Eyeline Sighting Device for Aircraft Seat Height Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing eyeline sighting aids in aircraft are not adaptable for use in various aircraft types, making it difficult for pilots to achieve proper seat height adjustment and visibility, especially for new pilots.

Innovation Solution

An eyeline sighting device with a base portion and a top portion featuring adjustable sighting elements and a leveling mechanism, allowing pilots to align their line of sight with the device's elements to ensure proper seat height adjustment and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanently installed eyeline sighting devices are used in aircraft, then proper eyeline can be verified, but the device is not adaptable for use in other aircraft types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeyeline verificationVSAvoidadaptability across aircraft types

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The eyeline sighting device is divided into separate modular components: a base portion and a top portion with sighting elements. This segmentation allows the device to be disassembled and reconfigured for different aircraft types, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable eyeline verification and maintaining adaptability across various aircraft configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable components including a height adjustment mechanism and repositionable sighting elements. These dynamic features enable the device to adapt to different seat heights and aircraft configurations while maintaining its core function of verifying proper eyeline alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If impromptu guides like tape on the window are used, then eyeline alignment can be attempted, but the guidance is insufficient for proper seat height adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of eyeline alignmentVSAvoidprecision of eyeline alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device introduces an intermediary tool with precisely engineered sighting elements and leveling mechanisms that mediate between the pilot and the required eyeline alignment. The sighting elements provide precise visual references while the base portion offers stable mounting, achieving both ease of operation and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces informal mechanical aids like tape with a more sophisticated mechanical system featuring adjustable sighting elements, leveling mechanisms, and precise alignment references. This substitution maintains ease of operation while significantly improving the precision of eyeline alignment verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If new pilots are trained without adaptable eyeline sighting devices, then flight training can proceed, but proper seat height adjustment becomes difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight training efficiencyVSAvoidprecision of seat height adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The eyeline sighting device provides preliminary visual guidance and alignment references before the pilot completes seat height adjustment. The sighting elements and leveling mechanisms establish clear visual targets that guide the adjustment process, improving both training efficiency and adjustment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates visual feedback mechanisms through sighting elements that show the pilot whether their eyeline is properly aligned. This feedback loop enables new pilots to quickly learn the correct seat height adjustment without requiring extensive instruction, thereby improving training efficiency while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Facilitates accurate alignment of the pilot's eyeline and seat height, enhancing visibility and flight maneuver execution by providing a versatile and adaptable solution for various aircraft configurations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one level for adjusting the position of the frame relative to a horizontal plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9995566B1Eyeline sighting device and related methods

Publication Date: 2018.06.12 WACKER III ALFRED G

AI summary

An eyeline sighting device includes a base portion for placing the device on a working surface and a top portion for visual alignment. The top portion includes a frame, at least one level for adjusting the position of the frame relative to a horizontal plane, a first sighting element, and a second sighting element. The pilot's position is adjusted until the second sighting element is brought into alignment with the first sighting element along the pilot's line of sight.