Aircraft Window Transparent Display Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The increased weight of aircraft due to the proliferation of screens for on-demand passenger entertainment compromises fuel economy without reducing passenger access to content.

Innovation Solution

Aircraft windows with integrated thin film transparent displays between outer and inner window members, featuring controllable data transmission circuits and sensors to adjust light transmission for optimal visibility, allowing for textual and graphical information display while maintaining passenger interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If screens are added for on-demand passenger entertainment, then passenger access to content is improved, but aircraft weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassenger access to contentVSAvoidaircraft weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display function with the existing window structure by integrating a transparent display between the outer and inner window members. This merging eliminates the need for separate screens, providing entertainment content while utilizing the window's existing space and structural support, thereby avoiding additional weight from separate mounting systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The window assembly is transformed into a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides its traditional protective and viewing functions while also serving as a display medium. The transparent display integrated into the window allows the window to function both as a structural element and an information delivery interface, reducing the need for dedicated entertainment hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Weight of moving object

If a transparent display is integrated into the window, then aircraft weight is reduced, but display visibility may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft weightVSAvoiddisplay visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system incorporates dynamic control of light transmission through the transparent display layer. The ability to adjust light transmission levels allows the display to adapt to varying ambient lighting conditions, ensuring optimal visibility while maintaining the weight benefits of the integrated transparent display design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent display utilizes optical property changes to enhance visibility. By modifying the optical characteristics of the display material, the system can adjust contrast and brightness to ensure content remains visible against varying background lighting conditions while preserving the weight reduction advantage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Illumination intensity

If light transmission through the display is varied, then display visibility is optimized, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that detect ambient light conditions and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of light transmission levels, optimizing display visibility while minimizing energy consumption by only increasing brightness when necessary based on actual environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The display system automatically adjusts its light transmission properties based on sensor input without requiring manual intervention. This self-regulating capability ensures optimal visibility while minimizing energy usage by adapting to changing lighting conditions in real-time, reducing the need for continuous high-energy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces aircraft weight by integrating displays within the window structure, ensuring passenger access to content while enhancing fuel efficiency by minimizing additional weight and optimizing display visibility under varying environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a transparent display disposed between the transparent outer window member and the transparent inner window member. The thin film transparent display is configured to transmit information to a passenger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a controllable data transmission circuit configured to provide a signal to the thin film transparent display to vary light transmission through the thin film transparent display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight modulation: Electro-Optic Effects

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of sensors configured to provide a signal indicative of the amount of natural light passing through the window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10996810B2Window for an aircraft and display for aircraft window

Publication Date: 2021.05.04 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

A window for an aircraft fuselage includes a transparent display for transmitting information to the passenger. The transparent display has a controllable data transmission circuit for varying the light transmission through pixels in the thin film transparent display. Natural light through the window acts as a backlight for the thin film transparent display.