Electronic Flight Data Display Instrument Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft instrument panels require extensive modification and re-certification to integrate modern electronic flight data displays, which can compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft and are costly, especially when retrofitting older fleets.
Innovation Solution
An electronic display instrument designed to fit seamlessly into existing instrument holes on the dashboard, featuring a display screen, electronics module, and backup power system, allowing for customized data presentation and interface with legacy components without altering the dashboard's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional instruments are replaced with modern electronic flight data displays, then data presentation reliability and information integration are improved, but dashboard structural integrity and certification compliance deteriorate due to extensive modification requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic flight data display instrument is nested within the existing instrument hole structure, with the electronics module positioned in the dashboard hole and the display screen mounted on the dashboard surface. This nesting approach allows modern electronic functionality to be integrated without removing or altering the dashboard structure, thereby maintaining structural integrity while improving data presentation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic display instrument replicates the functionality of multiple conventional instruments within a single integrated unit that fits the existing instrument hole footprint. By copying the essential flight data presentation functions in an electronic format within the same physical space, the system improves reliability without requiring structural modifications
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional instruments are replaced with modern electronic flight data displays, then information integration and customization are improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to extensive rework
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic flight data display instrument is designed as a universal platform that can replace multiple different conventional instruments (attitude indicator, heading indicator, vertical speed indicator, etc.) within a single unit. The display can be customized to show different flight parameters depending on which instruments are being replaced, providing adaptability without increasing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple instrument functions that were previously distributed across separate physical instruments are merged into a single electronic display unit. This consolidation improves information integration and customization capabilities while actually reducing the overall number of components and simplifying the replacement process
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional instruments are replaced with modern electronic flight data displays, then modernization and functionality are improved, but installation time and cost increase due to extensive rework
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic display instrument is pre-configured with mounting brackets and positioning features that align with standard instrument hole patterns. The electronics module is pre-assembled with necessary connections, allowing for rapid installation by simply removing the conventional instrument and sliding the new electronic unit into place without requiring extensive preparation or modification work
4Illumination intensity
If conventional instruments are replaced with modern electronic flight data displays, then display technology and information presentation are improved, but instrument-to-instrument spacing requirements worsen due to integrated design
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic display instrument utilizes the vertical dimension more effectively by mounting the display screen on the dashboard surface rather than protruding backward into the instrument hole. This dimensional change allows for a larger, more modern display while maintaining the same horizontal footprint and spacing requirements as conventional instruments
Data Source
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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.