Electrochromic Window Voltage Control for Aerospace Maintenance Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mechanical window shades in aircraft, particularly those for automatic over wing exit windows, are prone to maintenance issues due to environmental exposure and require individual manual operation, leading to increased weight, maintenance costs, and operational delays.

Innovation Solution

An electrically switchable window system that uses wireless signals from an onboard network to control voltages applied to electrochromic windows, allowing for automated control of light transmission without mechanical parts, reducing maintenance and weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical window shades are used, then light blocking function is achieved, but weight increases and maintenance requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance needsVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical window shades with electrochromic windows that use electrical signals to control light transmission. The electrochromic glass changes its optical properties when voltage is applied, eliminating the need for mechanical components such as rollers, shades, and support structures. This substitution reduces weight while maintaining the light blocking function and significantly decreases maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochromic window system changes the optical parameters of the glass by applying electrical voltage. When voltage is applied, the electrochromic material undergoes a reversible chemical change that alters its light transmission properties, allowing the window to transition between transparent and opaque states. This parameter-based control eliminates mechanical moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical window shades are used, then light blocking function is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance needsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical window shade systems with a simplified electrochromic electrical system. The mechanical components including rollers, shades, support structures, and control mechanisms are replaced by electrochromic glass panels controlled by electrical signals from the aircraft's existing onboard network, dramatically reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrochromic window system integrates multiple functions into a single component. The electrochromic glass simultaneously provides light blocking, privacy control, and UV protection without requiring separate mechanical components. The system can be controlled individually or in groups through the aircraft's existing network infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If individual manual operation of window shades is required, then light control is achieved, but productivity decreases and time loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation speedVSAvoidtime loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrochromic window system enables automated control where windows can be operated individually or in groups through electronic signals from the aircraft's onboard network. The system can respond automatically to lighting conditions, passenger preferences, or crew commands, eliminating the need for manual operation of each window shade and significantly improving operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges control of multiple windows into a unified electronic system. Windows can be controlled individually or grouped together through the aircraft's existing network, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple windows with a single command. This consolidation dramatically reduces the time and effort required compared to manual operation of each window separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces maintenance needs, lowers weight, and enables faster operation by allowing centralized control of window shades, improving efficiency and reducing labor costs during upgrades or retrofits.

Implementation Method 1

electrically switchable windows that...changes voltages applied to the electrically switchable windows...changes an amount of light passing through the electrically switchable windows

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Data Source

PatentUS11029574B2Wirelessly controlled electrically switchable window system

Publication Date: 2021.06.08 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method and system for an electrically switchable window system for an aerospace vehicle. The electrically switchable window system comprises electrically switchable windows and a window controller system connected to the electrically switchable windows. The window controller system receives a group of wireless signals from an onboard network system that controls systems in the aerospace vehicle and changes voltages applied to the electrically switchable windows when the group of wireless signals are received. The changes in the voltages change an amount of light passing through the electrically switchable windows.