Virtual Cockpit Display Replaces Glazed Windshield
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional cockpit design in civil transport aircraft requires a complex and heavy structure with large glazed surfaces for pilot visibility, which increases the aircraft's mass and aerodynamic drag, limiting payload capacity and passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
Replacing part or all of the traditional glazed windshield with digital display means, such as screens or holographic projections, to provide a virtual view of the outside scene, reducing structural weight and allowing for a more aerodynamic nose shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If large glazed surfaces are provided in the cockpit for physical visibility, then pilot visibility and operational requirements are met, but the weight of the aircraft increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses display means to create a digital image copy of the outside scene, replacing the need for large physical glazed surfaces. The display means present a virtual representation of the external environment to the pilot, eliminating the requirement for extensive glass areas while maintaining visibility functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/glazed structure with an electronic display system. Instead of relying on physical glass panes to provide visibility, the invention uses screens or display means that generate digital images of the outside scene, replacing the mechanical glazed structure with an electronic information presentation system.
2Ease of operation
If large glazed surfaces are provided in the cockpit, then pilot visibility is ensured, but the aerodynamic shape of the aircraft is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The display means create a digital copy of the outside scene, allowing the aircraft nose to adopt an optimal aerodynamic shape without being constrained by the need to accommodate large glazed surfaces. The virtual image presentation maintains visibility functionality while enabling superior aerodynamic contours.
3Ease of operation
If the cockpit is positioned at the front of the aircraft, then pilot visibility forward is maximized, but the passenger cabin size is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By using display means that present digital images of the outside scene, the invention allows the cockpit to be positioned optimally without requiring extensive glazed surfaces that would encroach on passenger cabin space. The virtual visibility system enables more flexible spatial arrangement.
4Strength
If numerous structural reinforcements are added to support large glazed surfaces, then structural strength is improved, but the aircraft mass increases further
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical structural reinforcement system with an electronic display system. Instead of adding numerous structural reinforcements to support heavy glazed surfaces, the invention uses display means that can be integrated with minimal structural support, dramatically reducing the weight of supporting structures while maintaining the visibility function.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an aircraft including a cockpit comprising a viewing surface for piloting giving at least one pilot a view of an outside scene comprising the environment of the aircraft extending forward of the aircraft. At least part of said viewing surface for piloting is free of any glazed surface and is formed by display means for a digital image representing at least part of an outside scene comprising the environment of the aircraft extending forward of the aircraft.