Curved Cockpit Display Surface for Pilot Visibility and Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display systems for aircraft cockpits face challenges in maximizing display surface area for information while maintaining ergonomics and visibility, particularly for two-pilot configurations, due to limitations in space, accessibility, and visibility standards.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional and curved electronic image display system with a main zone for each pilot and lateral zones extending from the main zone, featuring an incline of 30° to 55° and specific curvature radii, allowing for a continuous touch-sensitive surface that enhances readability and usability without obstructing outside vision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If larger touch-sensitive image display screens are used to increase display surface area, then the quantity of information that can be displayed increases, but the arrangement problems and ergonomic issues in the cockpit worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay surface areaVSAvoidcockpit ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display surface transitions from a traditional flat two-dimensional arrangement to a three-dimensional curved surface that wraps around the pilot's field of view. This dimensional change allows the display to occupy vertical and lateral space more efficiently, increasing the display area without compromising cockpit ergonomics or pilot accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If larger display screens are installed to improve information display capacity, then readability and information quantity improve, but the visibility to the outside and space for each pilot deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay surface areaVSAvoidobstruction of outside vision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display surface is designed with a curved, wraparound geometry that follows the natural contour of the pilot's visual field. This curvature allows the display to extend laterally and vertically without blocking the pilot's forward view, as the display wraps around rather than extending straight ahead, thus increasing display area while maintaining outside visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Area of stationary object

If the display surface is made three-dimensional and curved to maximize area, then the display surface area increases, but the manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay surface areaVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The curved display surface is divided into multiple separate display modules or panels that can be manufactured independently using standard flat panel technology. These segmented modules are then assembled and curved to form the complete wraparound display, allowing conventional manufacturing processes to be used while achieving the complex three-dimensional final configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11591107B2Electronic image display system for a vehicle cockpit with a three-dimensional display surface

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 THALES SA

AI summary

The display system has a three-dimensional and curved display surface made up of a single electronic display screen or several joined electronic display screens, the display surface having at least one main zone dedicated to a pilot and suitable for being located in front of said pilot, the main zone being substantially planar or concave, and at least one lateral zone associated with each main zone, each lateral zone being concave and laterally extending the associated main zone.