Aircraft Window Transparent Display Sidewall Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proliferation of screens for on-demand content in aircraft has increased aircraft weight, negatively impacting fuel economy without reducing passenger access to entertainment.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a transparent display panel coupled to the sidewall of an aircraft, featuring a display screen, display controller, window shade, and blackout feature, allowing for adjustable light transmission and enhanced passenger interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screens are installed for on-demand content, then passenger entertainment access is improved, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function with the window structure by integrating a transparent display panel into the window assembly. This allows the window to serve dual purposes: maintaining its primary function of providing external visibility while simultaneously serving as a display surface for entertainment content, thereby eliminating the need for separate screens and reducing overall weight
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where the transparent display panel enables the window to perform both its traditional role of offering external views and its new role as an entertainment display interface. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, avoiding the weight penalty of adding dedicated entertainment screens
2Weight of moving object
If a transparent display panel is integrated into the window, then aircraft weight is reduced, but light transmission control becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic light control mechanism that can adjust the transparency of the display panel in real-time. The system includes controllable light blocking elements that can dynamically transition between transparent and opaque states based on operational requirements, allowing flexible control over light transmission without adding significant complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary light control layer between the window and the display panel that mediates light transmission. This intermediate element can selectively block or transmit light as needed, managing the complexity of light control by providing a dedicated component that handles this function independently from the display and window structures
3Ease of operation
If a window shade is added for light control, then viewing experience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the window shade function with the display control system by integrating the shading mechanism into the existing display assembly. The shade is coordinated with the display panel operations, allowing it to be deployed or retracted based on whether the display is active or not, thereby improving viewing experience while minimizing additional complexity through shared control architecture
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 entertainment systems into the sidewall while maintaining passenger access to content, improving fuel efficiency and enhancing viewing experiences through adjustable light control and interactive displays.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent display panel coupled to the sidewall portion and covering the inner-facing side of the sidewall portion including the window
Implementation Method 2
a window shade that is disposed between the window and the transparent display panel and that is movable between an open position to allow light to pass between the window and the transparent display panel and a closed position to obstruct light from passing between the window and the transparent display panel
Data Source
AI summary
A sidewall assembly includes a window and a sidewall portion having an inner-facing side and at least partially surrounding the window. The sidewall assembly further includes a transparent display panel coupled to the sidewall portion covering the inner-facing side of the sidewall portion and the window. The sidewall assembly further includes a display controller operatively coupled with the transparent display panel. The sidewall assembly further includes a window shade movable between an open position to allow light to pass between the window and the transparent display panel and a closed position to obstruct light from passing between the window and the transparent display panel. The sidewall assembly further includes a blackout feature disposed between the window and the transparent display panel and a blackout control device configured to control the blackout feature to selectively obstruct light from passing between the window and the transparent display panel.