Thumb Wheel Yoke Control for Avionics Video Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heads-up display (HUD) systems in avionics have decentralized control mechanisms for enhanced video functions, making it difficult for pilots to easily access and manipulate various video sources and sensors, particularly during critical phases of flight like landing, where the pilot needs to quickly de-select video inputs.
Innovation Solution
A thumb wheel input device affixed to the yoke allows pilots to control the brightness of the display, act as a yoke clear switch, and toggle between image sources and functionalities, such as contrast inversion, through directional clicks, providing centralized control over HUD video inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If control mechanisms for enhanced video functions are decentralized and off the yoke, then the system has more flexible control options, but the pilot's ability to easily access and manipulate video sources is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple video control functions (brightness adjustment, source selection, contrast inversion, yoke clear switch) into a single integrated thumb wheel control mechanism mounted on the yoke. This consolidation allows the pilot to access all enhanced video controls through one centralized interface, eliminating the need to reach for separate controls located elsewhere in the cockpit.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb wheel control mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts brightness, cycles through video sources (camera images, radar, synthetic vision), toggles contrast inversion, and acts as the yoke clear switch. This multi-functional design provides universal control over all enhanced video outputs from various sources, simplifying the pilot's interaction with the display system.
2Reliability
If the yoke clear switch is removed from the yoke, then the pilot can control video sources more flexibly, but the pilot cannot quickly de-select video when needed during critical phases like landing
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke clear switch function is merged into the thumb wheel control mechanism, allowing the pilot to deactivate all video images from the HUD by simply pressing the thumb wheel. This ensures the clear function remains accessible on the yoke while integrating it with the enhanced video control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The thumb wheel control mechanism is pre-positioned on the yoke within the pilot's natural hand position, allowing immediate access to the yoke clear function without requiring the pilot to reach for separate controls. This preliminary positioning ensures rapid response during critical landing phases when video de-selection is needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple video sources and sensors are integrated into the display system, then the system provides comprehensive vision capabilities, but the control mechanisms become de-centralized and harder to access
Solution Approach 1:
The thumb wheel control mechanism provides universal access to all integrated video sources including camera images, radar displays, and synthetic vision systems. Through the thumb wheel, the pilot can cycle through different sources, adjust brightness, and toggle contrast inversion for any combination of video inputs, maintaining comprehensive versatility while simplifying control accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A display control system with a thumb wheel input device affixed to a yoke gives a pilot access to video from various sensors. Up and down inputs of the thumb wheel control the brightness of an image on the display while an inward click or depression click of the thumb wheel acts as the yoke clear switch. A directional click left or right may toggle image contrast inversion, cycle input sources, or execute other functionality associated with specific image sources.