Aircraft Flight Guidance Panel with Integrated Touchscreen Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flight guidance panels in aircraft are hardware-based, limiting pilot visibility and requiring manual entry of flight parameters, which can increase pilot workload and reduce efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A flight guidance panel with a single touchscreen display positioned between two user input portions, featuring dual control knobs and buttons, and a controller that generates multiple functional panels for flight parameters and non-flight information, allowing for touch input and automatic parameter setting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional hardware-based flight guidance panels are used, then flight parameter control functions are provided, but panel height increases reducing pilot visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilot visibilityVSAvoidpanel height

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flight guidance panel integrates multiple functions into a single compact unit: the display screen presents flight parameter information, the first and second control knobs adjust different parameters, and the button provides selection control. This multi-functional integration allows the panel to maintain full operational capability while reducing overall height to improve pilot visibility out the front windshield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If manual entry of flight parameters is required, then flight control functions are provided, but pilot workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilot workloadVSAvoidparameter entry time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen provides visual feedback showing current flight parameter values and system state in real-time. The control knobs provide tactile feedback through rotation resistance and detents. This feedback mechanism allows pilots to quickly verify parameter settings without manual entry, reducing workload and preventing errors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically displays relevant flight parameter information on the screen based on selected modes (e.g., approach, departure, enroute). The panel self-configures the display content according to the operational phase, eliminating the need for pilots to manually enter or search for parameter information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If conventional display systems are used, then flight information is presented, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel structureVSAvoidflight parameter display

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display function, control input functions, and information processing into a single integrated panel unit. The first control knob, second control knob, and button are integrated with the display screen and controller in one compact assembly, reducing structural complexity while maintaining full flight parameter display capability through the screen.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11440675B2Aircraft flight guidance panels with a display disposed between two input portions

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

A flight guidance panel for an aircraft includes a first user input portion, a second user input portion, a display, and a controller. The display is disposed between the first user input portion and the second user input portion. The controller is configured for generating a first functional panel associated with a first flight parameter for presentation on the display. The controller is further configured for generating a second functional panel associated with a second flight parameter for presentation on the display.