Blended Wing Body Transmissive Panels for Cabin Natural Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blended wing body aircrafts have limited windows, leading to a claustrophobic and unenjoyable experience for passengers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of transmissive panels made of transmissive composites, such as fiberglass, into the aircraft's surface to provide natural light and an open feel, replacing traditional windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional windows are used in blended wing body aircraft, then structural integrity is maintained, but passenger comfort deteriorates due to limited windows creating a claustrophobic experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies transmissive panels that can change their optical properties, allowing the aircraft skin to transition between opaque and transparent states. This enables large areas of the blended wing body to provide natural light and external views without compromising structural integrity, thereby improving passenger comfort while maintaining the aerodynamic form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite materials with transmissive properties integrated into the blended wing body structure. These composite panels provide both structural support and optical transparency, allowing large window-like areas without the weight and complexity of traditional window assemblies, thus resolving the contradiction between passenger comfort and structural requirements.
2Ease of operation
If transmissive panels are integrated into the blended wing body surface, then passenger comfort improves with natural light and open feel, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmissive panel functionality directly into the blended wing body skin, eliminating the need for separate window assemblies and their associated frames, seals, and mechanisms. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of components and assembly steps while providing enhanced passenger comfort through large areas of natural light.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmissive panels serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support as part of the blended wing body, allow natural light transmission for passenger comfort, and can potentially change their optical properties. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying manufacturing while improving passenger experience.
3Weight of moving object
If transmissive panels replace traditional windows, then weight is reduced and manufacturing costs decrease, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials with transmissive properties that provide both the optical functionality and the required structural strength. These composite panels are engineered to meet aerodynamic and structural load requirements while being lighter than traditional window assemblies, thus reducing aircraft weight without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials and structures whose properties can be adjusted to optimize both weight and strength characteristics. By changing parameters such as material composition, panel thickness, and structural reinforcement patterns, the transmissive panels achieve the necessary strength-to-weight ratio to replace traditional windows while maintaining structural integrity and reducing overall aircraft weight.
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; a cabin located within the main body and a transitional portion of the blended wing body; and a plurality of transmissive panels integrated into a ceiling of the cabin configured to transmit light from outside the blended wing body aircraft to inside the cabin.