Variable transparencies applied to aircraft seats

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2021371107-A1
Application number	US-201817272628-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	Sep 7, 2018
Priority date	Sep 7, 2018
Publication date	Dec 2, 2021
Grant date	—

Abstract

The field of this disclosure relates to the use of variable transparency technology on aircraft seats. Specifically, there is described a system that uses a transparent material that can be transitioned to become more opaque upon application of a voltage. The transparent material may be used for privacy purposes, may be used to create a video screen on a selected surface, or for other uses described herein.

First claim

1 . A passenger seat in-flight entertainment unit, comprising:
a passenger seat comprising an in-flight entertainment unit positioned on the passenger seat back; wherein the in-flight entertainment unit comprises a variable transparency panel positioned on or over the in-flight entertainment unit, the variable transparency panel having a first condition in which the panel is transparent and a second condition in which the panel is made at least partially opaque via application of a voltage to the panel, wherein, in the second condition, the panel functions as a screen for displaying content.

2 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , further comprising a projector configured to display content onto the panel.

3 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the panel is secured to a forward seat's seatback.

4 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the panel is secured to a rotating arm configured to move the panel with respect to a seated passenger.

5 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein, in the second condition, the panel is activated to white.

6 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the panel is individually controlled such that each passenger controls viewing content.

7 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the panel is controlled via a master controller.

8 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the variable transparency panel comprises a multi-panel system.

9 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 8 , wherein the variable transparency panel comprises a first variable transparency panel and further comprising a second variable transparency panel associated with the first variable transparency panel, wherein the second variable transparency panel is configured to provide light blockage for the first variable transparency panel.

10 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 9 , wherein the first variable transparency panel comprises a passenger-facing panel that functions as a viewing screen and wherein the second variable transparency panel is configured to be darkened to provide light blockage for the first variable transparency panel.

11 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the variable transparency panel comprises glass, plastic, acrylic, polycarbonate, polystyrene, cellulose, crystal, ceramic, lacquer, urethane, epoxy, resin, or any combination thereof.

12 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the variable transparency panel comprises electrochromatic or smart glass.

13 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the variable transparency panel is adhered to a surface using an adhesive, a mechanical fastener, quarter turn locks, or any combination thereof.

14 . The in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 , wherein the variable transparency panel comprises one or more light emitting diodes configured to change colors of the panel.

15 . A method for viewing entertainment content from a passenger seat, comprising:
activating the in-flight entertainment unit of claim 1 from a transparent condition to a non-transparent condition; and projecting viewing content on the in-flight entertainment unit.

16 . The method of claim 15 , wherein activating the in-flight entertainment unit from a transparent condition to a non-transparent condition comprises application of a voltage to the panel.

17 . The method of claim 15 , wherein activating the in-flight entertainment unit from a transparent condition to a non-transparent condition comprises activating a user-controlled panel to turn the panel white.

Assignees

• Safran Seats Usa Llc

Inventors

• Kremer Paul

Classifications

• B64D11/00151 Primary

  Permanently mounted seat back monitors · CPC title

• B64D11/0606

  with privacy shells, screens, separators or the like (class dividers B64D11/0023) · CPC title

• B64D11/0015 Primary

  Arrangements for entertainment or communications, e.g. radio, television · CPC title

• B64D11/00153

  Monitors mounted on or in the seat other than the seat back · CPC title