Electronic Flight Display Instrument Retrofitting Aircraft Dashboards
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft instrument panels require modernization to incorporate advanced electronics and display technology, but existing methods involve extensive rework and modification, potentially affecting the structural integrity of the aircraft, which is costly and requires special authorization.
Innovation Solution
An electronic display instrument designed to fit into existing instrument holes on the dashboard, featuring a display screen, body, and electronics module that can replace multiple conventional instruments without altering the dashboard design, including a backup battery for independent power and interface with legacy components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional instruments are replaced with modern electronic displays, then display technology and electronics are improved, but dashboard structural integrity and rigidity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic display instrument is designed to fit within the existing instrument hole space, with the display screen positioned at the front and the electronics module extending into the dashboard cavity. This nesting approach allows modern electronics to be accommodated within the original structural footprint without compromising dashboard integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into separate functional modules: a display screen assembly and an electronics module. The electronics module can be positioned in the dashboard cavity while the display screen remains accessible at the front, allowing independent installation and maintenance while preserving the original dashboard structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If instrument panel is completely removed and re-designed, then modern flight deck instrumentation is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic display instrument is designed with universal mounting capabilities that work with existing dashboard hole patterns. The instrument can replace multiple conventional instruments (such as the standard six) while using the same mounting interface, eliminating the need for custom dashboard modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is pre-configured with mounting features and dimensions that match existing dashboard hole specifications. This preliminary design alignment allows for direct installation into pre-existing holes without requiring dashboard removal or re-design, significantly reducing installation complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple conventional instruments are replaced with single electronic display, then space utilization is improved, but instrument hole spacing requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conventional instruments are consolidated into a single electronic display instrument that occupies the space of one instrument hole. The display screen presents multiple data streams and instrument readings in an integrated format, effectively merging the functionality of multiple instruments into one physical location.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic display instrument configured to secure in a desired position over multiple pre-existing instrument holes in a dashboard of an aircraft in place of multiple conventional display instruments, each conventional instrument having a conventional readout. The instrument comprises a display screen having a plurality of readouts corresponding to the conventional readouts of the multiple conventional instruments that the electronic display instrument replaces. The instrument further includes a body having a front and a back opposite the front and a top and a bottom opposite the top. The body is positioned adjacent and connected to the display screen. The instrument also includes an electronics module protruding from the back of the body to position in one of the pre-existing instrument holes in the dashboard panel of the aircraft.