Aircraft Instrument Panel Touch Tablet Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft touch tablet installations for pilots are not ergonomic, making them impractical for easy access and use during flight preparation.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising an instrument panel and a support system with a retractable arm and tray system that positions the touch tablet in front of the pilot for easy access, featuring a bayonet-style attachment mechanism and a locking system for ergonomic placement and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch tablet is held by the pilot or placed on the side of the seat, then the installation is simple, but it is not ergonomic and impractical for the pilot
Solution Approach 1:
The support system employs a retractable arm mechanism that allows the tray to dynamically adjust its position between retracted and extended states, enabling the touch tablet to be positioned ergonomically in front of the pilot when needed and stowed when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into separate functional components: a frame fixed to the aircraft structure, an instrument panel, a retractable arm mechanism, and a tray with attachment means. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality
2Ease of operation
If the touch tablet is positioned in front of the pilot using a retractable arm and tray system, then ergonomic accessibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both the mounting platform for the touch tablet and as part of the retractable mechanism itself. The attachment means on the tray can securely hold the touch tablet while the tray integrates with the arm mechanism for position adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The tray can be positioned inside the instrument panel when retracted, nesting the support structure within the existing aircraft instrumentation space, thereby minimizing the space required and reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If the tray is designed with attachment means for secure mounting, then the touch tablet stability is improved, but the ease of removal and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means are designed as separate, removable components rather than permanent fixtures. The first attachment means on the tray and second attachment means on the support can be engaged or disengaged independently, allowing the touch tablet to be securely mounted during flight while enabling easy removal for maintenance or replacement
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for an aircraft. The assembly comprises a frame, an instrument panel fixed to the frame, a support system with an arm bearing a tray in which the arm positions the tray behind the instrument panel, and in which the tray comprises a first attachment arrangement, and a support comprising a second attachment arrangement which cooperates with the first attachment arrangement to removably fix the support onto the tray. The support also comprises a fixing system which ensures the removable fixing of a touch tablet onto the support. With such an assembly, the touch tablet is held without the aid of the pilot and it is positioned in front of him or her for easy access.