Aircraft Glazing Electronic Device for Automated Flight Hour Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft glazing replacement cycles are complex due to lack of centralized tracking of flight hours, making it impossible for manufacturers to assess reliability, which hinders monitoring and quality reporting.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electronic devices with sensors and data transmission capabilities into aircraft glazing for automatic recording and transmission of usage-related information, such as flight hours, without human intervention, using RFID technology or other communication methods, ensuring secure and reliable data access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual tracking methods are used for glazing flight hours, then administrative complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and data reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing unit is equipped with an electronic device that automatically records flight hours and usage data without requiring manual intervention. The system self-monitors operational parameters and stores data in internal memory, eliminating the need for complex administrative tracking while achieving precise measurement of flight hours and usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual administrative tracking systems are replaced with electronic automation. Sensors and microcontrollers automatically detect and record operational data, substituting human-driven mechanical processes with electronic systems that provide continuous, precise monitoring without administrative overhead.
2Loss of information
If electronic devices with sensors are integrated into glazing, then data transmission accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated electronic device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it monitors flight hours, tracks usage conditions, stores data in memory, and enables remote reading via RFID or other communication protocols. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, managing complexity while achieving complete data capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic device is integrated within the glazing structure itself, with sensors, memory, and communication components nested within the existing glazing assembly. This nesting approach incorporates the electronic system without adding significant external complexity, as the device becomes part of the glazing unit rather than a separate attachment.
3Ease of operation
If remote reading capability is implemented, then information accessibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Physical access to data stored on labels or documents is replaced with electronic remote reading capability. The glazing unit incorporates an electronic memory and communication interface that allows data to be read wirelessly via RFID or other protocols, eliminating the need for physical inspection or manual data retrieval while simplifying information accessibility.
4Productivity
If automated data recording is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic device automatically records and updates flight hour data and usage information without requiring external intervention. The system continuously monitors operational parameters, stores data in memory, and maintains accurate records throughout the glazing's service life, significantly improving monitoring efficiency while the integrated design manages the complexity burden.
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
Enables continuous, automated tracking of glazing usage and environmental data, enhancing monitoring and quality assessment, and facilitating optimized replacement cycles and warranty management.
Implementation Method 1
The exchange of information is done without contact, by electromagnetic wave of frequency which can vary from 125 kHz to a few tens of MHz
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to glazing comprising at least one electronic device (2) consisting of at least one electronic memory unit (21) which contains stored information that can be read remotely using a suitable read device. The invention is characterised in that it comprises electronic means for receiving and processing data (20), which are connected to the memory unit (21) such as to transmit and enter information into the memory unit in response to signals received in a programmed manner by one or more data-detection and transmission elements (3) which are associated with the glazing and/or the glazing housing device.