Aircraft Window Pane with Pressure-Activated Concavity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft windows require thicker outer panes to withstand pressure differences, increasing aircraft mass and fuel consumption due to aerodynamic drag, while maintaining visibility and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
Designing aircraft windows with a concavity in the outer pane that eradicates under pressure differences, allowing for a thinner profile and improved aerodynamics, using a laminated structure and polysulphide mastic sealing system to reduce mass and drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the outer pane is made thicker to withstand pressure difference, then the structural integrity and pressure resistance are improved, but the mass of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing the outer pane with a concavity that dynamically deforms under pressure. The pane transitions from a concave shape at rest to a flatter shape under pressure, allowing the structure to adapt its form based on operational conditions. This dynamic behavior enables thinner pane construction while maintaining pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the physical shape parameter of the outer pane through controlled concavity. The concavity depth and curvature are specifically engineered to change under pressure differential, allowing the pane to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. This parameter modification enables reduced pane thickness while maintaining structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer pane is made thicker to limit deformation, then the aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the mass of the aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic deformation capability allows the pane to optimize its aerodynamic profile during flight. Under pressure differential, the concavity erodes to minimize protrusion and reduce drag. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for excessive thickness to maintain aerodynamic performance, thereby reducing mass.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the pane shape through controlled concavity design. The concavity is engineered to degrade under pressure, transforming the pane from a protruding shape at rest to a streamlined shape in flight. This parameter transformation reduces aerodynamic drag without requiring increased thickness, thus reducing mass.
3Weight of moving object
If the outer pane is made thinner to reduce mass, then the aerodynamic drag is reduced, but the pressure resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic response of the concavity provides structural support under pressure. The concave shape stores elastic energy that helps resist pressure differential, compensating for the reduced thickness. This dynamic mechanical response enables thinner pane construction while maintaining adequate pressure resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the pane's geometric configuration to compensate for reduced thickness. The controlled concavity creates a shape that provides structural reinforcement under pressure, effectively compensating for the thinner material. This geometric parameter modification allows mass reduction while maintaining pressure resistance.
4Weight of moving object
If the outer pane is made thinner to reduce mass, then the aerodynamic performance is improved, but the visibility may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by strategically positioning the concavity in specific regions of the pane. The concavity is designed in areas where pressure differential acts most strongly, while maintaining adequate glass thickness in regions critical for visibility. This localized approach allows mass reduction without compromising visual performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the thickness parameter non-uniformly across the pane surface through controlled concavity design. The concavity creates varying thickness profiles that optimize both aerodynamic performance and visibility. By carefully controlling the concavity geometry, the design achieves mass reduction while preserving adequate light transmission and visual clarity.
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 reduces the mass of aircraft windows by 30% while maintaining visibility and achieving optimal aerodynamic performance at cruising altitudes, thereby decreasing fuel consumption and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
said at least one concavity of the pane is at least partially eradicated in a second state in which there is a pressure difference between the outer surface and the inner surface of the pane
Implementation Method 2
the outer pane tends to deform toward the outside of the fuselage
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an aircraft window, of the type including a holding frame for securing the window to the fuselage of an aircraft and at least one pane mounted in the holding frame by a sealing system, the at least one pane having an inner surface and an outer surface, characterized in that: the pane includes, in a first state called the rest state, at least one concavity in its outer surface when there is no pressure difference between the outer surface and the inner surface of the pane, and the at least one concavity of the pane is at least partially eradicated in a second state in which there is a pressure difference between the outer surface and the inner surface of the pane.