Blended Wing Body Ceiling Panels for Cabin Light Without Side Windows
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Blended wing body aircraft have limited windows, leading to a claustrophobic and unenjoyable experience for passengers due to the lack of natural light and panoramic views.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of transparent panels on the cabin ceiling, which are configured to illuminate in different colors and display images, providing passengers with real-time video and enhancing the interior design by eliminating the need for traditional window seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional window seats are used in blended wing body aircraft, then structural integrity is maintained, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to claustrophobic feelings and lack of natural light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional side windows to ceiling-mounted transparent panels, changing the spatial dimension of light entry from lateral to vertical. This allows panoramic views and natural light to be provided from the ceiling rather than the sides, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and passenger comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling is divided into multiple transparent panels that can be individually installed and removed. These panels are integrated into the existing rib structure, segmenting the ceiling into functional units that maintain structural integrity while providing multiple viewing zones throughout the cabin.
2Ease of operation
If transparent panels are installed in the cabin ceiling, then passenger comfort is improved through natural light and views, but device complexity increases due to integration with rib structure
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent panels are merged with the existing rib structure of the blended wing body aircraft. The ribs serve dual purposes as both structural support elements and mounting frameworks for the transparent panels, reducing overall device complexity by combining structural and functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib structure serves multiple functions: providing structural support for the aircraft body, acting as mounting frames for transparent panels, and defining channels for panel installation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall system despite the added transparency feature.
3Weight of moving object
If transparent panels are used instead of traditional windows, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for integration with aircraft structure
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent panels are installed in specific locations within the rib-defined channels on the ceiling, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized approach allows for precise installation in key areas while maintaining structural integrity, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to full-coverage transparent structures.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a blended wing body aircraft including a blended wing body, wherein the blended wing body is characterized by having no clear dividing line between wings and a main body along a leading edge of the aircraft, at least a rib, wherein the at least a rib runs longitudinally from fore to aft of the main body, and a plurality of transparent panels located in the top surface of the main body, wherein the plurality of transparent panels are located in channels, wherein the channels are separated by the at least a rib.