the
indicator surface 1200 are merely exemplary, as any appropriate
color light output could be employed, depending upon a desired
lighting scheme.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Exemplary Indicator Surface Outputs for
Various Compartment Operations Operational Action/ Status Indicator
User Condition ID# Scenario Position (color) Crew Panel PAX Enabled
P1a Latched 0.degree. Solid Blue (NSFSB = 1) P1b Open <X.degree.
Flashing Blue (no motion, not latched) P1c Open >X.degree. Solid
Blue (no motion, not latched) P1d Opening 0.degree. 48.degree.
Flashing Blue P1c Closing 0.degree. 48.degree. Flashing Blue P1e
Impending 0.degree. 48.degree. Flashing Blue Motion due to power
delay Disabled P2a Deferment 0.degree. 48.degree. Status remains
(NSFFSB = 2) Period ID#'s P1a P1e Disabled P3a Latched 0.degree.
Solid Red (NSFFSB = 3) P3b Open 0.degree. 48.degree. Flashing Red
Not (no motion, latched not latched) signal P3c Opening or
0.degree. 48.degree. Flashing Red Not Closing latched signal CRW
Enabled C1a Open, 0.degree. 48.degree. Go to ID# P1b P1e (NSFSB =
1) Opening/ Closing, Impending Motion Disabled C3a Latched
0.degree. Solid Red (NSFFSB = 3) EMR Enabled E1a Bin Latched
0.degree. Solid Red (NSFSB = 1) E1b Open, 0.degree. 48.degree. Go
to ID# P1b P1e Opening/ Closing, Impending Motion ALL Obstruction
A1a Opening or 0.degree. 48.degree. Flashing Blue/Red Closing A1b
Opening or 0.degree. 48.degree. Flashing Blue/Red Obstr. Closing
signal (1 2 attempts <P sec) Obstruction A1c Opening or
0.degree. 48.degree. Flashing Blue/Red Obstr. Closing signal (>2
attempts <P sec) Overweight A1d Overloaded 0.degree. 48.degree.
Flashing Blue/Red Ovrwgt or weight signal unknown TTL - A3 latched
0.degree. 48.degree. No illumination Disabled* TTL - A3 not latched
0.degree. 48.degree. Flashing Red Not Disabled* latched signal
[0317] In Table 1, the user "PAX" refers to operation of the
compartment 24 by the passenger of the mobile platform 10, user
"CREW" refers to operation of the compartment 24 by a crew member,
for a compartment 24 that has access restricted to crew members,
the user "EMER" refers to the use of the compartment 24 during an
emergency situation, and the user "ALL" refers to output of the
indicator surface 1200 during the use of the compartment 24 by all
users. The column entitled "Crew Panel" can refer to the display on
the GUI control panel 249.
[0318] With reference now to FIGS. 74A-74E, it should be noted that
the switch system 40' employed with the latching system 28a could
be an alternative switch system 40''', as shown in FIG. 74A. The
alternative switch system 40'' is similar to the switch system 40',
however, instead of two switch contacts, the switch system 40''
includes one switch contact 1308 that could be sized the same as
the switch system 40', or could be smaller than the switch system
40', as shown in FIG. 74D. As the functionality of the switch
contact 1308 and the switch system 40'' is the same as the switch
contacts 1219, 1221 and the switch system 40' discussed with regard
to FIGS. 62-70, the switch contact 1308 and the switch system 40''
will not be discussed in great detail herein. Briefly, however, as
one switch contact 1308 is employed with the switch system 40'', an
indicator surface 1200'' of the switch system 40'' can include
various configurations of indicator panel(s) 1310.
[0319] As shown in FIG. 74A, the indicator surface 1200'' includes
two indicator panels 1310, similar to the indicator panels of the
switch system 40', to enable the light energy from the LEDs 52a,
52b to pass therethrough. With reference to FIG. 74B, one indicator
panel 1310 is employed that extends around a circumference of the
switch contact 1308 to enable the light energy from the LEDs 52a,
52b to pass therethrough. As shown in FIG. 74C, the surface of the
switch contact 1308 could itself be the indicator panel 1310, and
thus, the area of the indicator surface 1200'' covering the switch
contact could be translucent to enable the light energy from the
LEDs 52a, 52b to pass therethrough. In FIG. 74D, the smaller switch
system 40'' is shown to include an indicator panel that extends
around a circumference of the switch contact 1308, for enabling the
light energy from the LEDs 52a, 52b to pass therethrough.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 74E, the surface of the switch
contact 1308 of the smaller switch system 40'' is employed as the
indicator panel 1310, and thus, the area of the indicator surface
1200'' covering the switch contact is translucent to enable the
light energy from the LEDs 52a, 52b to pass therethrough.
[0320] With reference now to FIG. 75, an alternative compartment
system 12b is shown. The alternative compartment system 12b is
manually operated, and can be used in a mobile platform 10 in
conjunction with the power-assisted compartment system 12, or
mobile platform 10 could employ just the alternative compartment
system 12b, if desired (not shown). As the alternative compartment
system 12b is similar to the power-assisted compartment system 12
discussed with regard to FIGS. 1-74, the same reference numerals
will be used to denote the same or similar components.
[0321] With additional reference to FIG. 76, the compartment system
12b includes a control system 20b, the support system 22, the
compartments 24, a latching system 28b, and a display 1318. As the
support system 22 and the compartments 24 of the compartment system
12b are substantially similar to the support system 22 and
compartments 24 of the compartment system 12 discussed with regard
to FIGS. 1-70, with the exception of the size, shape and
orientation of the opened and closed positions, the support system
22 and compartments 24 of the compartment system 12b will not be
discussed in great detail herein. In addition, the support system
22 and compartments 24 as illustrated herein are of the type
generally known in the art.
[0322] The control system 20b includes the central controller 32
and a switch system 40'''. The control system 20b is in
communication with the latching system 28b, as will be discussed
herein. Generally, the central controller 32 is in communication
with the latching system 28b through a wireless protocol, however,
the central controller 32 could also be in communication with the
latching system 28b through a wired connection, such as COPL
through the use of conductors 131a, for example, or even via a
separate dedicated conductor, as will be discussed herein. It
should be noted that although the central controller 32 is shown in
FIG. 75 with a GUI screen 249, any appropriate central controller
32 could be employed as discussed previously herein. The central
controller 32 is also in communication with the display 1318, as
will be discussed in greater detail herein.
[0323] With additional reference to FIG. 76, the control system 20b
also includes the switch system 40'''. The switch system 40'''
communicates with the latching system 28b to provide the latching
system 28b with a signal that a request to unlatch the compartment
24 has been made. The switch system 40''' is similar to the switch
system 40', and includes a first user input device 1320, second
user input device 1322 and a PCB 1324 (not specifically shown). The
first and second user input devices 1320, 1322 can be identical to
the first and second user input devices 1208, 1210 of the switch
system 40', however, any suitable switch contact could be employed.
In addition, only one of the first and second user input devices
1320, 1322 could be employed, if desired, as discussed herein with
regard to FIGS. 74A-74E. If, however, the first and second user
input devices 1320, 1322 are employed, then the switch system 40'''
can be used as a combination lock to restrict access to the
compartment 24. In particular, the depression of the first and
second user input devices 1320, 1322 in the pre-defined crew code
pattern could enable the compartment 24 to be opened by authorized
users only, as discussed previously herein. Further, if only one
user input device 1320 or 1322 is employed, a sequence of hold
times for the depression of the user input device 1320 or 1322
(i.e., short depression, long depression, long depression, short
depression) could be employed as a combination lock to restrict
access to the compartment 24.
[0324] The first and second user input devices 1320, 1322 are
coupled to the PCB 1324. The PCB 1324 enables the transmission of
the signal to the latching system 28b that either of the first and
second user input devices 1320, 1322 has been depressed, indicating
that a request to unlatch the compartment 24 has been made.
Preferably, the PCB 1324 transmits the signal to the latching
system 28b through a suitable wireless protocol 1325, such as
Bluetooth (802.15.1), WiFi (802.11), or Zigby (802.15.4), however,
the PCB 1324 could transmit the signal using COPL through a
conductor 131a, for example, as discussed with regard to switch
system 40' or even via a separate dedicated conductor (not
shown).
[0325] It should be noted that the switch system 40''' does not
include an indicator surface as described with regard to the switch
system 40'. As the switch system 40''' does not include an
indicator surface, the switch system 40''' could be an energy
harvesting switch, such as an inductive or piezoelectric switch
that is capable of self-generating energy to send the wireless
signal to the latching system 28b. A suitable energy harvesting
switch is commercially available from EnOcean GmbH, of Oberhaching,
Germany.
[0326] The latching system 28b is in communication with the switch
system 40''' of the control system 20b to receive the signal that a
request has been made to unlatch the compartment 24. Preferably,
one latching system 28b is coupled to a first sidewall 106a of the
compartment 24 and another latching system 28b is coupled to a
second sidewall 106b of the compartment 24 (best shown in FIG. 75),
however, any number of latching systems 28b, including only one
latching system 28b, could be employed. Generally, one of the
latching systems 28b will serve as the master latching system 28b',
and will be in communication with the switch system 40''' for
receipt of the signal to unlatch the compartment 24. The master
latching system 28b' will also be in communication with a slave
latching system 28b'' to instruct the slave latching system 28b''
to unlatch upon receipt of the signal from the switch system 40'''.
The master latching system 28b' can be in wireless communication
with the slave latching system 28b'', or could communicate with the
slave latching system 28b'' through a wired connection, such as
COPL or even via a separate dedicated conductor. It should be
noted, however, that the latching systems 28b could be
independently in communication with the switch system 40''' to
receive the signal to unlatch the compartment 24.
[0327] With reference to FIGS. 76-79, the latching system 28b is
shown in simplified form. It will be appreciated that any suitable
electronically controlled latching system 28b could be employed
with the compartment 24. An exemplary latching system 28b, for
example, could include a latch pin 1326, a telescoping arm 1328, a
manual release 1330 and the receiver assembly 160a. The latch pin
1326 is coupled to the telescoping arm 1328, and is configured to
be received in the receiver assembly 160a to secure the compartment
24 in the closed position. The telescoping arm 1328 is coupled to
the receiver assembly 160a and the sidewall 106 of the compartment
24 to enable the compartment 24 to pivot from the closed position
(FIG. 77) to the opened position (FIG. 79) upon the release of the
latch pin 1326 from the receiver assembly 160a. The manual release
1330 is coupled to the receiver assembly 160a to enable the release
of the latch pin 1326 from the receiver assembly 160a, and can be
similar to the manual release 163 of the latching system 28.
[0328] With regard to the receiver assembly 160a, as the receiver
assembly 160a was discussed with regard to FIGS. 71-74E, it will
not be discussed in detail with regard to compartment 24. Briefly,
however, the receiver assembly 160a is coupled to the support
system 22 to enable the compartment 24 to pivot with respect to the
support system 22 into the opened and the closed positions. The
receiver assembly 160a used with the alternative compartment system
12b includes the latch controller 1300. Generally, the latch
controller 1300 is in communication with the switch system 40''' of
the control system 20b. The latch controller 1300 is preferably in
communication with the switch system 40''' through the wireless
connection 1325, but could be in communication with the switch
system 40''' through a suitable wired connection, such as through a
conductor 131a (not shown).
[0329] The latch controller 1300 activates the receiver assembly
160a to release the pin 158 upon receipt of a signal from the
switch system 40''', or prevents the release of the pin 158. For
example, if either of first and second user input devices 1320,
1322 is depressed, the switch system 40''' transfers a signal
wirelessly to the latch controller 1300 that a request to lower the
compartment 24 has been made. If the latch controller 1300 has not
received a signal that the warning sign is active, then the latch
controller 1300 will command or activate the receiver assembly 160a
to release the locking stud 1326. If the latch controller 1300
receives a signal that the warning sign is active, then the latch
controller 1300, even upon receipt of the signal from the switch
system 40''', will prevent the release of the locking stud 1326.
However, if the warning sign is active, and the proper crew code is
provided via the first and second user input devices 1320, 1322 of
the switch system 40''', then the receiver assembly 160a will
release the locking stud 1326, as discussed previously. It should
be noted, however, that any suitable mechanism could be used to
enable the latch controller 1300 to respond to the warning signal,
such as an independent controller in communication with the latch
controller 1300 (not shown).
[0330] In this embodiment, the latch controller 1300 provides the
central controller 32 with a real-time status of the receiver
assembly 160a. With reference to FIG. 75, the latch controller 1300
communicates its status (i.e. latched, unlatched) and any failure
of the receiver assembly 160a, either wirelessly via a wireless
connection 1327, such as Bluetooth (802.15.1), WiFi (802.11), or
Zigby (802.15.4), or over the conductor 131a to the central
controller 32 (not shown). Then, based on the input received from
the latch controller 1300, the central controller 32 generates
indicator data 236b for the display 1318.
[0331] With continuing reference to FIG. 75, the display 1318 is
arranged to be visible in the cabin 14 of the mobile platform 10,
and can be mounted to a trim panel 1338 coupled to the support
system 22. Generally, the display 1318 comprises at least one, or a
plurality of LEDs 52 coupled to a PCB (not shown) that can display
the status of the compartments 24, similar to the first and second
indicator panels 1204, 1206 of the switch system 40'.
Alternatively, the display 1318 could be a liquid crystal display
(LCD) display or any other suitable display. Generally, the display
1318 is in wired communication with the central controller 32,
through COPL for example, however, the display 1318 could be in
wireless or another form of wired communication with the central
controller 32 for receipt of the indicator data 236b, while
receiving power from a secondary source, such as the pivot system
25 (not shown). Exemplary light output for the display 1318 of the
compartment system 12b is provided in Table 2. It should be noted
that the light output of the LEDs 52 of the display 1318 are merely
exemplary, as any appropriate color light output could be employed,
depending upon a desired lighting scheme.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Exemplary Display Output for Various
Compartment Operations Operational Action/ Status Indicator Bin
User Condition ID# Scenario (color) Crew Panel PAX Enabled P1a Bin
Latched Solid Blue (NSFSB = 1) P1b Bin Open Flashing Blue (not
latched) (1 per sec until next action) Disabled P2a Deferment
Status remains ID#'s (NSFFSB = 2) Period P1a P1e Disabled P3a Bin
Latched Solid Red (NSFFSB = 3) P3b Bin Open Flashing Red Not
latched (not latched) (1 per sec until "bin signal latched" or ID#
12) CRW Enabled C1a Open Go to ID# P1b-P1b (NSFSB = 1) Disabled C3a
Bin Latched Solid Red (NSFFSB = 3) EMR Enabled E1a Bin Latched
Solid Red (NSFSB = 1) E1b Open ALL TTL - A1 Bin latched No
illumination Disabled* TTL - A2 Bin not latched Flashing Red Not
latched Disabled* signal
[0332] In Table 2, the user "PAX" refers to operation of the
compartment 24 by the passenger of the mobile platform 10, user
"CREW" refers to operation of the compartment 24 by a crew member,
for a compartment 24 that has access restricted to crew members,
the user "EMER" refers to the use of the compartment 24 during an
emergency situation, and the user "ALL" refers to output of the
indicator surface 1200 during the use of the compartment 24 by all
users. The column entitled "Crew Panel" can refer to the display on
the GUI control panel 249.
[0333] Thus, the latching system 28a, 28b provides a robust system
for enabling users to conveniently control opening and closing of a
compartment 24. Advantageously, the latching system 28a, 28b is
responsive to warning signal to prevent the release of the
compartment 24, thereby providing an additional layer of protection
against the release of the compartment 24 when the warning sign is
active.
[0334] While specific examples have been described in the
specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various
changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements
thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure
as defined in the claims. Furthermore, the mixing and matching of
features, elements and/or functions between various examples is
expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the
art would appreciate from this disclosure that features, elements
and/or functions of one example may be incorporated into another
example as appropriate, unless described otherwise, above.
Moreover, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular
situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended that the present disclosure not be strictly limited to
the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described
in the specification, but that the scope of the present disclosure
will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing
description and the appended claims.
* * * * *