Device for the Integration of a Laptop Computer into an Aircraft

• US 20080154446A1
• Filed: 10/23/2007
• Published: 06/26/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Airbus Operations SAS (Airbus SE)
• Original Assignee: Airbus France
• Inventors: Homayoun, Dilmaghani, Rui, Fernandes, David, Denis
• Granted Patent: US 7,755,890 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/3
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 43/00 Arrangements or adaptations of instruments arrangements of cameras B64D47/08; aeronautical measuring instruments per se G01C

Abstract

The updating and consultation of flight documents, aeronautical maps and aircraft documentation is being facilitated by migration towards laptop-accessible electronic versions of these documents. To facilitate inflight exploitation of these documents, the laptop is connected to a docking station (105) itself connected to input (107)/output (106) peripherals accessible from flight decks. This docking station and these peripherals are mounted permanently in the cockpit. A laptop can then be introduced into the docking station so that the resources of this laptop can be exploited by the pilot or pilots during all the phases of a flight.

Claims

1. - A device for the integration of a laptop into an aircraft cockpit comprising a pilot'"'"'s station wherein the cockpit comprises the following elements distributed in the cockpit and interconnected:

a docking station to mechanically and electrically receive the laptop in the cockpit and connect the laptop to peripherals that are distant and connected to the docking station, the docking station being fixed to the aircraft,

a screen-type distant output peripheral, fixed laterally relative to the pilot'"'"'s station and readable by a pilot from the pilot'"'"'s station, and

distant input peripherals accessible to a pilot from his pilot'"'"'s station.

2. - An integration device according to claim 1 comprising an adapter to connect the connecting system of a laptop model to the connection system of the docking station.

3. - An integration device according to claim 1, wherein the input peripherals are in a central position relative to the pilot'"'"'s station and are protected by a detachable shelf.

4. - An integration device according to claim 1, wherein the input peripherals belong to the group formed by at least one of the following elements:

keyboard,

pointing device.

5. - An integration device according to claim 1, wherein the distant input/output peripherals are connected to the internal power supply of the laptop to overcome the effects of a malfunction in a main power supply circuit.

6. - An integration device according to claim 1, wherein the docking station comprises metal walls to ensure electromagnetic insulation for the laptop.

7. - An integration device according to the claim 1, wherein the means of fastening the laptop, platform or adapter have a structure that enables the circulation of air for the cooling of the personal computer.

8. - A device according to claim 1, wherein the personal computer is fixed to the aircraft through an anti-vibration system.

9. - A use of an integration device according to claim 1 in an airplane.