P.L. Porter Controls, Inc. has developed an electrical seat actuation and control product, called Airline Passenger Power System (ALPPS). The system was built to maximize integration of typical "stand-alone" products, limit installed weight and space, increase reliability, decrease maintenance time, meet all Boeing and Airbus specifications, and be modular in design.
The ALPPS features built-in test diagnostics that decrease cost-per-flight-hour by decreasing the need for maintenance inspection and simplifying maintenance procedures. The software-driven controller enables customer-specific programs to be downloaded via a PC interface and allows for field modification of current limits and stroke settings.
The actuators feature constant position feedback, which enables the controller to sense any position of the seat and provides for the easy incorporation of a seat memory feature. The variable controlled speed of the actuators allows for smooth start and stop transitions, while pulse-width modulation can operate two actuators per passenger place simultaneously.
The system also features numerous redundant safety features that include temperature limits, patented "safety zone" sensing, power-consumption control, and output force limits. Other features include PC charging and auxiliary power outlets.
P.L. Porter is also developing a Master Control Unit (MCU) that can be integrated with ALPPS. This unit will offer centralized diagnostic and software maintenance in a user-friendly, automated environment. This design is also modular and will facilitate BIT interrogation from a centralized location. The MCU will be available in late 2000.
Frank Bokulich
