Light Propagating Strip for Visually Suppressing Mirror Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flight simulators face challenges in providing a realistic out-of-window view due to distortions caused by the use of flexible reflective surfaces like Mylar and gaps between mirror sheets, which affect the field of view and realism for pilots.
Innovation Solution
A reflective display system featuring a strip of light propagating material with lighting units positioned between adjacent reflective surfaces to visually suppress the gap, using flexible and compressible materials to ensure a tight fit and absorb vibrations, while the lighting units distribute light evenly to create a seamless reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If sheets of mirrors are installed one next to another to form the reflective surface, then the field of view and realism are improved, but gaps appear between the mirror sheets which negatively affect the realism
Solution Approach 1:
A strip of light propagating material is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent mirror sheets. This strip fills the gap between mirrors and contains lighting units that emit light to visually bridge the gap, making the transition between mirror sheets imperceptible while maintaining the protective spacing required to prevent damage during simulator movement.
2Reliability
If gaps are left between mirror sheets to prevent scraping and chipping, then the reliability of reflective surfaces is improved, but the visual realism deteriorates due to visible gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The light propagating material serves as a mediator that simultaneously maintains the protective gap between mirror sheets and eliminates the visual appearance of gaps through integrated lighting. The strip physically separates the mirrors to prevent contact during movement while its lighting function conceals the separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting units within the light propagating material emit light that matches or complements the surrounding reflected imagery, effectively camouflaging the gap between mirror sheets. By dynamically adjusting light emission, the strip blends seamlessly with the visual environment, making the gap imperceptible to pilots.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible reflective surfaces like Mylar are used, then the adaptability to curved surfaces is improved, but distortions appear in the out-of-window view due to stretching
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface is segmented into rigid mirror sheets rather than using a single flexible surface. This segmentation allows each mirror to maintain its precise flat geometry, eliminating the stretching and distortion issues inherent in flexible materials while still achieving the required curved configuration through precise angular positioning of individual mirror segments.
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
The solution enhances the realism of the out-of-window view by eliminating visible gaps and preventing damage to reflective surfaces during simulator movements, providing a more immersive and secure training environment for pilots.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting units are positioned along the back surface of the strip of light propagating material and when actuated propagate light in the strip of light propagating material
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device includes a strip of light propagating material and a plurality of lighting units arranged behind a back surface of the light propagating material, and a controller for controlling the operation of the plurality of lighting unit. The illumination device is positioned in a gap defined between at least two reflective surfaces, such that light from the lighting units projects out of the light propagating material visually from the gap between the two reflective surfaces.