Adjustable Window Clamp for Fast Aircraft Window Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of window assemblies on commercial aircraft is labor-intensive and costly due to the need for different sized spring clips and the time-consuming process of ensuring proper installation, particularly with numerous window assemblies requiring individual engagement of fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A window clamp system featuring a mounting bracket with ratchets and a spring clip that can be slidably coupled to engage a seal around the window pane, using a pressure adjustment segment with teeth and locking pins to secure the spring clip in calibrated positions, allowing for quick and accurate installation across various window sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different sized spring clips are used for different sized window assemblies, then proper fit and secure attachment are achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring clip is designed with a single standardized size that can accommodate multiple window assembly sizes through adjustable positioning mechanisms. The ratchet system allows the same spring clip to engage at different positions along the mounting bracket, providing universal applicability across different window configurations without requiring multiple specialized clip sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clip incorporates a ratchet mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of its position and engagement point along the mounting bracket. This dynamic positioning capability enables a single spring clip design to adapt to various window sizes and configurations, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size clips while maintaining secure attachment.
2Reliability
If tools are used to separately engage each fastener of the support brackets, then secure fastening is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single ratchet mechanism. Instead of requiring separate tool operations for each fastener, the ratchet system provides integrated fastening action that secures the spring clip to the mounting bracket in one continuous motion, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism is designed to be manually operated without requiring separate fastening tools. The operator can directly engage the ratchet by hand, and the mechanism automatically secures itself through its self-locking action, eliminating the need for additional tools and simplifying the installation process.
3Measurement precision
If individual fastener engagement is required for each window assembly, then proper installation verification is achieved, but installation time and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism provides built-in feedback through audible clicking sounds and visual position indicators as the spring clip is engaged. This immediate feedback confirms proper installation and secure fastening without requiring separate verification steps, allowing installers to quickly assess installation quality while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual verification process of checking each fastener individually is replaced by the inherent mechanical feedback of the ratchet system. The self-locking nature of the ratchet and its position indicators provide automatic verification of proper engagement, eliminating time-consuming manual inspection while maintaining installation precision.
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 system enables efficient, easy, and accurate installation of window assemblies by using a single spring clip for different sizes, providing visual and auditory feedback on pressure levels, thus reducing installation time and costs while ensuring secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing spring segment extending from the main beam. The biasing spring segment is configured to directly engage the seal.
Implementation Method 2
The one or more ratchets are configured to engage the plurality of teeth to secure the spring clip in a plurality of positions relative to the mounting bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A window clamp system and method are to secure a window pane to a window frame of a vehicle. The window clamp system includes a mounting bracket configured to be secured to the window frame, one or more ratchets coupled to the mounting bracket, and a spring clip configured to move in relation to the mounting bracket and the one or more ratchets. The spring clip is configured to engage a seal positioned around the window pane.