In-seat power supply floor module

The invention provides an electrical power supply for mounting to floor tracks adjacent an aircraft passenger cabin seat assembly, the seat assembly having at least one passenger seat supported on legs secured to the floor tracks, the electrical power supply including: a housing having an interior chamber and a base plate with floor track mounting fasteners; an electrical power supply unit within the chamber having an inlet connector for communication with an aircraft electrical power source; and at least one electrical power outlet mounted to an exterior surface of the housing and in communication with the electrical power supply unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to an aircraft seat mounted housing to provide passenger electric power supply for passenger operated devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

A component of passenger aircraft cabin services is the provision of electric power for operating laptop computers and personal entertainment devices. To improve service, airlines may provide various passenger operated services such as portable CD and DVD players that require electrical power supply. As well laptop computers and personal electronic devices require electric power since on long flights, battery power is insufficient or unreliable.

It is an object of the invention to provide electric power to aircraft passenger seats without requiring modification to the seats themselves that would effect the structure or safety approval of the seats.

Further objects of the invention will be apparent from review of the disclosure, drawings and description of the invention below.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides an electrical power supply for mounting to floor tracks adjacent an aircraft passenger cabin seat assembly, the seat assembly having at least one passenger seat supported on legs secured to the floor tracks, the electrical power supply comprising: a housing having an interior chamber and a base plate with floor track mounting fasteners; an electrical power supply unit within the chamber having an inlet connector for communication with an aircraft electrical power source; and at least one electrical power outlet mounted to an exterior surface of the housing and in communication with the electrical power supply unit.

In the example illustrated in the accompanying drawings the in-seat power supply floor module system provides a three passenger seats with three electrical power outlets within an aircraft passenger cabin. The module includes a housing mounted to the seat floor tracks beneath an aircraft seat, between seat legs and aft a baggage bar. The housing includes ventilation holes, a power supply and electric power outlets mounted on a hinged access door for ease of maintenance and inspection. Preferably the housing also includes a remote power-in-use indicator display mounted on the baggage bar of the seat adjacent an aisle.

Further details of the invention and its advantages will be apparent from the detailed description included below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2show an electrical power supply1mounted to the floor tracks2in the floor of an aircraft passenger cabin adjacent to aircraft passenger seat assembly3having three passenger seats supported on two forward seat legs4, in the illustrated example. The passenger seats5are rigidly supported on the legs4fixed to a slidable seat rail6that is removably attached to the floor tracks2in a known manner.

In the embodiment illustrated, the electrical power supply1includes a housing7adapted for mounting beneath the passenger seats5and between two adjacent seat legs4.

The housing7may be adapted from mounting aft of the seat baggage bar8to further mechanically restrain the housing7, to avoid interference with use of the passenger's seat and to occupy a portion of the readily available space under the seat designated for carry-on luggage.

As best seen inFIG. 2, the housing7includes an interior chamber9and includes a base plate10. In the example illustrated, the base plate10includes laterally extending fastener supporting tabs11for mounting in the floor tracks2with floor track fasteners. Within the chamber9, there is an electrical power supply unit12having an inlet connector13for communication with the aircraft electrical power sources. In the embodiment illustrated, three separate electrical power outlets14are mounted to the exterior surface of the housing7and communicate with the electrical power supply unit12within the chamber9.

As shown inFIG. 1, preferably the power supply1includes a power-in-use indicator light15adapted for mounting adjacent an aisle side of the seat assembly3preferably on the baggage restraint bar8.

As best seen inFIG. 2, a removable access cover16is disposed over an access opening in the housing7in a closed position and can be withdrawn from the access opening to provide access to the chamber9in an open position. For ease of access during maintenance and inspection, the power outlets14are mounted to a top portion of the access cover16. However other locations for the outlets14are within the ambit of the invention. The access cover16is hinged to open downwardly from the access opening. Preferably the baggage bar8includes a fastener17such as hook and loop (Velcro™) fasteners to keep the access cover16secured during maintenance and inspection in a downward position as shown inFIG. 2.

As best seen inFIG. 1the housing7includes a laterally extending outlet supporting wings18which enable the mounting of the power outlets14in a convenient accessible location for use by adjacent passengers. In this manner the housing7can easily support use by all three passengers from a single housing7, eliminating the need for individual housings or supports for each passenger. To dissipate any heat generated by the power supply unit12, ventilation holes19are provided within the housing7.

Although the above description relates to a specific preferred embodiment as presently contemplated by the inventor, it will be understood that the invention in its broad aspect includes mechanical and functional equivalents of the elements described herein.