Aircraft Window Masking Device with Integrated Collars
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current masking devices for protecting aircraft windows during painting are time-consuming and labor-intensive to manufacture and use, due to the need for multiple cuts and complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A masking device comprising a flexible masking film with removably adhered protective film, featuring superimposed collars with minimal cutting requirements and strategically positioned openings and indentations for easier handling and positioning, along with a manufacturing method that includes kiss-cutting and full-flesh cutting to simplify production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional masking devices with multiple separate components are used, then the masking function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes long and tedious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate masking components (masking film, collars, flanges) into a single integrated device. The collars are directly formed as part of the masking film structure, eliminating the need for separate assembly operations. This merging of components directly reduces manufacturing time and simplifies the production process.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking device is segmented into functional zones with specific characteristics: the masking film area, the collar regions, and the flange portions. Each segment is optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as an integrated structure. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing while maintaining functional complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional masking devices require multiple cutting operations, then the flanges can be formed, but the production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collars and flanges are formed as a single integrated structure through minimal cutting operations. Instead of creating separate components and assembling them, the design allows the entire collar-flange assembly to be formed in one operation, reducing both the number of cutting operations and production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collars are pre-formed with their flange structures during the initial masking film formation process. This preliminary action of forming the complete collar-flange structure early in the manufacturing process eliminates subsequent complex assembly operations and reduces overall production complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the masking film is provided with through openings, then the positioning is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The masking film has different structural characteristics in different regions: the opening areas provide positioning functionality while the surrounding film maintains structural integrity. The collars and flanges are positioned to reinforce the opening areas, creating local quality variations that simultaneously achieve positioning and structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking device uses composite construction combining the masking film with reinforcing collar structures. This composite approach allows openings to be present for positioning while the collar-flange composite structure maintains overall structural integrity through the combined materials and geometries.
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
The solution enables quick and easy production and application of the masking device, reducing manufacturing time and improving usability by minimizing cutting operations and facilitating precise positioning on the aircraft window.
Implementation Method 1
a masking film (11) comprising an adhesive lower face against which a protective film (12) is removably adhered
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The device (10) for masking a region to be masked comprises: - a masking film (11) comprising an adhesive lower face against which a protective film (12) is removably stuck; - at least four collars (13) that are superposed and removably stuck to one another, one of which, referred to as the "lower collar" is stuck to an upper face of the masking film (11) facing away from the lower face, each of the collars (13) being delimited between an inner periphery (131) and an outer periphery, the outer peripheries of the collars (13) being flush with one another, and the inner peripheries of the collars (13) being at least partially flush with one another.