Helmet Visor Waveguide Display Night Vision Goggle Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted displays, whether visor-projected or near-eye devices, pose safety concerns and usability issues for pilots, particularly with night vision goggles, due to eye relief, reflections, glare, and the inability to touch their eyes safely.
Innovation Solution
A helmet-mounted display embedded in a visor assembly with molded sections for waveguides, optical components, and a hinge attachment to the helmet, including mounting points for night-vision goggles and rotatable design for user access and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visor-projected devices are used, then display functionality is provided, but eye relief is too long which impedes use of analog night vision goggles
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the visor assembly with waveguide-based near-eye display, the hinge mechanism for positioning, and separate mounting points for night vision goggles. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, enabling the near-eye display to provide adequate eye relief while maintaining compatibility with night vision equipment through proper spatial arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional visor-projected displays to waveguide-based near-eye displays, representing a dimensional change in the optical path and display architecture. This enables the display to be positioned closer to the user's eye while maintaining proper optical alignment, thereby reducing eye relief length and improving night vision goggle compatibility.
2Reliability
If near-eye devices are used, then night vision goggle compatibility is improved, but safety concerns arise due to close proximity to user's eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The visor assembly incorporates protective features that cushion against potential hazards before they can affect the user's eyes. The hinge mechanism allows the visor to be positioned at a safe distance from the eye, and the mounting attachment points secure the assembly to prevent accidental contact with the user's eyes during flight operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The visor assembly acts as an intermediary between the near-eye display and the user's eyes, providing a protective barrier while maintaining optical functionality. The waveguide technology enables the display to be positioned within the visor structure rather than directly on the eye, creating a safe intermediate position that maintains compatibility with night vision goggles without compromising eye safety.
3Reliability
If step in visors with night-vision goggles are used, then night vision capability is provided, but reflections and glare are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The visual system is segmented into separate optical paths: the waveguide-based near-eye display for primary information, and separate mounting points for night vision goggles. This segmentation allows each optical path to be optimized independently, enabling the near-eye display to minimize reflections and glare through proper waveguide design while maintaining night vision capability through dedicated goggle mounting.
4Reliability
If traditional head-mounted displays are used, then display functionality is provided, but cost is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The visor assembly serves multiple functions: it houses the waveguide-based near-eye display, provides mounting attachment points for night vision goggles, and includes hinge mechanisms for positioning. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate expensive components into a single integrated assembly, reducing overall system cost while maintaining full display functionality and night vision compatibility.
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 solution provides a safe, cost-effective, and usable head-mounted display that allows pilots to use night vision goggles while maintaining eye safety, reducing reflections and glare, and enabling eye contact without compromising display functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The visor assembly includes a waveguide with an optical component disposed at a first end of the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A helmet mounted display is embedded in a visor assembly. The visor assembly comprises two molded sections that define portions for receiving waveguides. The optical components are disposed in a portion of the visor assembly and the entire assembly is attached by a hinge to the helmet. The visor assembly includes lateral clips to secure the visor assembly to the helmet, and a night-vision goggle attachment point.