Abstract:
A electrical distribution unit comprising a housing, a securing unit connected to the housing and to a seat track in an aircraft, at least one outlet unit on the housing, an electronic connection unit in the housing that is connected to a power distribution system, and where the outlet unit is electronically connected to the electronic distribution unit to provide power to a device connected to the at least one outlet unit.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional application that claims the benefit of and the priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/925,322 filed Jan. 9, 2014, titled “AIRCRAFT POWER AND DATA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND METHODS OF PERFORMING THE SAME”. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many passengers of commercial aircraft use their computers and other electronic devices for work or recreational purposes while in flight to their destination. However, use of such electronic devices is limited during flights which may last longer than the remaining battery life of the passenger&#39;s electronic device. Accordingly, commercial passenger aircraft companies acknowledge the need to provide electrical power to electronic devices used by its passengers. 
     Electrical power has been available to passengers from electronic power outlets located on the passenger seats or in other convenient locations. A passenger power outlet system employs a power conversion device that converts the aircraft power, typically available at 115 volts and at a frequency of 400 hertz (Hz), to the voltage and frequency that is used by passenger&#39;s electronic devices, typically at 110-120 volts and at 60 Hz or 50 Hz. Wiring is then extended from the power conversion device to an electrical power outlet that is readily accessible by the passenger. 
     Such prior passenger power outlet systems attach one or more portions of the passenger power outlet system to the passenger seat and/or to the seat supports. For example, the wiring between the electronic outlet and the power conversion device may be secured to the passenger seat supports and other support structure. 
     Safety regulations stipulate that the passenger&#39;s electronic devices must be shut off, unplugged and stowed during certain phases of flight, such as during takeoff and landing. Accordingly, the passenger&#39;s electronic devices should not be drawing power from the passenger power outlet system, and preferably, should be entirely disconnected from the passenger power outlet system. Accordingly, a power-in-use indicator, such as a light or the like, is employed by the passenger power outlet system so that a flight attendant can visually detect use of the passenger power outlet system. 
     The power-in-use indicator is typically secured to, and/or incorporated into, the aisle-way passenger seat at a location that is readily visible to the flight attendant. Thus, prior to landing or taking off, the flight attendant can walk down the passenger aisle and quickly determine if one or more of the passenger&#39;s electronic devices are drawing power from the passenger power outlet system (and thus, may request the passenger to disconnect their electronic device from the passenger power outlet system). 
     Considerable regulatory overview and approval is required for all aspects of aircraft structure, and particularly modifications made thereto, so as to ensure aircraft safety. In particular, any modification to a passenger seat must be submitted for approval, and then be approved, by one or more appropriate regulatory agencies. Thus, the power-in-use indicator light that is attached to, or secured to, the passenger seat must be pre-approved by the appropriate regulatory agencies. 
     During initial fitting of commercial passenger aircraft with passenger seats, providing a regulatorily compliant passenger power outlet system with the attendant power-in-use indicator light that is attached to the passenger seat is relatively simple to implement. That is, the regulatorily compliant passenger power outlet system is easily installed as part of the process of initially installing the passenger seats into the commercial passenger aircraft. 
     Retrofitting existing passenger seats with a passenger power outlet system is relatively more complex and expensive. The passenger power outlet system must receive regulatory approval prior to installation, particularly if one or more components of the passenger power outlet system is secured to, or even touching, a passenger seat. An unexpected advance in technology has created an urgent need to retrofit existing commercial passenger aircraft with passenger power outlet systems. The advent of wireless technology, and in particular WiFi technology, allows wireless access to the Internet by IEEE 802.11 compliant devices, such as a laptop computer, a personal device assistant (PDA), a cell phone, a game device, or the like. That is, a passenger can now wirelessly access the Internet or inflight entertainment content through a WiFi hub device that has been installed in the commercial passenger aircraft. 
     Passengers are willing to pay a premium service charge for wireless Internet access during their flight. However, when the battery life of the passenger&#39;s electronic device is substantially less than the duration of the flight, the passenger will likely be reluctant to pay the premium service charge. Additionally, airlines risk having a surge of customer service problems if passenger electronic devices cannot be used for the duration of the flight. 
     Accordingly, there is a need to provide an improved regulatorily compliant retrofit passenger power outlet system that is readily installed in an existing operational commercial passenger aircraft so that the commercial passenger aircraft companies can take advantage of this new economic opportunity. Further, it is highly desirable to have a regulatorily compliant retrofit passenger power outlet system suitable for immediate installation in commercial passenger aircraft without the need for extensive regulatory oversight and approval of the appropriate regulatory organizations, which may take a considerable amount of time and effort on the part of the supplier of the passenger power outlet system. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the present invention includes an electrical distribution unit comprising a housing, a securing unit connected to the housing and to a seat track in an aircraft, at least one outlet unit on the housing, an electronic connection unit in the housing that is connected to a power distribution system, where the outlet unit is electronically connected to the electronic distribution unit to provide power to a device connected to the at least one outlet unit. 
     In another embodiment, each outlet unit may be removably attached to the housing. 
     In another embodiment, at least one outlet unit may be attached to a surface of the housing facing the nose of the aircraft when installed. 
     In another embodiment, at least one outlet unit may be attached to a surface of the housing facing the tail of the aircraft. 
     In another embodiment, at least one outlet unit may include a Universal Serial Bus connection. 
     In another embodiment, at least one outlet unit may be attached to a surface of the housing facing the nose of the aircraft when installed. 
     In another embodiment, the securing unit is not in contact with the aircraft seat. 
     In another embodiment, each outlet unit may include a data connection. 
     In another embodiment, the housing unit may be removably affixed to the securing unit. 
     In another embodiment, the electrical distribution unit may include a lighting unit positioned on a top portion of the front surface of the housing above the outlet units. 
     Another embodiment includes a method of providing electrical power to passengers on an aircraft that includes the steps of providing an electronic connection unit in an internal cavity of a housing, connecting the electronic connection unit to a power distribution system, affixing at least one outlet unit to at least one surface of the housing affixing the a securing unit to the housing, affixing the securing unit to a seat track in an aircraft, providing power from the power distribution system to a device connected to the at least one outlet unit. 
     In another embodiment, each outlet unit may be removably attached to the housing. 
     In another embodiment, at least one outlet unit may be attached to a surface of the housing facing the nose of the aircraft when installed. 
     In another embodiment, at least one outlet unit may be attached to a surface of the housing facing the tail of the aircraft. 
     In another embodiment, at least one outlet unit may include a Universal Serial Bus connection. 
     In another embodiment, at least one outlet unit may be attached to a surface of the housing facing the nose of the aircraft when installed. 
     In another embodiment, the securing unit is not in contact with the aircraft seat. 
     In another embodiment, each outlet unit may include a data connection. 
     In another embodiment, the housing unit may be removably affixed to the securing unit. 
     In another embodiment, the electrical distribution unit may include a lighting unit positioned on a top portion of the front surface of the housing above the outlet units. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a rear view of one embodiment of a track mounted enclosure housing electronic components that is consistent with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a front view of an electronic distribution unit; 
         FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the electronic connection unit; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts one embodiment of an outlet unit; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts one embodiment of an outlet unit; 
         FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of a securing unit; 
         FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of a track mounted enclosure housing electronic components installed in an aircraft; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a rear view of one embodiment of a track mounted enclosure housing electronic components that is consistent with the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a front view of an electronic distribution unit from  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  depicts a first side view of a housing and a securing unit on the electronic distribution unit of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  depicts a second side view of the housing and securing unit of the electronic distribution unit of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 11  depicts the electronic distribution unit of  FIG. 8  with the access panel removed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts a rear view of one embodiment of a track mounted enclosure housing electronic components  100  that is consistent with the present invention. The track mounted enclosure  100  includes an electronic distribution unit (“EDU”)  102  and a securing unit  104 . The EDU  102  includes an enclosure  106 , a connection plate  108  connected to the enclosure  106 , a first outlet unit  110  and second outlet unit  112  removably affixed to the connection plate  108 . The outlet units  110  and  112  may be any known outlet type including, but not limited to, a conventional three prong 115 VAC plug, a Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) connector, a data connector such as an RJ-45 jack, a mini USB connector, or any other type of power or data outlet. A light unit  114  may be positioned on the connection plate  108  or above the connection plate  108  on an angled surface. The light unit  114  may be any type of light including a light emitting diode, incandescent light or any other type of light. The light unit  114  is positioned such that the light illuminates the surface of the outlet units  110  and  112 . 
     The enclosure  106  is made from a rigid material such as hard plastic, steel, aluminum a composite material or any other rigid material. In one embodiment, the rear side  116  of the enclosure  106  has a smaller height than the front side  118  of the enclosure  106 . In another embodiment, the height of the rear side  116  of the enclosure  106  is substantially the same height as the front side  118  of the enclosure  106 . The lower side  120  of the enclosure  106  is removably affixed to the securing unit  104  such that the enclosure  106  may be removed from the securing unit  104  by lifting the enclosure  106  away from the securing unit  104 . In one embodiment, the securing unit  104  is connected to the centerline of the lower side  120  of the enclosure  106 . In another embodiment, the securing unit  104  is connected to one side of the lower side  120  of the enclosure  106 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a front view of the EDU  102  of  FIG. 1 . The front side  118  of the enclosure  106  includes a third outlet unit  200  removably connected to the front side  118  of the enclosure  106 . A light unit  202  may be positioned on an angled surface above the outlet unit  200 . The light unit  202  may be any type light including light emitting diodes, incandescent light or any other type of light. The light unit  202  is positioned such that the light illuminates the surface of the outlet unit  200 . 
     In one embodiment, the front side  118  of the enclosure  106  is substantially vertical. In another embodiment, the front side  118  of the enclosure  106  is angled towards the rear side  116  of the enclosure  106  by a predefined angle. In another embodiment, the front side  118  of the enclosure  106  is angled away from the rear side  116  of the enclosure  106  by a predefined angle. The first outlet unit  110 , second outlet unit  112  or third outlet unit  200  may be conventional 115 VAC power outlets that include an indicator light indicating that the outlet is powered. In another embodiment, the first outlet unit  110 , second outlet unit  112  and third outlet unit  200  may be a data connector such as an RJ-45 data connection jack. In another embodiment, each of the first outlet unit  110 , second outlet unit  112  and third outlet unit  200  provides an alternating current (AC) power signal to a device. In another embodiment, each of the first outlet unit  110 , second outlet unit  112  and third outlet unit  200  provides a direct current (DC) power signal to a device. In another embodiment, each of the first outlet unit  110 , second outlet unit  112  and third outlet unit  200  provides an AC power signal and a DC power signal to a device. In another embodiment, each of the first outlet unit  110 , second outlet unit  112  and third outlet unit  200  are the same type of outlet. In another embodiment, each of the first outlet unit  110 , second outlet unit  112  and third outlet unit  200  are each different types of outlets. In another embodiment, the enclosure  106  may house a 802.11 wireless access point. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the electronic connection unit  300 . The electronic connection unit  300  includes a first port  302 , second port  304 , third port  306  and fourth port  308 . Each port  302 ,  304 ,  306  and  308  is configured to connect to an outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200  to provide converted power or data to the outlet units  110 ,  112  or  200 . One or more ports  302 ,  304 ,  306  or  308  may be connected to the light units  114  or  202 . Ports on the back of the unit (not shown) are connected to source signal lines such as a power line or a data signal line. A power signal line may be a 115 VAC power signal line, a 28 VDC or any other type of power signal line. The data signal line may be an Ethernet data signal line, a TCP/IP data signal, an audio data signal line or any other data signal line. The electronic connection unit  300  is configured to connect a respective outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200  to an appropriate data or power signal line. As an illustrative example, if the first outlet unit  110  is a 115 VAC outlet and the second outlet unit  112  is an RJ45 data outlet, the electronic connection unit  300  will connect first outlet unit  110  to a 115 VAC power signal line and the second outlet unit  112  to a data signal line. To accomplish these connections, the electronic connection unit  300  may include a microprocessor running a program that determines the signal required by each outlet unit  110 ,  112  and  200  and which routes the correct signal to the correct outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200 . 
     Each port  302 ,  304 ,  306  and  308  includes a locking unit  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316 . Each locking unit  310 ,  312 ,  314  and  316  is configured to engage a connector that connects to port  302 ,  304 ,  306  or  308  to lock the connector against the port  302 ,  304 ,  306  and  308 . Each connector may be connected directly to a first, second or third outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200  to provide power or data to the outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200 . 
     The electronic connection unit  300  is housed in a case  318 . The case  318  includes flanges  320  extending from a lower portion of the case  318 . The flanges  320  include holes (not shown) configured to accommodate securing units  322  with the securing units  322  engaging the interior sidewalls of the enclosure  106  to secure the electronic connection unit  300  in the cavity of the enclosure  106 . 
     The electronic connection unit  300  may include protection circuitry to prevent the over-charging, short-circuiting or overheating of the electronic connection unit  300 . Further, the electronic connection unit  300  may include a microprocessor that is programmed to detect the amount of voltage and current needed for a device connected to an outlet unit  110 ,  112 , or  200  to charge. As an illustrative example, if the first outlet unit  110  includes a plug for a laptop computer, the electronic connection unit  300  may provide 115 VAC power to the first outlet unit  110  via the port  302 ,  304 ,  306  and  308  connected to the first outlet unit  110 . Simultaneously, if the second outlet unit  112  includes a USB connection, the electronic connection unit  300  may transmit a USB power signal to the second outlet unit  112  via the port  302 ,  304 ,  306  or  308  connected to the second outlet unit  112 . By including the connection unit detection logic, the outlet units  110 ,  112  and  200  may be replaced without reconfiguring the electronic connection unit  300 . 
     Each of the outlet units  110 ,  112  and  200  may include an electronic identifier, such as an identification number or address, that is transmitted to the electronic connection unit  300  via the wire connecting the electronic connection unit  300  to the outlet unit  110 ,  112  and  200 . The microprocessor in the electronic connection unit  300  may consult a table stored in the memory of the electronic connection unit  300  to determine the correct power or data signal to transmit to the outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200  based on the identifier. Further, the electronic connection unit  300  may open and close internal switches to route the correct power or data signal from the source signal lines connected to the electronic connection unit  300  to the outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200  based on the outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200  identification. 
     The electronic connection unit  300  is configured such that it can simultaneously provide power or data signals to three devices connected to the outlet units  110 ,  112  and  200 . The electronic connection unit  300  may include power load distribution logic programmed into the microprocessor in the electronic connection unit  300  to equally distribute the power drawn from the power line. The load distribution logic may allocate the required amount of power to each of the outlet units  110 ,  112  or  200  based on the type of device or battery connected to the connection port. 
       FIG. 4A  depicts one embodiment of an outlet unit  420 . The outlet unit  420  includes a face plate  422 , a unit housing  424  and a connector  426 . The face plate  422  may include markings to indicate the type of power signal provided from the outlet unit  110 ,  112  or  200 . The housing  424  contains all of the circuitry required to provide power from the power connector  426  to the outlet. The housing  424  may also include a microprocessor that provides information, such as the connector identifier, to the electronic connection unit  300 . The connector  426  may be any known connector capable of connecting a cable to the housing for the transmission of a power signal and a data signal. The data signal transmitted to the electronic connection unit  300  may be any known data signal and format including a digital switch closure signal, or a communication signal such as ASCII. 
       FIG. 4B  depicts another embodiment of an outlet unit  430 . The outlet unit  430  includes a conventional 115 VAC power outlet  432  and a USB power and data outlet  434 . The outlet unit  430  provides power and data one or more of the outlets  432  and  434  when a device is connected to the outlet. The outlet unit  430  detects when a device is connected to the outlet using a switch or via a microprocessor. The outlet unit  430  then transmits a connection signal to the electronic connection unit  300  to request the electronic connection unit  300  transmit the correct power signal or data signal to the outlet unit  430 . 
     In one embodiment, a microprocessor in the housing of the outlet unit  430  senses that a device is connected to one or more of the outlets  432  and  434 . The microprocessor can sense the connection of a device using any known methods of sensing a connection including identifying a closed circuit, by the use of a mechanical switch, or by any other known method of sensing a device is connected. When a device is sensed, the microprocessor sends a connection signal to the electronic connection unit  300  which initiates the transfer of the correct power or data signals to the outlet unit  430 . Alternatively, the electronic connection unit  300  may monitor the outlets  432  and  434  to determine if a device is connected. If a device is connected, the electronic connection unit  300  transmits the correct power signal or data signals to the outlets  432  and  434 . By providing a dual outlet on the outlet unit  430 , two devices having different power requirements can be powered simultaneously from the same outlet unit. 
       FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the securing unit  104 . The securing unit  104  includes a bar  500  with two connecting extensions  502  and  504  affixed at opposite ends of the bar  500 . Attachment units  506  are connected to each of the connecting extensions  502  and  504 . The attachment units  506  may be connected to the connecting extensions  502  and  504  using pins, screws, bolts or any other means of attaching the extensions  502  and  504  to the bar  500 . The attachment units  506  are configured to engage the seat mounting track in the floor of an aircraft to secure the securing unit  104  to the tracks of the aircraft. The securing unit  104  is sized such that the connecting extension units  502  and  504  and the attachment units  506  are positioned in front of or behind the structural supports of an aircraft seat when the EDU  102  is installed. The securing unit  104  may be made from any rigid material including steel, aluminum, plastic, or any other rigid material. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a perspective view of the EDU  102  installed in an aircraft. The passenger seats  602 ,  604  and  606  are secured to the aircraft cabin floor  608  by attachment to the seat supports  610 . The seat supports  610  are secured to the seat tracks  612  in the aircraft floor  608 . In the exemplary embodiment, EDU  102  is secured to the seat track  612  in front of the seat support  610 , and is therefore between the passenger seat  602  and the wall of the aircraft. In another embodiment, the EDU  102  is between the seat  602  and the aisle of the aircraft. The connecting extensions  502  and  504  are configured such that the EDU  102  is positioned beneath an aircraft seat  602 ,  604 , or  606  without contacting the aircraft seat support  610 . This allows the EDU  102  to be installed in existing aircraft without recertification of the seats. 
     In some applications, a carry-on baggage restraint bar  614  is disposed below the passenger seats  602 ,  604  and  606  so that passengers sitting behind the passenger seats  602 ,  604  and  606  are able to store and secure their carry-on luggage underneath the passenger seats  602 ,  604  and  606 . The carry-on baggage restraint bar  614  is typically secured to lower portions of the passenger seats  602 ,  604  and  606  and/or to the seat supports  610 . In one embodiment, the EDU  102  is installed behind the restraint bar  614 . Because the EDU  102  is self-contained and does not extend across the baggage storage area of the aircraft seats, the baggage storage area under each aircraft seat  602 ,  604  and  606  is not obstructed by the installation of the EDU  102 . 
       FIG. 7  depicts a rear view of one embodiment of a track mounted enclosure housing electronic components  700  that is consistent with the present invention. The track mounted enclosure housing electronic components  700  includes EDU  702  and a securing unit  104 . The EDU  702  includes a housing  706 , a connection plate  708  connected to the housing  706 , a first power connection unit  710  and second power connection unit  712  removably affixed to the connection plate  708 , and an access panel  714  connected to a side of the housing  706 . The power connection units  710  and  712  may be any known power connection type including, but not limited to, a conventional three prong 115 VAC plug, a USB connector, a mini USB connector, or a direct current power connection. In one embodiment, a LED light may be positioned above the power connection unit  710  and  712 . 
     The housing  706  is made from a rigid material such as hard plastic, steel, aluminum, a composite material or any other rigid material. In one embodiment, the rear side  716  of the housing  706  has a smaller height than the front side  718  of the housing  706 . In another embodiment, the height of rear side  716  of the housing  706  is substantially the same height as the front side  718  of the housing  706 . The securing unit  104  is affixed to the lower side  720  of the housing  706 . In one embodiment, the securing unit  104  is connected to the centerline of the lower side  720  of the housing  706 . In another embodiment, the securing unit  104  is connected to one side of the lower side  720  of the housing  706 . 
       FIG. 8  depicts a front view of the EDU  702  of  FIG. 7 . The front side  718  of the housing  706  includes a third power connection unit  800  removably connected to the front side  718  of the housing  706 . In one embodiment, the front side  718  of the housing  706  is substantially vertical. In another embodiment, the front side  718  of the housing  706  is angled towards the rear side  716  of the housing  706  by a predefined angle. In another embodiment, the front side  718  of the housing  706  is angled away from the rear side  716  of the housing  706  by a predefined angle. The first power connection unit  710 , second power connection unit  712  and third power connection unit  800  may be conventional 115 VAC power outlets that include an indicator light indicating that the outlet is powered and a LED light that illuminates the power outlet. In another embodiment, each of the first power connection unit  710 , second power connection unit  712  and third power connection unit  800  are the same type of outlet. In another embodiment, each of the first power connection unit  710 , second power connection unit  712  and third power connection unit  800  are each different types of outlets. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a first side view of the housing  706  and securing unit  104  of the EDU  702 . The side of the housing  706  includes a plurality of holes  900 . The holes  706  provide cooling to an electronic conversion unit (not shown) mounted inside the housing  706 .  FIG. 10  depicts a second side view of the housing  706  and securing unit  104  of the EDU  702  of  FIG. 8 . The housing  706  includes an access plate  714  removably attached to the side of the housing  706 . The access plate  714  includes openings  1000  that are sized to engage holding units  1002  on the housing  706 . In another embodiment, a slot is positioned on opposite sides of the housing  706  to allow the access plate  714  to slide into and out of the slot. 
       FIG. 11  depicts the electronic distribution unit of  FIG. 8  with the access panel removed. The electronic connection unit  300  is positioned inside a cavity of the housing  706 . A ridge  1100  along the edge of the opening of the cavity includes the holding units  1002 . In one embodiment, the holding units  1002  are slots affixed along the length of the ridge  1100 . The securing units  322  of the electronic connection unit  300  are removably affixed to a side surface of the housing  706 . 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention claimed. The disclosed configuration is the preferred embodiment and is not intended to preclude functional equivalents to the various elements. 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, are included to illustrate and provide a further understanding of the invention. Together with the description, the drawings serve to explain the principles of the invention.