Aircraft Thermo-Acoustic Insulation Module Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermo-acoustic insulation systems in aircraft fail to adequately address both temperature and sound control, with a need for improved noise reduction and thermal insulation.

Innovation Solution

A thermo-acoustic insulation module comprising a fiber batt with a mass layer and encapsulating sheets, where the mass layer is strategically positioned between the fiber batt and the fuselage, and secured with a clip to a frame element, enhancing sound absorption and thermal insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional insulation materials are used in aircraft cabins, then installation is simple, but noise reduction and thermal insulation performance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise transmissionVSAvoidinsulation system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining fiber batt (acoustic absorption material) with mass layer (sound blocking material) to create a multi-layer insulation module. This composite structure achieves superior noise reduction performance compared to traditional single-material insulation, while the modular design keeps installation complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by strategically positioning different materials in specific locations: fiber batt for acoustic absorption, mass layer for sound blocking, and rubber layer for vibration damping. Each material is placed where it provides the most effective local noise control, creating a zone-based noise reduction system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If mass layer is added to improve sound blocking, then noise reduction improves, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound transmissionVSAvoidinsulation module weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the mass layer thickness and material density to achieve the required sound transmission loss while minimizing weight. The mass layer parameters are carefully selected to provide effective sound blocking without excessive weight penalty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials combining mass layer with fiber batt and rubber layer to achieve sound blocking performance. The composite structure provides sound isolation through mass loading while the other layers contribute to overall acoustic performance without adding proportional weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple layers are combined for better insulation, then thermal and acoustic performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidmodule assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the insulation system into discrete modular units, each containing predetermined layers (fiber batt, mass layer, rubber layer). These self-contained modules are manufactured separately and then installed as complete units, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining multi-layer insulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested doll by placing the mass layer between the fiber batt layers, with the rubber layer positioned at strategic locations. This nested arrangement of multiple functional layers within a compact module structure achieves comprehensive insulation performance while maintaining a manageable overall form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This configuration significantly reduces noise transmission and improves thermal insulation, providing enhanced passenger comfort by creating a more effective acoustic and thermal barrier within the aircraft cabin.

Implementation Method 1

a mass layer disposed at least on the exterior side of the fiber batt, on the interior side of the fiber batt, or between the exterior side and the interior side of the fiber batt

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

a fiber batt defining an exterior side, an interior side, a thickness between the exterior side and the interior side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20210129973A1Thermo-acoustic insulation system, module, and aircraft including the same
Publication Date: 2021.05.06 BOMBARDIER INC
  • US20210129973A1 patent drawing
  • US20210129973A1 patent drawing
  • US20210129973A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A thermo-acoustic insulation module for an aircraft includes a fiber batt defining an exterior side, an interior side, a thickness between the exterior side and the interior side, and a periphery. The thermo-acoustic insulation module also includes a mass layer disposed at least on the exterior side of the fiber batt, on the interior side of the fiber batt, or between the exterior side and the interior side of the fiber batt. An exterior encapsulating sheet is disposed exteriorly to the exterior side of the fiber batt. Similarly, an interior encapsulating sheet disposed interiorly to the interior side of the fiber batt. A peripheral seam connects the exterior encapsulating sheet to the interior encapsulating sheet adjacent to the periphery of the fiber batt, thereby creating an envelope encapsulating the fiber batt.