System and method for applying haptic textured substrate to surface of structure

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for applying a haptic textured substrate to a surface of a structure. A method includes coupling a substrate with a surface of an aircraft. One or more haptic features are printed onto a substrate. The method may also include forming one or more perforated features onto the substrate and curing the haptic features with ultraviolet (UV) light. Printing of haptic features may include controlling, by a control unit, a printer to form one or more haptic features onto a substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure generally relate to systems and methods for applying and / or replacing a tactile texture substrate on a surface of a structure, such as on or within an aircraft. Background of the Invention

[0002] Traditionally, aircraft surfaces (e.g., aircraft interior surfaces) are covered with laminate materials that may include decorative textures and / or features printed thereon. These decorative laminate materials may be formed as sheets and / or rolls of decorative wall coverings and applied to a variety of aircraft interior surfaces. For example, a decorative wall covering may be applied to the entire surface (or substantially the entire surface) of an aircraft's interior passenger cabin.

[0003] Over time, these laminates can degrade and require replacement. When a laminate degrades (even in a relatively small area of ​​the laminate (e.g., relative to the surface of the aircraft covered by the laminate)), the entire laminate is typically removed and replaced. However, it will be appreciated that removing and replacing the entire laminate from the surface of the aircraft increases aircraft-related costs (e.g., materials, labor, time, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0004] There is a need for an efficient surface covering management system within an aircraft.Further, there is a need for an efficient method of removing and / or replacing substrates (or portions of substrates) coupled to one or more surfaces of an aircraft.

[0005] With these needs in mind, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods that include coupling a substrate to a surface of an aircraft, wherein one or more tactile features are printed on the substrate. Prior to coupling the substrate to the surface of the aircraft, the substrate can be prepared in one or more steps. In at least one embodiment, the substrate can be prepared by forming perforated features into the substrate, printing tactile features onto the substrate, and curing the one or more tactile features with ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0006] In at least another example, a substrate can be prepared by printing tactile features onto a substrate, wherein the tactile features are arranged in groups of tactile features; curing one or more of the tactile features with UV light; and separating a portion of the substrate including one group of tactile features from other portions of the substrate including other groups of tactile features.

[0007] In at least one other example, the method further includes removing a portion of the substrate from a region of the surface of the aircraft; and coupling a replacement substrate to the region of the surface of the aircraft. The replacement substrate includes one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the tactile characteristics of the portion of the substrate removed from the surface of the aircraft. Optionally, the method may include applying a filler material in a gap between the substrate and the replacement substrate. Optionally, the method may include positioning the replacement substrate within the region of the surface of the aircraft so as to overlap at least some of the substrate to which the aircraft surface is coupled. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 A simplified block diagram of a system according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 2 Illustrated are simplified side views of components according to examples of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 4A Illustrated is a front view of a substrate after a first processing operation according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 4B Examples of the present disclosure are illustrated Figure 4A A second processing operation of the substrate is shown.

[0013] Figure 4C A front view of a substrate to be coupled with a component according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0014] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 6A A first processing operation of a substrate according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0016] Figure 6B Examples of the present disclosure are illustrated Figure 6A A second processing operation of the substrate is shown.

[0017] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method according to an example of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 8 Processing operations for multiple substrates according to examples of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0019] Figure 9 The portion of the substrate on the surface to be replaced according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 10 A replacement substrate to be coupled to a surface according to examples of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 11 A replacement substrate coupled to a surface according to examples of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 12A Illustrated is a top view of a replacement substrate according to an example of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 12B Examples of the present disclosure are illustrated Figure 12A Side view of the replacement substrate shown.

[0024] Figure 12C The embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated in connection with a surface Figure 12A and 12B The replacement substrate is shown.

[0025] Figure 13 The portion of the substrate on the surface to be replaced according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 14 A replacement substrate coupled to a surface according to examples of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 15 A perspective front view of an aircraft illustrating examples of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 16 A perspective interior view of a vehicle interior cabin according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The above overview and the following detailed description of certain examples will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Herein, elements or steps described in the singular and preceded by "a" or "an" should be understood as not necessarily excluding plural elements or steps. In addition, reference to "an example" is not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of other examples that also include the described features. In addition, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an example that "includes" or "has" an element or multiple elements with a specific condition may include other elements that do not have that condition.

[0030] As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for preparing a substrate and coupling the substrate to a surface of a vehicle, such as an aircraft. In at least one embodiment, the substrate includes one or more tactile features having one or more properties printed onto the surface of the substrate. Printing can include one or more passes to form the textured features. The substrate having the one or more tactile features can be coupled to a surface of a vehicle, such as an interior surface of an aircraft.

[0031] Examples of the present disclosure provide a method of preparing a substrate to be coupled to an interior surface of an aircraft. The method may include forming perforation features onto the substrate, printing tactile features onto the substrate, and curing one or more tactile features with ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0032] In at least one example, a method may include printing tactile features onto a substrate, wherein the tactile features are arranged in groups of tactile features; curing one or more of the tactile features with UV light; and separating a portion of the substrate including one group of tactile features from another portion of the substrate including another group of tactile features.

[0033] Optionally, the first portion of the substrate includes a first set of tactile features having a first property(s), and the second portion of the substrate includes a second set of tactile features having a second property(s). The first portion of the substrate having the first property can be coupled to a surface of an aircraft at a first location on the aircraft, and the second portion of the substrate having the second property can be coupled to a surface of the aircraft at a second location on the aircraft.

[0034] In at least one embodiment, a portion of a substrate is removed from a region of a surface of an aircraft, and a replacement substrate is coupled to the region of the surface of the aircraft. The replacement substrate includes one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the tactile characteristics of the portion of the substrate removed from the surface of the aircraft.

[0035] Optionally, the method may include applying a filler material to a gap between the substrate and the replacement substrate. Optionally, the method may include positioning the replacement substrate within the region of the surface of the aircraft to overlap at least some of the substrate to which the surface of the aircraft is coupled.

[0036] In at least one embodiment, the substrate and / or replacement substrate can be coupled to the surface of the aircraft via an adhesive material. The adhesive material can be disposed between the substrate and the aircraft surface, sprayed and / or applied to the outer surface of the substrate, etc. Optionally, the substrate and / or replacement substrate can be coupled to the surface of the aircraft via one or more mechanical fasteners and / or fastening methods.

[0037] Certain examples of the present disclosure provide a system including a substrate coupled to a surface of an aircraft. The substrate includes one or more tactile features printed onto the substrate.

[0038] Examples of the present disclosure provide a printer comprising a printhead and a control unit that controls operation of the printer to form tactile features on a substrate. The tactile features can be arranged in groups of tactile features, where different groups of tactile features include one or more different attributes.

[0039] In at least one embodiment, a first portion of the substrate (including one set of tactile features) is separate from a second portion of the substrate (including another set of tactile features). Optionally, the first portion of the substrate includes a first set of tactile features having a first property, and the second portion of the substrate includes a second set of tactile features having a second property. The first portion of the substrate including the first set of tactile features is coupled to a surface of an aircraft at a first location, and the second portion of the substrate including the second set of tactile features is coupled to a surface of an aircraft at a second location.

[0040] In at least one example, a portion of a substrate is removed from an area of ​​a surface of an aircraft, and a replacement substrate is coupled to the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft. The replacement substrate includes one or more tactile features having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the tactile features of the portion of the substrate removed from the surface of the aircraft. In at least one example, a filler material is applied to the gap between the replacement substrate and the substrate. In at least one example, the replacement substrate is positioned to overlap at least some of the substrate to which it is coupled to the surface of the aircraft.

[0041] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods that include coupling a substrate having one or more tactile features to a surface of an aircraft. Removing a portion of the substrate from an area of ​​the surface of the aircraft. The shape and / or size of the removed portion of the substrate is based, at least in part, on the location of one or more perforated features of the substrate. Coupling a replacement substrate to the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft. The replacement substrate includes one or more properties similar to the one or more properties of the tactile features of the portion of the substrate removed from the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft.

[0042] Figure 1 A simplified block diagram of a system 100 according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated. The system 100 is configured to print one or more tactile features 102 on a surface 104 of a component 106. In at least one example, the component 106 is a substrate, such as paper, a panel, a fabric, etc., that can be coupled to a portion of a vehicle (such as an aircraft). For example, the substrate can be coupled to a surface (such as a wall, a ceiling, a floor, etc.) of an interior cabin of the vehicle within the vehicle. As another example, the substrate can be coupled to an exterior portion of the vehicle (such as an exterior surface of a fuselage, a wing, etc.). As an example, the substrate can be a flat or planar component, or can be a non-planar surface. In one example, the substrate can be in sheet form, or alternatively the substrate can be a flexible material that is held and / or stored in a roll (such as a roll of fabric or paper material). For example, the substrate can be unfolded or opened to print the tactile features 102 thereon and rewound or rewound after printing the tactile features 102.

[0043] The system 100 includes a printer 108 having a printhead 110 including one or more nozzles 112 configured to deposit ink 114 onto a surface 104. In at least one example, the printhead 110 includes a single nozzle 112. As another example, the printhead 110 includes two, three, four, five, or more nozzles 112. A swath 116 of the printhead 110 is the width across the one or more nozzles 112.

[0044] The printer 108 is coupled to an actuator 118 configured to move the print head 110. In at least one example, the print head 110 includes a single-axis servo motor with a linear actuator. The actuator 118 is configured to move the print head 110 over a pass relative to the surface 104 of the component or substrate 106. The actuator 118 can be separate and distinct from the printer 108. As another example, the printer 108 includes the actuator 118.

[0045] The control unit 120 is in communication with the printer 108 and the actuator 118, such as via one or more wired or wireless connections. The control unit 120 is configured to operate the actuator 118 and the printer 108 to form the tactile features 102 on the surface 104 of the component 106 based on data 122 stored in a memory 124 that is in communication with the control unit 120 (e.g., via one or more wired or wireless connections). For example, the data 122 may be a bitmap of the tactile features 102 to be formed on the surface 104 of the component 106. The memory 124 may be separate and distinct from the control unit 120. As another example, the control unit 120 includes the memory 124.

[0046] In operation, to form tactile features 102, printer 108 is moved in a single pass relative to surface 104 in the direction of arrow A (e.g., from left to right, right to left, top to bottom, or bottom to top). Control unit 120 controls the operation of printer 108 to deposit ink 114 onto surface 104 during a single pass of printer 108, thereby forming tactile features 102. To form tactile features 102 having different properties (e.g., height and width), the control unit varies the speed of printer 108 in the direction of arrow A during a single pass, instead of operating the printer in multiple passes.

[0047] In at least one example, a digital inkjet printer provides printing (e.g., by texture printing using UV-curable ink) to form raised features on a surface 104 of a component 106, which may be a decorative laminate or other substrate. For example, ink 114 may be an ultraviolet (UV)-curable ink, and tactile features may be formed by applying the UV-curable ink to the surface 104 via printer 108. The one or more tactile features may be cured using ultraviolet (UV) light, such as emitted by a UV light emitting device (not shown). Optionally, one or more of the tactile features may be printed on the surface 104 without UV light curing.

[0048] Figure 2 A simplified side view of a component 106 according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 1 and 2 , control unit 120 operates printer 108 to form tactile features 102a and 102b in a single pass of print head 110 in the direction of arrow A. As shown, tactile feature 102a has a first width W1 along a portion of surface 104 and a first height H1 above surface 104. Tactile feature 102a has a second width W2 along a portion of surface 104 and a second height H2 above surface 104. First width W1 is different from second width W2. As shown, first width W1 is greater than second width W2. First height H1 is different from second height H2. As shown, first height H1 is less than second height H2.

[0049] Control unit 120 can operate printer 108 to form tactile features 102 having different properties (e.g., varying heights and / or widths) on surface 104 of component 106. For example, control unit 120 can control one or more operations of actuator 118 to control the height and / or width of the tactile features.

[0050] As an example, to form a taller tactile feature, such as tactile feature 102B, control unit 120 can control the operation of printhead 110 to print multiple layers during multiple passes of printhead 110. In one example, printhead 110 can be controlled to make multiple passes and print multiple layers of material, thereby forming tactile feature 102B having a second height H2 as printhead 110 moves in direction A. As another example, printhead 110 can move in direction A and then in the opposite direction, and can print a layer of material onto component 106 with each round trip of printhead 110. Optionally, printhead 110 can print the one or more layers onto component 106 in an alternative movement arrangement. In contrast, to form a shorter tactile feature, such as tactile feature 102A, the control unit can control the operation of the printhead to make a reduced number of passes relative to tactile feature 102B and / or to form a feature having fewer layers.

[0051] In an alternative arrangement, the height and / or width of the tactile feature 102 may be based on the speed at which the printhead 110 moves during a single pass in the direction of arrow A. For example, the height and / or width of each of the tactile features 102A, 102B may be based on one or more of the speed at which the printhead 110 moves and / or the concentration of ink drops dispersed by the printhead 110, which may print or disperse ink drops to form the tactile feature.

[0052] For example, to form a taller tactile feature with a thinner width, such as tactile feature 102b, control unit 120 reduces the speed of print head 110 during a single pass in the direction of arrow A, thereby concentrating more ink droplets in a tighter location. As a result, the ink droplets form a taller, thinner tactile feature 102b. In contrast, to form a shorter tactile feature with a larger width, control unit 120 increases the speed of print head 110 during a single pass in the direction of arrow A, thereby spreading the ink droplets over a wider area and reducing height growth. In this manner, control unit 120 operates printer 108 to form tactile features 102 with different properties (e.g., different heights and / or widths) on surface 104 of component 106 by varying the speed of print head 110 (controlled by actuator 118) during a single pass in the direction of arrow A.

[0053] Figure 1 and Figure 2 One example of a printing system for printing one or more tactile features onto a component is illustrated for purposes of illustration and example only. Optionally, tactile features may be printed onto a component using alternative printing systems and / or alternative printing methods.

[0054] Figure 3 A flow chart 300 illustrating a method of preparing a substrate to be coupled to a surface of an aircraft according to an example of the present disclosure. Figure 4A Illustrated is a front view of a substrate 406 according to an example of the present disclosure after a first processing operation. Figure 4B A second processing operation of substrate 406 is illustrated. Figure 4C A third processing operation of substrate 406 is illustrated.

[0055] refer to Figure 3 and Figures 4A-4C At 302, one or more perforation features 410 may be formed on a substrate 406, on a surface 404 of a substrate, or the like. Figures 4A-4CIn the illustrated example, perforated features are arranged in rows and columns, form a plurality of squares of substantially uniform shape and size in base material. In an alternative embodiment, perforated features can be formed, as to produce base material different parts with uniform and / or unique shape and / or size. For example, one or more perforated features can be arranged to produce wavy or curved perforation lines, can be arranged to produce the curved part of base material 406, or the like. Optionally, method can not include 302, and can not form perforated features on base material 406.

[0056] At 304, one or more tactile features 412 may be printed onto surface 404 of substrate 406. For example, referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the control unit 120 can control the operation of the printer 108 to deposit ink 114 from the print head 110 onto the surface 404 of the substrate 406. In the illustrated example, the tactile features 412 printed onto the surface 404 of the substrate 406 have common attributes. For example, the tactile features printed onto the substrate have substantially uniform height, width, image, texture, color, etc., such as to form a substantially uniform (height, width, image, texture, color, etc.) across the surface of the substrate. The texture, image, color, design, arrangement, and / or other attributes of the tactile features can be based on the position of the aircraft that can receive the substrate. In one or more examples, the size of the substrate (e.g., width, length, etc.) can be based at least in part on the position of the aircraft that can receive the substrate.

[0057] At 306, ultraviolet (UV) light (e.g., emitted by a UV light emitting device) is used to cure the one or more tactile features 412. Optionally, the method may not include 306. Instead, the feature(s) may be printed on the surface 404 of the substrate 406 and not cured with UV light.

[0058] At 308, substrate 406 including tactile features 412 printed thereon is coupled to a surface 414 of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft). In one or more examples, substrate 406 can be coupled to the surface of the aircraft via an adhesive material (e.g., a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, etc.) disposed between the substrate and the aircraft surface, via mechanical fastener devices and / or components, an adhesive material that can be sprayed, brushed, or otherwise applied to the substrate, and the like.

[0059] Figure 5 A flow chart 500 illustrating a method of preparing a substrate to be coupled to an aircraft surface according to another example of the present disclosure. Figure 6A A first processing operation of a substrate 606 according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 6B A second processing operation of substrate 606 according to examples of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0060] refer to Figure 5 、 Figure 6A and Figure 6B At 502, a plurality of different tactile features 612A-F can be printed onto a surface 604 of a substrate 606. For example, the plurality of different tactile features 612A-F can be printed on a continuous substrate 606. The plurality of different tactile features 612A-F can be arranged in groups of tactile features, and each of the different groups of tactile features 612A-F can have one or more attributes (e.g., different texture features, different colors, different images, etc.) that are different from one or more attributes of the other tactile features.

[0061] At 504, the plurality of tactile features 612A-F are cured using ultraviolet (UV) light (e.g., emitted by a UV light emitting device). Optionally, the method may not include 504. Instead, the feature(s) may be printed on the surface 604 of the substrate 606 and not cured using UV light.

[0062] At 506, one or more portions of the substrate can be separated from one or more other portions of the substrate. For example, the continuous substrate 606 having the plurality of different tactile features 612A-F printed thereon can be divided or cut into smaller sizes and / or different portions of the substrate. In the illustrated example, a first portion 606A of the substrate includes a first set of tactile features 612A, a second portion 606B of the substrate includes a second set of tactile features 612B, a third portion 606C of the substrate includes a third set of tactile features 612C, a fourth portion 606D of the substrate includes a fourth set of tactile features 612D, a fifth portion 606E of the substrate includes a fifth set of tactile features 612E, and a sixth portion 606F of the substrate includes a sixth set of tactile features 612F. One or more portions of the substrate can be separated from one or more other portions of the substrate 606 (e.g., by a cutting or shearing operation of the substrate).

[0063] At 508, a first portion 606A of the substrate (including a first set of tactile features 612A) may be coupled to a surface of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft) at a first location on the vehicle. For example, the first portion 606A of the substrate may be coupled to a surface of a portion of an interior cabin of the aircraft. At 510, a second portion 606B of the substrate (including a second set of tactile features 612B) may be coupled to a surface of a vehicle (e.g., an aircraft) at a second, different location on the vehicle. For example, the second portion 606B of the substrate may be coupled to a surface of a portion of a lavatory wall of the aircraft. Different portions of the substrate may be coupled to different surfaces of the aircraft using one or more coupling methods and / or fastening mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, adhesive materials (e.g., pressure-sensitive adhesives, hot melt adhesives, spray adhesives, brush-on adhesives, etc.), mechanical fasteners (e.g., hook-and-loop materials, nails, screws, staples, rivets, etc.), and the like.

[0064] Figure 7 A flowchart 700 illustrates a method of preparing a substrate to be coupled to a surface of an aircraft according to another example of the present disclosure. Figure 8 Processing operations for a plurality of substrates 706A-F according to examples of the present disclosure are illustrated.

[0065] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 At 702, one of the plurality of tactile features 712A-F may be printed onto one of the plurality of substrates 706A-F. For example, instead of printing the tactile features onto a continuous substrate (e.g., Figure 6A ), individual tactile features 712A-F may be printed onto the plurality of substrates 706A-F.

[0066] At 704, the plurality of tactile features 712A-F are cured using ultraviolet (UV) light (e.g., emitted by a UV light emitting device). Optionally, the method may not include 704. Instead, the feature(s) may be printed onto the surface of individual substrates 706A-F and not cured using UV light. At 706, one or more of the individual substrates 706A-F may be coupled to various surfaces of an aircraft.

[0067] In one or more instances, a portion of a substrate coupled to a surface of an aircraft (e.g., including one or more tactile features printed thereon) may degrade (e.g., due to normal or general wear and tear of the substrate, etc.) and may need to be removed and replaced. Figure 9 and Figure 10A substrate 906 is illustrated coupled to a surface 914 of an aircraft. The substrate 906 includes tactile features 912 printed thereon. In the illustrated example, the substrate 906 includes a plurality of perforated features 910 formed thereon and defining a plurality of distinct regions of the substrate. The perforated features 910 are formed in the substrate 906. Figure 9 and Figure 10 910 is shown for illustrative purposes only; however, perforation feature 910 may not be visible when substrate 906 is coupled to surface 914 of an aircraft. For example, substrate 906 may cover or substantially cover perforation feature 910 such that passengers of the aircraft may not be able to see perforation feature 910 (e.g., with the naked eye, without magnification, etc.). In another example, the substrate may be devoid of perforation features.

[0068] In one example, region 922 of at least one portion 906A of substrate 906 may be degraded, such as to a level of degradation that requires replacement and / or repair of the substrate. For example, region 922 may be degraded due to at least some tactile features being removed from the substrate (e.g., worn away, scraped, etc.), due to some of the substrate being separated from the aircraft surface, etc. Figure 10 As shown, portion 906A of substrate 906 can be removed from surface 914 of an aircraft. For example, only a degraded portion of the substrate can be removed (e.g., along a perforation line or along other cut or separation lines), and a non-degraded portion of the substrate can remain coupled to surface 914 of the aircraft. Removal of portion 906A of substrate can expose area 924 of surface 914 of the aircraft.

[0069] Figure 11 An example of a method for replacing Figure 9 and Figure 10 An example of a degraded and removed portion 906A of substrate 906 is shown. In one example, replacement substrate 1006 can be coupled to area 924 of surface 914 of an aircraft via an adhesive and / or a mechanical fastening mechanism. Replacement substrate 1006 includes one or more tactile features 1012 having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of tactile features of portion 906A of substrate 906 removed from area 924 of surface 914 of an aircraft.

[0070] In one or more examples, replacement substrate 1006 can have a shape and size that is substantially the same as the size of portion 906A of the substrate being removed. For example, the edges of replacement substrate 1006 can mate with and / or contact the edges of an adjacent portion of substrate 906. A seam 1020, or gap, can be provided between the remaining portion of substrate 906 and replacement substrate 1006. In one or more examples, a filler material can be applied to seam 1020 to fill at least a portion of seam 1020 between replacement substrate 1006 and original substrate 906. The filler material can be an adhesive, grout, or grout-like material that can be applied to the gap or seam to seal, close, and / or fill at least a portion of seam 1020. For example, the filler material can close at least a portion of seam 1020, such as to control the amount of fluid that can move through seam 1020, to control and / or prevent flames from traveling through substrate 906 and reaching surface 914 of the aircraft, and the like.

[0071] Figures 12A-12C An example of a method for replacing Figure 9 and Figure 10 Another example of a degraded and removed portion 906A of a substrate is shown. Replacement substrate 1106 may include tactile portion 1112 and mounting portion 1116. Tactile portion 1112 includes one or more tactile features having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the tactile features of portion 906A of substrate removed from surface 914 of the aircraft.

[0072] In the illustrated example, the mounting portion 1116 is positioned below or beneath the tactile portion 1112 and extends a distance away from at least one edge of the tactile portion 1112. Figure 12C As shown, mounting portion 1116 of replacement substrate 1106 can be positioned below or beneath adjacent portion 906B of original substrate 906. For example, mounting portion 1116 can slide below, extend below, and overlap adjacent portion 906B of original substrate 906 in an interlocking arrangement. In the illustrated example, mounting portion 1116 extends away from one edge of haptic portion 1112 of replacement substrate 1106. In alternative arrangements, mounting portion 1116 can be sized and / or positioned relative to haptic portion 1112 to extend away from two or more different edges of haptic portion 1112, such as to slide below and / or interlock with two or more different adjacent portions of substrate 906.

[0073] In one or more examples, the haptic portion 1112 of the replacement substrate 1106 can have a shape and size that is substantially the same as the size of the portion 906A of the substrate that was removed. For example, the edge of the haptic portion 1112 can mate and / or contact the edge of an adjacent portion of the substrate 906. A seam or gap (not shown) can be provided between the remaining portion of the substrate 906 and the replacement substrate 1106. In one or more examples, a filler material can be applied to the seam to fill at least a portion of the seam between the haptic portion 1112 of the replacement substrate 1106 and the original substrate 906. The filler material can be an adhesive, grout, or grout-like material that can be applied to the gap or seam to seal, close, and / or fill at least a portion of the seam. For example, the filler material can close at least a portion of the seam, such as to control the amount of fluid that can move through the seam, control and / or prevent flames from traveling through the substrate 906 and reaching the surface 914 of the aircraft, and the like.

[0074] Figure 13 and Figure 14 Another example of replacing a degraded and removed portion of a substrate 1306 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The substrate 1306 is coupled to a surface 1314 of an aircraft and includes tactile features printed thereon. The substrate 1306 includes a plurality of tiles 1308 arranged in a grid-like arrangement, wherein a substantially uniform gap is provided between adjacent tiles of the substrate. The gap may be relative to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The gaps in the examples are smaller or larger. Figure 13 As shown, only damaged portion 1306A of substrate 1306 may be removed from surface 1314 of the aircraft and a non-degraded patch of the remaining portion of substrate 1306 may remain coupled to surface 914 of the aircraft based on area 1322 of degraded damaged portion 1306A.

[0075] exist Figure 14In the illustrated example, replacement substrate 1406 can be coupled to an area of ​​surface 1314 of the aircraft via an adhesive and / or a mechanical fastening mechanism. Replacement substrate 1406 can include one or more tactile features having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the tactile features of portion 1306A of substrate 1306 removed from surface 1314 of the aircraft. In one or more examples, a filler material can be applied to a gap or seam between replacement substrate 1406 and one or more adjacent pieces 1308 of original substrate 1306. The filler material can be an adhesive, grout, or grout-like material that can be applied to the gap or seam to seal, close, and / or fill at least a portion of the gap. For example, the filler material can close at least a portion of the gap, such as to control the amount of fluid that can move through the gap, to control and / or prevent flames from traveling through substrate 1306 and reaching surface 1314 of the aircraft, and so on.

[0076] Figure 15 A perspective front view of an aircraft 1500 according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated. Aircraft 1500 includes a propulsion system 1512, which may include, for example, two turbofan engines 1514. Optionally, propulsion system 1512 may include more engines 1514 than shown. Engines 1514 are carried by wings 1516 of aircraft 1500. In other examples, engines 1514 may be carried by fuselage 1518 and / or empennage 1520. Embankment 1520 may also support horizontal stabilizer 1522 and vertical stabilizer 1524.

[0077] The fuselage 1518 of the aircraft 1500 defines an interior cabin, which may be defined by interior sidewall panels connecting a ceiling and a floor. The interior cabin may include a cockpit, one or more work sections (e.g., a galley, a carry-on luggage area, etc.), one or more passenger sections (e.g., first class, business class, and economy class), and a tail section. Portions of the aircraft 1500, such as panels within the interior cabin, may be coupled to and / or receive a substrate having one or more tactile features printed thereon, as described herein.

[0078] Optionally, instead of aircraft, examples of the present disclosure can also be used with various other vehicles, such as automobiles, buses, locomotives and train cars, ships, spacecraft, etc. As another example, the methods and systems described herein can be used to couple substrates having one or more tactile features (e.g., forming decorative patches formed thereon) within buildings, articles, etc. As another example, portions of a substrate (e.g., degraded portions of a substrate, such as portions degraded due to normal wear and / or tear of the substrate, etc.) can be removed from the surface of a vehicle, building, etc., and a replacement substrate (e.g., having a substantially similar arrangement of tactile features and / or one or more similar properties as the removed portion of the substrate) can be coupled to the surface of the vehicle or building in place of the removed portion of the substrate.

[0079] Figure 16 The vehicle according to the example of the present disclosure is illustrated (eg Figure 15 1500). The interior cabin 1600 includes a plurality of surfaces that may be coupled to and / or receive a substrate, such as with respect to Figure 4C 、 6B , 8, or 9-14, etc. For example, one or more substrates and / or one or more replacement substrates can be coupled to ceiling panels 1602, roof rack assemblies 1604, sidewall panels 1606, ceiling vaults 1608, doorway vault panels 1610, doorway side panels 1612, partitions, closets, restroom walls, light valences, etc., as described herein.

[0080] As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for forming a substrate having one or more tactile features, one or more attributes, one or more properties, etc., configured to couple with one or more surfaces of a structure (e.g., a surface of an aircraft). The substrate includes tactile features that can be formed onto the surface of the substrate by surface treatment of the substrate (e.g., printing). Examples of the present disclosure provide cost-effective substrates and time-efficient methods for applying and / or replacing degraded substrates coupled to a structure.

[0081] As used herein, the terms "control unit," "central processing unit," "CPU," "computer," and the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system, including systems utilizing microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISCs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuits or processors comprising hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of performing the functions described herein. This is exemplary only and, thus, is not intended to limit in any way the definition and / or meaning of such terms. For example, the control unit 120 may be or include one or more processors configured to control operations as described herein.

[0082] The control unit 120 is configured to execute a set of instructions stored in one or more data storage units or elements (e.g., one or more memories) to process data. For example, the control unit 120 may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage unit may also store desired or required data or other information. The data storage unit may be in the form of a physical memory element within the information source processor.

[0083] The instruction set may include various commands that instruct the control unit 120 as a processor to perform specific operations, such as the methods and processes of various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The instruction set may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms, such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a subset of programs within a larger program, or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processor may be in response to user commands, in response to the results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processor.

[0084] The diagrams of the examples herein may illustrate one or more control or processing units, such as control unit 120. It will be understood that a processing or control unit may represent a circuit, circuit system, or portion thereof: which may be implemented as hardware with relevant instructions to perform the operations described herein (e.g., software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, etc.)). The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuitry that includes and / or is connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, etc. Optionally, control unit 120 may represent processing circuitry, such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and / or the like. The circuitry in various examples may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform the functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of the examples disclosed herein, whether or not explicitly identified in a flowchart or method.

[0085] As used herein, the terms "software" and "firmware" are interchangeable and include any computer program stored in a data storage unit (e.g., one or more memories), including RAM memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, and non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) memory, for execution by a computer. The above data storage unit types are merely exemplary and, therefore, are not limiting of the types of memories that may be used to store computer programs.

[0086] Furthermore, the present disclosure further includes examples according to the following clauses:

[0087] Clause 1: A method comprising:

[0088] A substrate is coupled to a surface of an aircraft, wherein one or more tactile features are configured to be printed onto the substrate.

[0089] Clause 2: The method of clause 1, further comprising preparing the substrate to be coupled to the surface of the aircraft by:

[0090] forming one or more perforation features into the substrate;

[0091] printing the one or more tactile features onto the substrate; and

[0092] The one or more tactile features are cured using ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0093] Clause 3: The method of clause 1 or 2, further comprising preparing the substrate to be coupled to the surface of the aircraft by:

[0094] printing the one or more tactile features onto the substrate, wherein the one or more tactile features are configured in a grouped tactile feature arrangement; and

[0095] The one or more tactile features are cured using ultraviolet (UV) light.

[0096] Clause 4: The method of Clause 3, further comprising separating a first portion of the substrate comprising one of the sets of tactile features from another portion of the substrate comprising one or more other sets of tactile features.

[0097] Item 5: The method of Item 3, wherein a first portion of the substrate comprises a first set of tactile features having one or more first attributes, and a second portion of the substrate comprises a second set of tactile features having one or more second attributes, the one or more second attributes being different from the one or more first attributes.

[0098] Clause 6: The method according to clause 5, further comprising:

[0099] coupling the first portion of the substrate including the first set of tactile features to the surface of the aircraft at a first location on the aircraft; and

[0100] The second portion of the substrate including the second set of tactile features is coupled to the surface of the aircraft at a second location on the aircraft.

[0101] Clause 7: The method according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising:

[0102] removing a portion of the substrate from an area of ​​the surface of the aircraft; and

[0103] A replacement substrate is coupled to the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft, the replacement substrate comprising one or more tactile features having one or more properties similar to the one or more properties of the one or more tactile features of the portion of the substrate removed from the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft.

[0104] Item 8: The method of Item 7, further comprising applying a filler material to a gap disposed between the substrate and the replacement substrate.

[0105] Clause 9: The method of clause 7, further comprising positioning the replacement substrate within the region of the surface of the aircraft to overlap at least some of the substrate coupled to the surface of the aircraft.

[0106] Clause 10: The method of any of Clauses 1-9, further comprising coupling the substrate to the surface of the aircraft via an adhesive material disposed between the surface of the aircraft and the substrate.

[0107] Clause 11: A system comprising:

[0108] A substrate is configured to couple with a surface of an aircraft, the substrate including one or more tactile features configured to be printed onto the substrate.

[0109] Clause 12: The system of clause 11, wherein the substrate comprises one or more perforated features.

[0110] Clause 13: The system according to clause 11 or 12, further comprising:

[0111] a printer comprising a print head; and

[0112] a control unit configured to control the printer to form the one or more tactile features on the substrate,

[0113] wherein the one or more tactile features are arranged on the substrate in groups of tactile features.

[0114] Clause 14: The system of clause 13, wherein a first portion of the substrate comprising one of the sets of tactile features is configured to be separated from another portion of the substrate comprising one or more other sets of tactile features.

[0115] Clause 15: The system of clause 13, wherein a first portion of the substrate comprises a first set of tactile features having one or more first attributes, and a second portion of the substrate comprises a second set of tactile features having one or more second attributes, the one or more second attributes being different from the one or more first attributes.

[0116] Clause 16: The system of clause 15, wherein the first portion of the substrate including the first set of tactile features is configured to couple with the surface of the aircraft at a first location on the aircraft, and the second portion of the substrate including the second set of tactile features is configured to couple with the surface of the aircraft at a second location on the aircraft.

[0117] Clause 17: The system of any of clauses 11-16, wherein a portion of the substrate is configured to be removed from an area of ​​the surface of the aircraft, and a replacement substrate is configured to be coupled to the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft,

[0118] The replacement substrate includes one or more tactile features having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the one or more tactile features of the portion of the substrate removed from the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft.

[0119] Clause 18: The system of clause 17, wherein a filler material is configured to be applied to a gap disposed between the substrate and the replacement substrate.

[0120] Clause 19: The system of clause 17, wherein the replacement substrate is configured to be positioned within the region of the surface of the aircraft to overlap at least some of the substrate coupled to the surface of the aircraft.

[0121] Clause 20: A method comprising:

[0122] coupling a substrate with a surface of an aircraft, wherein one or more tactile features are configured to be printed onto the substrate;

[0123] removing a portion of the substrate from an area of ​​the surface of the aircraft, wherein one or more of a shape or a size of the portion of the substrate is based at least in part on a location of one or more perforated features of the substrate; and

[0124] A replacement substrate is coupled to the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft, the replacement substrate comprising one or more tactile features having one or more properties similar to the one or more properties of the one or more tactile features of the portion of the substrate removed from the area of ​​the surface of the aircraft.

[0125] As described herein, examples of the present disclosure provide effective decorative substrates that can be coupled to and / or removed from surfaces of aircraft. Furthermore, examples of the present disclosure provide effective methods for preparing and forming the substrates, coupling the substrates to surfaces of aircraft, removing portions of the substrates, and replacing the removed portions of the substrates with replacement substrates having one or more properties similar to those of the removed portions of the substrates. Furthermore, examples of the present disclosure provide methods for removing and replacing portions of substrates that are more rapid than conventional methods for covering large surfaces of aircraft with sheets of decorative laminate.

[0126] Although various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, etc., may be used to describe examples in the present disclosure, it is understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the drawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwise changed so that top becomes bottom and vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, etc.

[0127] As used herein, a structure, limitation, or element that is "configured to" perform a certain task or operation is specifically structurally formed, constructed, or arranged in a manner corresponding to the task or operation. For the purposes of clarity and avoidance of ambiguity, an object that can merely be modified to perform the task or operation is not "configured to" perform the task or operation as used herein.

[0128] It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. For example, the above examples (and / or aspects thereof) may be applied in combination with each other. In addition, various modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the various examples of the present disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Although the dimensions and material types described herein are intended to limit aspects of the various examples of the present disclosure, the examples are not intended to be limiting in any way, but rather are illustrative examples. After reading the above description, many other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the various examples of the present disclosure should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of equivalents covered by such claims. In the appended claims and detailed description herein, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the common English equivalents of the corresponding terms "comprising" and "wherein". In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used only as labels and are not intended to impose numbering requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the appended claim limitations are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §112(f) unless and until such claim limitations expressly employ the phrase "a means for" followed by a functional description without further structure.

[0129] This written description uses examples to disclose various embodiments of the disclosure, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various embodiments of the disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the various embodiments of the disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other embodiments that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the embodiment has structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the embodiment includes equivalent structural elements and has insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0130] Further examples include the following.

[0131] 1. A method comprising:

[0132] A substrate (406) is coupled to a surface (414) of an aircraft (1500), wherein one or more tactile features (412) are configured to be printed onto the substrate (406).

[0133] 2. The method of example 1, further comprising preparing the substrate (406) to be coupled to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) by:

[0134] forming one or more perforation features (410) into the substrate (406);

[0135] printing the one or more tactile features (412) onto the substrate (406); and

[0136] The one or more tactile features are cured using ultraviolet (UV) light (412).

[0137] 3. The method of example 1, further comprising preparing the substrate (406) to be coupled to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) by:

[0138] printing the one or more tactile features (612) onto the substrate (604), wherein the one or more tactile features (612) are configured in a grouped tactile feature arrangement; and

[0139] The one or more tactile features are cured using ultraviolet (UV) light (612).

[0140] 4. The method according to Example 3 further includes separating a first portion (606A) of the substrate (604) including one group of the grouped tactile features (612A) from another portion (606B) of the substrate (604) including one or more other groups of tactile features (612B).

[0141] 5. A method according to Example 3, wherein the first portion (606A) of the substrate (604) includes a first set of tactile features (612A) having one or more first attributes, and the second portion (606B) of the substrate (604) includes a second set of tactile features (612B) having one or more second attributes, wherein the one or more second attributes are different from the one or more first attributes.

[0142] 6. The method of embodiment 5, further comprising:

[0143] coupling the first portion (606A) of the substrate (604) including the first set of tactile features (612A) to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) at a first location on the aircraft (1500); and

[0144] The second portion (606B) of the substrate (604) including the second set of tactile features (612B) is coupled to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) at a second location on the aircraft (1500).

[0145] 7. The method of embodiment 1, further comprising:

[0146] removing a portion (906A) of the substrate from an area (924) of the surface (914) of the vehicle (1500); and

[0147] A replacement substrate (1006) is coupled to the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500), the replacement substrate (1006) including one or more tactile features (1012) having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the one or more tactile features (912) of the portion (906A) of the substrate removed from the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500).

[0148] 8. The method of example 7, further comprising applying a filler material to a gap (1020) provided between the substrate (906) and the replacement substrate (1006).

[0149] 9. The method of Example 7, further comprising positioning the replacement substrate (1106) within the region (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500) to overlap at least some of the substrate (906) coupled to the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500).

[0150] 10. The method of Example 1, further comprising coupling the substrate (406) to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) via an adhesive material disposed between the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500) and the substrate (406).

[0151] 11. A system comprising:

[0152] A substrate (406) is configured to couple to a surface (414) of an aircraft (1500), the substrate (406) including one or more tactile features (412) configured to be printed onto the substrate (406).

[0153] 12. The system of example 11, wherein the substrate (406) comprises one or more perforated features (410).

[0154] 13. The system of example 11, further comprising:

[0155] a printer (108), the printer (108) including a print head (110); and

[0156] a control unit (120) configured to control the printer (108) to form the one or more tactile features (612) on the substrate (606),

[0157] wherein the one or more tactile features (612) are arranged on the substrate (606) in groups of tactile features (612A-F).

[0158] 14. A system according to Example 13, wherein a first portion (606A) of the substrate (606) including one of the groups of tactile features (612A) is configured to be separated from another portion (606B) of the substrate including one or more other groups of tactile features (612B).

[0159] 15. A system according to Example 13, wherein the first portion (606A) of the substrate (606) includes a first set of tactile features (612A) having one or more first attributes, and the second portion (606B) of the substrate (606) includes a second set of tactile features (612B) having one or more second attributes, wherein the one or more second attributes are different from the one or more first attributes.

[0160] 16. A system according to Example 15, wherein the first portion (606A) of the substrate (606) including the first set of tactile features (612A) is configured to couple with the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) at a first location on the aircraft (1500), and the second portion (606B) of the substrate (606) including the second set of tactile features (612B) is configured to couple with the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) at a second location on the aircraft (1500).

[0161] 17. The system of example 11, wherein the portion (906A) of the substrate is configured to be removed from the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500), and a replacement substrate (1006) is configured to be coupled to the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500),

[0162] wherein the replacement substrate (1006) includes one or more tactile features (1012) having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the one or more tactile features (912) of the portion (906A) of the substrate removed from the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500).

[0163] 18. The system of example 17, wherein a filler material is configured to be applied to a gap (1020) provided between the substrate (906) and the replacement substrate (1006).

[0164] 19. A system according to Example 17, wherein the replacement substrate (1006) is configured to be positioned within the region (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500) to overlap at least some of the substrate (906) connected to the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500).

[0165] 20. A method comprising:

[0166] coupling a substrate (906) to a surface (914) of an aircraft (1500), wherein one or more tactile features (912) are configured to be printed onto the substrate (906);

[0167] removing a portion (906A) of the substrate from an area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500), wherein one or more of a shape or a size of the portion (906A) of the substrate is based at least in part on a location of one or more perforated features (910) of the substrate (906); and

[0168] A replacement substrate (1006) is coupled to the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500), the replacement substrate (1006) including one or more tactile features (1012) having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the one or more tactile features (912) of the portion (906A) of the substrate removed from the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500).

Claims

1. A method comprising: A substrate (406) is coupled to a surface (414) of an aircraft (1500), wherein one or more tactile features (412) are configured to be printed onto the substrate (406).

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising preparing the substrate (406) to be coupled to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) by: forming one or more perforation features (410) into the substrate (406); printing the one or more tactile features (412) onto the substrate (406); and The one or more tactile features are cured using ultraviolet (UV) light (412).

3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising preparing the substrate (406) to be coupled to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) by: printing the one or more tactile features (612) onto the substrate (604), wherein the one or more tactile features (612) are configured in a grouped tactile feature arrangement; and The one or more tactile features are cured using ultraviolet (UV) light (612).

4. The method according to claim 3 further includes separating a first portion (606A) of the substrate (604) including one group of the grouped tactile features (612A) from another portion (606B) of the substrate (604) including one or more other groups of tactile features (612B).

5. A method according to claim 3, wherein the first portion (606A) of the substrate (604) includes a first set of tactile features (612A) having one or more first attributes, and the second portion (606B) of the substrate (604) includes a second set of tactile features (612B) having one or more second attributes, wherein the one or more second attributes are different from the one or more first attributes.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: coupling the first portion (606A) of the substrate (604) including the first set of tactile features (612A) to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) at a first location on the aircraft (1500); and The second portion (606B) of the substrate (604) including the second set of tactile features (612B) is coupled to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) at a second location on the aircraft (1500).

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: removing a portion (906A) of the substrate from an area (924) of the surface (914) of the vehicle (1500); and A replacement substrate (1006) is coupled to the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500), the replacement substrate (1006) including one or more tactile features (1012) having one or more properties similar to one or more properties of the one or more tactile features (912) of the portion (906A) of the substrate removed from the area (924) of the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500).

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising applying a filler material to a gap (1020) provided between the substrate (906) and the replacement substrate (1006).

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising positioning the replacement substrate (1106) within the region (924) of the surface (914) of the vehicle (1500) to overlap at least some of the substrate (906) coupled to the surface (914) of the vehicle (1500).

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising coupling the substrate (406) to the surface (414) of the aircraft (1500) via an adhesive material disposed between the surface (914) of the aircraft (1500) and the substrate (406).

Images