Movable Touch Screen Interface for Aerial Vehicle Cockpit Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vehicle control systems for aerial vehicles are complex, requiring specialized training and are not adaptable to different vehicle types or operators with varying physical characteristics, limiting accessibility and safety due to fixed physical interfaces and outdated software controls.

Innovation Solution

A universal vehicle control and interface system that includes a graphical user interface for navigation and engine startup checks, a movable touch screen interface, and redundant flight control computers, enabling automated assistance and customizable controls for various aerial vehicles, reducing the need for specialized training and accommodating different physical features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed physical control interfaces are used, then the system structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability to different operators and vehicle types is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different operators and vehicle typesVSAvoidcontrol interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface transitions from fixed physical buttons to a movable touch screen that can be repositioned and reconfigured. The touch screen can move between a stowed position and an in-flight position, and its interface elements can be dynamically rearranged based on operational phase and operator preferences, providing adaptability without permanent complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The touch screen interface serves multiple functions: it displays navigation information, controls vehicle parameters, provides checklists, and adapts to different vehicle types (aerial vehicles, surface vessels, land vehicles). A single universal interface replaces multiple specialized physical controls for different contexts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If specialized training is required for operation, then safety and control precision are improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational safetyVSAvoidaccessibility to non-specialized personnel

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automated assistance through the touch screen interface, including checklists that guide operators through pre-flight and post-flight procedures, automatic population of navigation parameters, and contextual help. The interface adapts to the operator's skill level, providing more guidance for novices while allowing experts to access advanced functions directly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The interface provides real-time feedback on vehicle status, navigation progress, and system health through visual displays. Automated checks provide immediate feedback on whether pre-flight procedures are complete, and the system guides operators through corrective actions if anomalies are detected, improving safety without requiring expert judgment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed physical buttons are used for software control, then the hardware interface remains stable, but software functionality becomes limited or outdated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware functionalityVSAvoidinterface obsolescence

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Physical mechanical buttons are replaced with a digital touch screen interface. This substitution allows the interface to be fully updated through software without any hardware changes. The touch screen can display new controls, layouts, and functionalities simply by loading updated software, eliminating the constraint of fixed physical interfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If controls are designed for average body type, then manufacturing and standardization are simplified, but accessibility for operators with different physical features deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardization of controlsVSAvoidaccessibility for operators with different physical features

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The touch screen interface can be repositioned to different locations and adjusted to different angles based on the operator's physical characteristics and seating position. The interface elements can be scaled and rearranged to accommodate operators of different sizes, eliminating the need for multiple standardized control configurations for different body types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240199224A1Movable vehicle control interface

Publication Date: 2024.06.20 SKYRYSE INC

AI summary

A vehicle control and interface system described herein assists an operator of an aerial vehicle with the operation of an aerial vehicle, including tailoring the positioning of aerial vehicle interfaces for a given pilot. A movable control interface of the system adapts aerial vehicle operation to varying physical features of operators by enabling the operator to choose a position of a touch screen interface (e.g., a height of the screen, distance in front of the pilot's seat, etc.) that is adjustable using a mechanical arm. The movable control interface can move a touch screen interface from a stowed position (e.g., away from a pilot seat and proximal to a dashboard towards the front of the cockpit) to an in-flight position (e.g., towards the pilot seat in a position that encourages an ergonomic position of the operator to reach the touch screen interface without straining their shoulder).