CFRTP Aircraft Oven Door Structure for Thermal Insulation and Low Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft galley ovens require improved thermal characteristics and weight-saving solutions while maintaining safety and efficiency, as existing appliances often compromise on insulation and weight due to traditional materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) sheets for the oven door, incorporating ribbed structures and an insulating layer, along with a simplified latching mechanism, to create a stronger, lighter, and more thermally efficient door that seals effectively and reduces thermal bridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional materials are used for the oven door, then the door provides basic structural support, but the oven exhibits poor thermal insulation and higher weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite door assembly consisting of CFRTP sheets bonded to a foam core layer. This composite structure combines the high strength and low weight of continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastics with the superior thermal insulation properties of foam material, achieving both weight reduction and improved thermal insulation performance simultaneously
2Strength
If traditional materials are used for the oven door, then the door provides basic structural support, but the oven door exhibits higher weight and reduced strength-to-weight ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The CFRTP (continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic) sheets provide high structural strength while maintaining low weight. The fibrous reinforcement within the thermoplastic matrix creates a composite material with superior strength-to-weight characteristics compared to traditional solid materials, enabling a lighter door that maintains structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly uses different materials optimized for different functions: CFRTP sheets for structural strength and surface durability, foam core for insulation and weight reduction. This local differentiation of material properties throughout the door assembly optimizes the overall strength-to-weight ratio by placing each material where it provides maximum benefit
3Device complexity
If a simplified latching mechanism is used, then the door structure is lighter and simpler, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is integrated directly into the CFRTP sheet through injection molding, merging the latch components with the door structure itself. This integration eliminates separate latch housings and mounting hardware, simplifying the mechanism while maintaining reliable sealing through the inherent structural continuity of the molded-in latch features
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 CFRTP oven door achieves enhanced thermal insulation, weight savings, and improved safety by reducing external surface temperatures, leading to better heat conservation and energy efficiency while maintaining structural integrity and redundancy in the latching mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating layer coupled to at least one of the one or more ribbed structures
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft oven body is disclosed. In embodiments, the aircraft galley oven includes an oven body. The aircraft oven body also includes an oven door hingedly coupled to the oven body. In embodiments, the oven door includes a first continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) sheet defining at least a portion of an exterior surface of the oven door. A second CFRTP sheet may define at least a portion of an interior surface of the oven door. The oven door further includes one or more ribbed structures disposed on at least one of the first CFRTP sheet or the second CFRTP sheet. In embodiments, the oven door further includes an oven door latching mechanism disposed within one or more recesses within the one or more ribbed structures. The oven door also includes an insulating layer coupled to at least one of the one or more ribbed structures.