Power management of aircraft seat power using a smart power distribution connector
AssigneeAstronics Advanced Electronic Systems Corp.
InventorDavid Perchlik
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In an aircraft seat power system, a Smart Power Distribution Connector (PDC) connects a power supply to multiple power outlets. Power to each outlet is monitored and controlled directly by the PDC that is in turn monitored and controlled by the power source. The power source and the PDC share a communication bus through which instructions and responses are communicated. The PDC has the ability to communicate with the outlets by sending instructions and monitoring and acting on the responses from the outlets. The system allows for power management from a supply of limited power. The PDC can provide current limiting, allowing the use of lighter weight and smaller wire and other components.
Claims10
A power supply system comprising:
- a power distribution connector (PDC) configured to receive DC power as input from a DC power supply via a communication bus and configured to deliver DC power to at least one DC outlet connected to the power distribution connector by way of the communication bus which in turn is capable of supplying the delivered DC power to a DC load, the DC outlet being connected directly to the communication bus;
- and
- the communication bus configured to connect the PDC, the at least one DC outlet and the DC power supply, to allow the PDC to communicate data to the power supply and the DC outlet to communicate data to the PDC.
A method of power management, comprising the steps of:
- providing a DC power supply;
- providing a power distribution connector (PDC) interposed between the DC power supply and at least one DC outlet operable to connect to a DC load;
- interconnecting the DC power supply, the PDC, and the DC outlet by way of a communication bus to deliver power from the DC power supply to the PDC and to allow the PDC to communicate data to the DC power supply and the DC outlet being connected directly to the communication bus and capable to communicate data to the PDC;
- presetting the power distribution connector with a maximum power limit for the outlet;
- and
- the power distribution connector instructing the at least one DC outlet to limit its power supply capability and to renegotiate new power contracts when the power consumption by the at least one DC load reaches or exceeds said maximum power limit.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.