Aircraft Laminated Glazing Electrostatic Discharge Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aeronautical cockpit glazing experiences failures due to water penetration through interlayer adhesive layers, leading to delamination and degradation of electrical systems, and electrostatic charging issues causing potential discharges that can disturb pilots and aircraft equipment.
Innovation Solution
A laminated glazing design with a recessed edge on one glass sheet and a projecting edge on the other, covered by a stepped metal element with an airtight seal, where an electrical conductor connects the metal element to the mounting structure, preventing moisture penetration and facilitating controlled electrical discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stepped metal element is applied peripherally to prevent moisture penetration, then the reliability of the laminated glazing is improved, but electrostatic charges accumulate on the metal element causing discharge potentials that generate harmful electromagnetic noise
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful electrostatic charge is extracted from the stepped metal element through the electrical conductor that connects it to the aircraft structure, allowing the metal element to maintain its moisture protection function while eliminating the harmful discharge noise
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic charge that was previously causing harmful discharges is now safely conducted to ground, converting the harmful effect into a beneficial grounding system that protects both the glazing and aircraft electronics
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stepped metal element is electrically insulated from the aircraft structure, then moisture seal integrity is maintained, but electrostatic charges cannot be discharged leading to potential buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical conductor acts as an intermediary element that provides electrical connectivity between the stepped metal element and the aircraft structure without compromising the mechanical seal integrity, allowing charge discharge while maintaining the moisture barrier
3Strength
If the edge of the first glass sheet is recessed relative to the second sheet, then the stepped contour provides structural retention, but creates complex geometry that increases manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The glazing assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: the recessed first glass sheet edge provides structural retention, the stepped metal element provides moisture protection, and the electrical conductor provides electrostatic discharge pathways, allowing each component to be optimized independently
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 solution effectively prevents electrostatic discharges and maintains the integrity of the glazing by ensuring moisture exclusion and safe electrical grounding, reducing noise and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical conductor connects the stepped metal element and the assembly structure of the laminated glazing via the glass press
Implementation Method 2
The penetration of water by diffusion through the interlayer adhesive layers can cause failures of the laminated glazing
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a laminated glazing including first and second glass sheets (1; 3) bonded by a first intermediate adhesive layer (2), a peripheral zone of the laminated glazing being covered by a stepped metal element (7), wherein a pane retainer (31) rigidly secured to the mounting structure of the laminated glazing contacts the laminated glazing in order to secure it to its mounting structure, and an electrical conductor (21) connects the stepped metal element (7) and the mounting structure of the laminated glazing via the pane retainer (31); the invention also relates to the uses thereof.