Aircraft Light Blocking Curtain With Foldable Header Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional curtains used in aircraft cabins allow light to pass through due to horizontal open spaces between the pleats at the top of the curtain, known as light leak, which can be undesirable for passengers and crew.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of foldable light blocking panels positioned near the top of the curtain between the pleats, which can be configured to block light leak by unfolding automatically when the curtain is in the deployed configuration and folding when it is in the stowed configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional curtains are used with pleats at the top, then the curtain can be folded and stowed, but light leak occurs between the pleats at the top edge
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain top edge is segmented into multiple pleats, and light-blocking panels are inserted between these pleats. This segmentation allows the curtain to maintain its folding capability while adding light-blocking elements in the gaps between pleats where light leak occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
Light-blocking panels serve as intermediary elements inserted between the curtain pleats. These panels specifically address the light leak problem at the top edge without interfering with the overall folding and stowing mechanism of the curtain.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If custom-made closeout seals are added to close the gap between curtain track and cabin ceiling, then light leak at the top is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking panels are merged with the existing curtain pleat structure. Rather than adding separate closeout seals as independent components, the light-blocking function is integrated into the pleat arrangement itself, simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain pleats serve multiple functions: they enable the curtain to fold and store compactly, and they provide a structure into which light-blocking panels can be inserted. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate closeout seal components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light blocking panels are added to the curtain header, then light leak is prevented, but the weight of the curtain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking panels are constructed from thin, flexible light-blocking material rather than rigid structures. This approach prevents light leak while minimizing the added weight, as thin films provide effective light blocking with minimal mass.
Data Source
AI summary
Light blocking curtains may be selectively transitioned between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration. The light blocking curtain may include a curtain body and a curtain header, and may be folded along respective curtain body pleats and header pleats in the stowed configuration. The curtain header may extend vertically from the upper end region of the light blocking curtain towards the lower end region of the light blocking curtain, though the curtain header may be substantially vertically shorter than the curtain body. The curtain header also may include a plurality of light blocking panels that are coupled to or integrally formed with the curtain header. Each light blocking panel may be positioned with respect to two adjacent segments of the curtain header, adjacent a top edge of the light blocking curtain, such that the light blocking panels may prevent or reduce light leak along the top edge.