Dual-Layer Aircraft Windshield for Impact Protection and Low Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft windshields are prone to object impacts during high-speed flight, leading to potential penetration of the cockpit and increased weight due to thick transparency materials, which compromise both pilot safety and aerodynamic efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dual transparent windshield system featuring a thin, aerodynamically contoured canopy and a thicker, flat inner panel designed to withstand object impacts, with shock mounts and a bracing structure for impact absorption, allowing the inner panel to focus protection on a smaller area and reducing overall weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick transparency material is used for the windshield, then object impact resistance is improved, but aircraft weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield system is divided into two separate components: a thin outer canopy that handles aerodynamic loads and a thick inner panel that provides object impact protection. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the inner panel being thick and heavy only where needed for protection, while the outer canopy remains thin and lightweight for aerodynamic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The thick transparent inner panel is positioned specifically at the inner portion of the windshield where object impact protection is most critical. This local concentration of thickness and strength provides maximum protection where needed while keeping other areas of the windshield thin and lightweight, resolving the contradiction between overall strength and weight.
2Shape
If the windshield surface area is increased for aerodynamic styling, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the risk of object penetration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield is segmented into an outer canopy optimized for aerodynamic styling with large surface area, and an inner panel optimized for impact protection. The inner panel can be strategically positioned to cover the cockpit area, providing protection against object penetration while allowing the outer canopy to maintain its aerodynamic shape and large surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The thin outer canopy acts as an intermediary that deflects or absorbs the initial impact of striking objects, reducing the force transmitted to the inner panel. This intermediary layer allows the windshield to have large surface area for aerodynamics while still providing reliable protection, as the canopy absorbs some of the impact energy before it reaches the protective inner panel.
3Strength
If a single thick windshield is used, then object impact protection is improved, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The windshield system is segmented into two distinct layers with different thicknesses and functions. The outer canopy is thin and aerodynamically contoured to maintain efficiency, while the inner panel is thick and positioned to provide impact protection. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each layer to be optimized for its primary function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The thick protective layer is applied locally at the inner panel position rather than throughout the entire windshield structure. This local quality approach provides maximum object impact protection where it is most needed (in front of the cockpit) while keeping the outer aerodynamic surfaces thin and efficient, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and aerodynamic efficiency.
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 system effectively protects pilots from object impacts while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency by distributing impact loads and reducing the need for heavy, thick canopy materials, thus enhancing safety and reducing weight and production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of shock mounts can be coupled to the transparent inner panel... a peak load of an object impact can be minimized using the plurality of shock mounts
Implementation Method 2
a bracing structure may be coupled between one of the plurality of shock mounts and the airframe. The bracing structure may include a stroking mechanism that provides flexibility and/or impact absorption for the bracing bar
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein are directed to an aircraft. The aircraft includes an airframe; and a windshield system having a transparent canopy coupled to the airframe and a transparent inner panel having a portion thereof disposed within the transparent canopy and coupled to the airframe and to at least a processor.