Aircraft Windowed Structure with Bonded Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional window installations in structures often result in a retainer that is not flush with the surrounding door structure, obstructs the visible area, and is aesthetically unpleasing, requiring additional sealing to prevent water infiltration.

Innovation Solution

A windowed structure design featuring a door frame with an outer and inner wall that form a proximal joint, allowing a window element to overlay the outer wall with an unobstructed portion between the joint, eliminating the need for a retainer and reducing the need for additional sealing, by bonding the window element directly to the frame using techniques like adhesives or composite curing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retainer is used to attach the window to the door frame, then the window is securely fastened, but the retainer is not flush with the surrounding door structure and obstructs the visible area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow attachment securityVSAvoidvisible area of window

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the retainer component from the window attachment system. Instead of using a separate retainer that protrudes from the door frame, the window element is directly attached to the door frame through adhesive bonding, removing the obstructing retainer while maintaining secure attachment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fastening system (retainer with protruding screws) with a chemical bonding system (adhesive). This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical retainers that obstruct the window area while providing secure attachment through bond strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If a retainer is used to attach the window to the door frame, then the window is securely fastened, but the retainer is not aesthetic pleasing and requires additional sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow attachment securityVSAvoidsealing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the attachment function and sealing function into a single integrated solution. The adhesive bond simultaneously secures the window to the door frame and provides waterproof sealing, eliminating the need for separate sealing components and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the separate sealing layer that would be required with traditional retainer systems. By using direct adhesive bonding, the sealing function is integrated into the attachment mechanism itself, eliminating redundant components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a retainer is used to attach the window to the door frame, then the window is securely fastened, but the retainer reduces the visible area of the window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow attachment securityVSAvoidwindow surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the retainer component that was reducing the visible window area. By directly bonding the window element to the door frame, the entire window surface remains visible without obstruction from retainers or protruding fasteners

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of attaching the window with a retainer that protrudes outward, the patent inverts the approach by having the window element directly contact and bond to the door frame surface, eliminating the intermediate retainer structure that was reducing visible area

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design enhances visibility, reduces the need for mechanical fasteners, and provides a seamless transition with the surrounding structure, improving both aesthetics and aerodynamic performance by eliminating the retainer and associated sealing issues.

Implementation Method 1

bonding the window element directly to the frame using techniques like adhesives or composite curing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

bonding the window element directly to the frame using techniques like adhesives or composite curing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectComposite curing:

Data Source

PatentUS11235853B2Aircraft windowed structure

Publication Date: 2022.02.01 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

AI summary

A windowed structure includes a body having a frame with an outer wall extending between a first end and a second end. An inner wall extends from the outer wall. The inner wall is connected to the outer wall at the first end to define a proximal joint of the body delimiting a window opening extending through the body. A window element covers the window opening and defines an outer window surface and an inner window surface. The window element has an overlap segment overlaying the outer wall and attached thereto. An unobstructed portion of the window element is defined between the overlap segment and is unobstructed by the frame between the proximal joint.