Method and apparatus for controlled force deployment of user interface devices
First Claim
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1. A method for driving a deployable user interface device onboard an aircraft comprising the steps of:
- receiving motion information from the deployable device, regarding motion of the deployable device;
wherein said deployable device comprises an inflight passenger electronic user interface apparatus, which is configured to be deployed from a stowed position to a position from which the electronic user interface apparatus is configured to provide enhanced utility;
applying power to an actuator in order to cause the deployable device to begin deployment;
reversing power to the actuator if deployment of the deployable device has been physically retarded which is indicated if the rate of motion as indicated by the motion information is less than a first pre-established rate threshold;
increasing the power applied to the actuator if the rate of motion as indicated by the motion information has exceeded a second pre-established rate threshold for a set period of time; and
decreasing the power applied to the actuator to a holding level if the full-deployment indicator becomes active.
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Abstract
User interface devices, such as displays and keyboards, are automatically deployed using pulse-width-modulated controlled force in a first safety period. Once safe, force and speed are increased to full deployment. At full deployment, electrical braking dissipates mechanical energy and power is throttled down to hold device against deployment stop.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for driving a deployable user interface device onboard an aircraft comprising the steps of:
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receiving motion information from the deployable device, regarding motion of the deployable device; wherein said deployable device comprises an inflight passenger electronic user interface apparatus, which is configured to be deployed from a stowed position to a position from which the electronic user interface apparatus is configured to provide enhanced utility; applying power to an actuator in order to cause the deployable device to begin deployment; reversing power to the actuator if deployment of the deployable device has been physically retarded which is indicated if the rate of motion as indicated by the motion information is less than a first pre-established rate threshold; increasing the power applied to the actuator if the rate of motion as indicated by the motion information has exceeded a second pre-established rate threshold for a set period of time; and decreasing the power applied to the actuator to a holding level if the full-deployment indicator becomes active. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A deployable user interface device onboard an aircraft comprising:
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base structure for mounting the user interface device; inflight user interface assembly that is moveably mounted to the base structure; motion sensor that is coupled to the user interface assembly and provides motion information according to the motion of said user interface assembly; full-deployment sensor coupled to the user interface assembly that generates a full-deployment signal when the user interface assembly is fully deployed; actuator that, when it receives power, minimally causes the user interface assembly to move from a stowed position to a deployed position; and actuator control unit that; applies power to the actuator in order to cause the user interface assembly to begin moving out of the stowed position; reverses the power applied to the actuator if the rate of motion as indicated by the motion sensor is less than a first pre-established rate threshold; increases the power applied to the actuator if the rate of motion as indicated by the motion sensor exceeds a second pre-established rate threshold for a set period of time; and decreases the power applied to the actuator to a holding level if the full-deployment signal is received. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A deployable overhead display unit comprising:
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base structure for mounting the overhead display unit onboard an aircraft; display screen that is pivotally mounted to the base structure to provide an inflight interface; motion sensor that is coupled to the display screen and provides motion information according to the motion of said display screen; full-deployment sensor coupled to the display screen that generates a full-deployment signal when the display screen is fully deployed;
actuator that, when it receives power, causes the display screen to pivot about its mounting; andactuator control unit that; applies power to the actuator in order to cause the display screen to begin moving out of a stowed position; reverses the power applied to the actuator if the rate of motion as indicated by the motion sensor is less than a first pre-established rate threshold; increases the power applied to the actuator if the rate of motion as indicated by the motion sensor exceeds a second pre-established rate threshold for a set period of time; and decreases the power applied to the actuator to a holding level if the full-deployment signal is received. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification