Retrofitting Analog Control Panel Displays with Digital Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Older aircraft, ships, and vehicles often have outdated information systems that present information in analog format, making it costly and complex to upgrade to digital displays without replacing entire systems, including electrical and mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A method to retrofit control panels by removing non-electronic displays, reusing internal wirings, and installing new electronic displays with electronic modules, allowing for digital information presentation without overhauling existing wiring or components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire information system is completely overhauled to enable digital display, then digital optimization and accuracy are improved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the information system into separable components: the display panel (which is replaced) and the internal wiring/electronic modules (which are retained). This segmentation allows digital optimization of the display interface without requiring complete system replacement, thereby improving display accuracy while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the non-digital display panel from the original analog system and replaces it with a digital display panel, while extracting and reusing the functional electronic modules and wiring. This selective extraction enables digital transformation without the need to overhaul the entire information system, resolving the contradiction between display accuracy and system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire information system is completely overhauled to enable digital display, then digital optimization is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of discarding only the obsolete display panel while recovering and reusing the functional electronic modules and internal wiring from the original analog system. This selective replacement approach enables the system to adapt to digital format requirements without incurring the high costs associated with complete system overhaul, thus resolving the contradiction between digital capability and upgrade cost.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If analog displays are used in the cockpit, then existing systems are maintained, but observational errors and power consumption issues persist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/analog display system with an electronic/digital display panel while maintaining the existing electronic modules and wiring infrastructure. This substitution eliminates the inherent limitations of analog displays such as observational errors and excessive power consumption, while preserving system operational continuity through reuse of existing components. The digital display provides more reliable and accurate information presentation.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly and method for updating a display assembly of a control panel is disclosed with optimal uniform illumination. In some instances, embodiments include efficient and cost effective methods for upgrading display assemblies without having to completely overhaul the electrical, mechanical, or wiring components already existing within the control panel.