Curved Developable Display Surfaces for Cockpit Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cockpit display systems face challenges with ergonomics, particularly in two-person cockpits, due to the limitations of flat touch screens and the need for optimal space utilization, accessibility, and compliance with standards for pilot visibility and reliability, while also considering cost and industrialization.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional electronic image display system with curved, developable surfaces, such as conical surfaces of revolution, that are tactile and composed of multiple joined screens, allowing for modular construction and improved ergonomics by conforming to the pilot's accessibility envelope, enhancing visibility and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If larger touchscreen display screens are used, then display area and information capacity are improved, but cockpit ergonomics and space optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curved display surfaces with radii of curvature between 1.5m and 3m to optimize the display area while maintaining ergonomic standards. The curved surfaces allow larger display areas to be integrated into the cockpit without compromising pilot accessibility or comfort, as the curvature adapts to the natural viewing angles and reach zones of the pilots.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from flat two-dimensional display surfaces to three-dimensional curved surfaces. This dimensional change allows the display to extend into the vertical and depth dimensions of the cockpit space, increasing the effective display area while maintaining compliance with ergonomic constraints on pilot reach and viewing angles.
2Area of stationary object
If display screens are made larger, then information display capacity is improved, but accessibility of functions for each pilot deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The curved display surface is divided into distinct zones with different radii of curvature - a first zone with radius R1 and a second zone with radius R2 where R1 < R2. This local variation in curvature optimizes different portions of the display for specific functions, with the more curved first zone providing better accessibility for frequently used controls while the flatter second zone displays less frequently accessed information.
Solution Approach 2:
The differentiated curvature zones ensure that critical functions remain within the pilots' optimal reach and viewing zones while maximizing the overall display area. The varying radii of curvature create natural focal points and ergonomic zones that guide pilot interaction with different parts of the display.
3Ease of manufacture
If flat touch screens are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but space utilization and ergonomic optimization deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved display surfaces with specific radii of curvature that can be integrated into existing cockpit structures. The curvature is designed to fit within the available cockpit volume without requiring complete redesign of the cockpit layout, thus improving space utilization while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through standardized curved panel technologies.
Data Source
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AI summary
The display system has a non-planar three-dimensional display surface defined by an electronic display screen (8) or several contiguous electronic display screens (8, 14), the display surface (6) having at least one curved display area (10) having the shape of a developable surface.