Power supply for an easily reconfigurable connectorless passenger-aircraft entertainment system

Passenger-aircraft entertainment systems have previously consisted of a single video program shown at the front of the cabin and multiple audio channels available in the armrest. A recently developed system would place small video entertainment systems at every seat for the use of each passenger. Wiring such a system with multiple connectors would cause reliability and maintenance problems and hinder timely reconfiguration of the cabin. The entertainment systems can receive audio and video signals through radio-frequency transmission, but transmitting power to the systems without using connectors requires a novel approach. This paper describes construction of a prototype connectorless power supply that inductively couples power to the seats across an air gap, and allows placement of seats anywhere in the cabin. Both electrical and magnetic models of the connectorless power supply are developed, and measurements on the power supply are discussed. The prototype design is shown to be a practical implementation that meets all design requirements.