Composite Aircraft Window Frame with Erosion Shield
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft window frames face challenges in being both strong and lightweight, with existing metal frames being heavy and complex composite materials being costly and prone to cracking from fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A composite window frame assembly featuring a window frame of uniform thickness made from materials like continuous fiber thermoplastic or thermoset, integrated with a metal erosion shield and a polymer adapter ring for simplified installation and enhanced mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If high strength metal is used for aircraft window frames to provide sufficient mechanical strength, then the strength is improved, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by integrating a metal erosion shield with a polymer adapter ring and composite window frame materials. This composite structure provides the necessary mechanical strength while reducing weight compared to traditional all-metal frames, directly resolving the contradiction between strength and weight
2Weight of moving object
If composite materials are used for aircraft window frames to reduce weight, then the weight is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the window frame into distinct components: a metal erosion shield, a polymer adapter ring, and composite frame sections. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using optimized processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining weight benefits
3Weight of moving object
If complex composite structures are used for aircraft window frames to achieve lightweight design, then the weight is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The adapter ring combines structural support, erosion protection interface, and window pane mounting functions. The erosion shield integrates with the frame structure to provide both protection and structural integrity, reducing device complexity while maintaining lightweight design
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A window frame assembly (218) for an aircraft (10) includes a window frame (226) of composite material, adapted for attachment in a window opening (236) of an aircraft (10), having an outer flange (230) with an exterior surface (262) and an interior surface (264), a metal erosion shield (252) attached to the exterior surface (262) of the outer flange (230), and a polymer adapter ring (256) attached to the interior surface (264) of the outer flange (230). The window frame (226) has a substantially constant thickness, and the erosion shield (252) has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape. The adapter ring (256) has a sloped engagement surface (250) configured for supporting a window pane assembly (218).