Aircraft Window Assembly Retaining Device with Spring Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional aircraft window installation is time-consuming and costly due to the need for multiple installers to manage spring clips or fasteners, and visible mechanical fasteners can lead to paint damage and corrosion from altitude pressures.
Innovation Solution
A window assembly system featuring a retaining device with a biasing member and protrusions that secure the window panel without visible fasteners, using autoclave bonding and a spring clip band to create an airtight seal, eliminating the need for external fasteners and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spring clips or mechanical fasteners are used to secure the window panel, then the window can be held in place, but the installation becomes time-consuming and requires multiple installers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated retaining device that includes both the retaining structure and spring clips pre-attached to it. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation steps where one installer holds the window while another secures multiple clips, allowing a single installer to complete the installation quickly by installing the combined unit as one piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clips are pre-attached to the retaining device during manufacturing, performing the fastening action in advance. This preliminary action means that during installation, the clips are already positioned and ready to engage with the window frame, eliminating the time-consuming step of manually positioning and securing each clip separately during installation.
2Strength
If mechanical fasteners like rivets are used to hold the window assembly, then the window is securely attached, but the fasteners are visible and detract from the aircraft appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the mechanical fasteners (rivets) from the visible exterior surface of the aircraft. The retaining device with spring clips is installed from the interior side of the aircraft skin, allowing the window assembly to be securely attached without any visible fasteners on the exterior, thus maintaining the smooth aerodynamic surface and aesthetic appearance.
3Strength
If mechanical fasteners are used to secure the window assembly, then the window is held in place, but the fasteners shift under altitude pressure causing paint damage and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastener system (rivets that can shift and cause damage) with a spring clip-based retaining system. The spring clips provide continuous elastic pressure to hold the window assembly securely while accommodating pressure changes at altitude, eliminating the shifting problem that causes paint cracking and corrosion associated with rigid mechanical fasteners.
4Reliability
If multiple installers are used to manage spring clips and fasteners, then the window can be properly installed, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the retaining device and spring clips into a single pre-assembled unit, reducing the number of separate components that need to be managed during installation. This integration maintains installation quality by ensuring proper positioning of all fastening elements while reducing the complexity of the installation process, allowing a single installer to handle the complete assembly without needing multiple people to coordinate.
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 installation time and cost, prevents paint damage and corrosion, and maintains a smooth aircraft appearance by securing the window panel with an airtight seal, ensuring structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
an outside edge extending perpendicular in both directions from the cross member, wherein the outside edge is autoclave bonded to an inboard surface of the aircraft skin
Implementation Method 2
a biasing member mounted on an inboard edge of the retaining device, and a plurality of protrusions secured onto the biasing member, the protrusions pressing against an inboard surface of the outside edge of the window panel, thus compelling the window panel outward, maintaining the seal
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for installing a window panel onto an aircraft including providing a retaining device having an outside edge that is sealed against an inboard surface of the aircraft. A biasing member mounted to an inside edge of the retaining device includes spring clips that press against the window panel. The spring clips push the window panel outward against the outside edge of the retaining device to maintain a seal around the edge of the window panel.