Aircraft Window Cover Segmentation for Pane Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aircraft window elements are complex and difficult to maintain, as the cover must be removed to exchange or clean the window pane, leading to increased costs and damage to the cover during dismantling.

Innovation Solution

A window element design featuring a window frame with a frame reveal and a receptacle that allows the inner window pane to be inserted and fixed without obstructing the view, enabling the holding frame and window pane to be removed without disassembling the cover, which is configured to conceal the frame reveal and not obstruct the view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the cover is designed to conceal the holder and connection points for visual attractiveness, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the window pane becomes difficult to exchange and clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual attractiveness of transitionVSAvoidease of window pane exchange

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The window element is divided into functionally independent segments: the cover (122) that provides aesthetic appearance and the holder (121) with window pane (120) that provides functionality. The cover can be separately removed or designed with openings to allow access to the holder and window pane without compromising the aesthetic appearance when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is extracted as a separate component that can be independently removed or designed with openings, allowing the window pane to be accessed and exchanged without permanently obscuring it. This separation enables the cover to maintain its aesthetic function while not interfering with maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Shape

If the cover completely covers the holder and connection points, then the visual transition is more attractive, but the cover must be removed for window pane maintenance increasing complexity and damage risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual transition continuityVSAvoiddismantling procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design segments the cover from the holder and window pane assembly, allowing independent access to functional components. The cover may be designed with removable sections or openings that maintain visual continuity when assembled but provide access pathways for maintenance without requiring complete disassembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of making the window pane accessible by removing the cover, the design inverts the approach by allowing the window pane to be accessed through openings in the cover or by making the cover itself removable without affecting the structural integrity of the window assembly, thereby simplifying the maintenance procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Shape

If the cover is designed to fully conceal the holder, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the cover is prone to damage during dismantling and replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcover durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed as a separate, non-structural component that does not bear structural loads. By segmenting it from the load-bearing holder and frame, the cover is less susceptible to damage during maintenance operations. The cover can be easily replaced if damaged without affecting the structural integrity of the window element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a relatively simple, easily replaceable component compared to the structural elements. If the cover becomes damaged during maintenance, it can be replaced as a low-cost item without requiring replacement of the entire window assembly or critical structural components, thereby maintaining overall system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11377193B2Window element with a non-concealing cover, aircraft region and aircraft with a window element

Publication Date: 2022.07.05 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A window element for an aircraft comprises a window frame which has a frame reveal forming an opening, and a receptacle adjoining the frame reveal, an inner window pane which is configured to be inserted into the receptacle, a holding frame which is configured to be inserted into the receptacle and to fix the inner window pane in the receptacle, and a cover which has an opening and is configured to be attached to the window frame and to conceal the window frame around the frame reveal. An encircling inner edge of the cover that forms the opening of the cover lies radially substantially outside an encircling inner edge of the receptacle.