Simulated Lavatory Window Display for Aircraft
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial aircraft lavatories often feel confining due to limited space, and incorporating real windows would require structural changes to the aircraft body, which is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A display system simulating a window is installed in the lavatory, comprising a bezel, a semi-transparent sheet, an opaque back plate, and a light source, which mimics the appearance of a window and enhances the perception of spaciousness without altering the aircraft's structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a real window is incorporated in the lavatory, then the perception of spaciousness is improved, but structural modifications to the aircraft body are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a simulated window display that visually replicates the appearance of a real window without physically modifying the aircraft structure. The display system includes a bezel, semi-transparent sheet, opaque back plate, and light source that together create a fake window effect, allowing passengers to perceive spaciousness while avoiding structural changes to the aircraft body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/structural system (actual window requiring structural modifications) with an optical/electronic system (display system using light and semi-transparent materials). Instead of physically opening the aircraft body to create a real window, the invention uses a display system that projects or presents a window-like appearance through optical means, eliminating the need for structural modifications.
2Volume of moving object
If the lavatory space is increased, then the confining feeling is reduced, but the seat count must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by transitioning from physical spatial expansion to visual/perceptual expansion. Instead of actually increasing the lavatory's physical volume (which would require reducing seat count), the display system creates the illusion of expanded space by projecting window-like visuals that make the confined physical space feel larger and more open to passengers.
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 simulated window feature provides a sense of openness and commonality with the rest of the aircraft cabin, improving the user experience by creating a spacious feel within the lavatory without the need for structural modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a light source disposed between the semi-transparent sheet and the opaque back plate
Data Source
AI summary
An example of operating a display system of a lavatory of a vehicle is provided. The method includes: (i) receiving, at a controller, information indicating that the lavatory is in use; (ii) in response to receiving the information, operating, by the controller, the display system in a first state while the lavatory is in use; (iii) determining, by the controller, that the lavatory is no longer in use; and (iv) in response to determining that the lavatory is no longer in use, operating, by the controller, the display system in a second state.