Touch-Free Control and Latching System for Airline Passengers

Project goal: To develop touch-free access to all storage spaces inside a super first class airline suite.Super first class passenger amenities are a competitive market for modern commercial airlines, and passengers in this class are always looking for newer, more convenient options. This multi-storage compartment system uses a custom-designed latch that meets safety regulations,including double latching and manual override. Latch actuation is performed with an electric relay and a solenoid. The design explores two sensor solutions: an infrared-based gesture sensor and a capacitive sensor. For esthetic reasons, the sensors are concealed behind infrared-permissive acrylic or Ultraleather fabric material already in use by the project sponsor.All of these components are controlled by an Arduino processor that interprets data from the sensors and controls the electric relays that power the individual latches. The operating current is kept under 2 amps and 24 volts AC at all times.