Autogyro Instrument Panel Recessed Window for Pilot Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current gyrocopters have limited pilot visibility due to dashboard design, which obstructs the view of surroundings and can reduce flight safety.

Innovation Solution

A gyrocopter with a dashboard featuring a recessed viewing window that extends from the top to the bottom, allowing a larger field of vision for the pilot, combined with display and control units for flight parameter monitoring and control, and an optional anti-glare device to enhance visibility in sunlight conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a dashboard is used to display flight parameters and provide control, then flight information is provided to the pilot, but the dashboard obstructs the pilot's view of the surroundings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflight informationVSAvoidobstructed view
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful obstructing function from the dashboard by creating a recessed viewing window that removes the dashboard material from the pilot's direct line of sight. This allows the dashboard to retain its information display function while eliminating the view obstruction caused by a flat dashboard surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a third dimension by creating a recessed viewing window that extends backward from the dashboard surface. This dimensional change allows the pilot to see through the dashboard area without removing the dashboard structure entirely, thus maintaining information display while improving visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the dashboard is made solid to provide structural support, then structural strength is maintained, but the field of vision for the pilot is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedashboard structural strengthVSAvoidfield of vision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dashboard is segmented into different functional zones: a solid portion that provides structural support and houses display/control units, and a recessed viewing window portion that provides unobstructed vision. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dashboard has different local qualities: areas requiring strength remain solid, while areas requiring vision are recessed. The recessed viewing window is strategically positioned to provide maximum visual access while maintaining overall dashboard structural integrity through the surrounding solid portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3681797B1Autogyro having an instrument panel
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 TENSOR AG
  • EP3681797B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3681797B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3681797B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an autogyro (1), comprising a rotor (3), which can be set into autorotation, an instrument panel (9), which has at least one display unit (11) and/or at least one operating unit (12), the instrument panel (9) having at least one viewing window for expanding the field of vision for an autogyro pilot (8), which viewing window is formed by an opening (15) formed in the instrument panel (9), and a pilot seat (18) arranged before the instrument panel (9). The pilot seat (18) is positioned before the instrument panel (9) centrally in the transverse direction of the autogyro (1).