Aircraft Decompression Panel Assembly with Movable Louvers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional decompression panels in aircraft sidewalls face challenges during decompression events, such as insufficient space for panel movement and noise propagation due to louvers, which affect airflow and cabin pressure equalization.

Innovation Solution

A decompression panel assembly with a solid face panel retained against a frame during standard conditions, which moves away to allow airflow during decompression events, featuring a retention mechanism and containment device to prevent noise transmission and ensure efficient airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the sidewall is positioned closer to the fuselage skin to gain more cabin volume, then the cabin volume is increased, but the decompression panel does not have enough space to swing open during a decompression event

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecabin volumeVSAvoidpanel movement space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The decompression panel transitions from a static solid panel to a dynamic system with multiple states. The panel includes a movable louver assembly that can rotate between a closed position (blocking airflow) and an open position (allowing decompression airflow), enabling the panel to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements without requiring additional space for panel displacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The louver assembly is nested within the panel structure, with louvers rotating within the panel's own footprint. This nested configuration allows the decompression mechanism to function within the limited space between the sidewall and fuselage skin, as the moving parts are contained within the panel's boundary rather than requiring external swing space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If sound attenuating material (baffle) is coupled to the backside of the grille opening to decrease noise in the cabin, then noise is reduced, but air return flow through the sidewall is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise in cabinVSAvoidair return flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle configuration is made dynamic through the louver mechanism. During normal operation, the baffle remains in place to attenuate noise. During decompression events, the louvers rotate open, allowing air to flow through the grille opening regardless of the baffle's presence. This dynamic behavior allows the system to satisfy both noise reduction requirements and air return flow regulations without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action by ensuring that the baffle provides noise attenuation during normal operation, while the louver mechanism ensures continuous air return flow capability during decompression events. The transition between these states is seamless, with the louver rotation providing uninterrupted decompression airflow path when activated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Quantity of substance

If louvers or multiple openings are provided in the decompression grille to enable airflow during decompression, then airflow is enabled, but sound waves propagate through the grille and noise is generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairflow through grilleVSAvoidnoise propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The grille is segmented into multiple louvers that can independently rotate. During normal operation, these segmented louvers remain in a closed position that blocks sound wave propagation while maintaining the appearance of a grille structure. During decompression, the segments rotate to align and create a continuous open flow path, allowing airflow while the solid panel structure continues to block noise during non-decompression conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10399660B2Decompression panel assembly and methods of assembling the same

Publication Date: 2019.09.03 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A decompression panel assembly for use in an aircraft includes a frame including a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the frame defines a grille opening and at least partially defines a flow path opening. The decompression panel assembly also includes a face panel having a first surface retained against the frame second surface such that the face panel at least partially covers the grille opening. A retention mechanism is coupled to the face panel and is configured to retain the face panel against the frame in a closed position.