Inflatable Pressure Bulkhead for Aircraft Fuselage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pressure bulkheads in aircraft require significant space and are heavy due to rigid materials, failing to optimize space allocation and safety while being complex and costly to manufacture.

Innovation Solution

A pressure bulkhead comprising an inflatable element with a flexible cover and sealing means that provides an airtight seal, using lighter materials like aramid or nylon fibers with a silicone or polyurethane coating, allowing for easier assembly and reduced manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional rigid materials (metal or composite) are used for pressure bulkheads, then structural strength and safety are improved, but weight increases and space allocation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidbulkhead weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible sheets made of reinforced material to create the pressure bulkhead structure. These flexible sheets can be inflated to provide the necessary structural strength while maintaining a lightweight construction, avoiding the need for heavy rigid materials like metal or traditional composites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an inflatable structure filled with gas (pneumatics) to provide structural support. The inflated state creates the necessary rigidity and strength to withstand pressure differences, while the deflated state reduces weight and space requirements. This pneumatic system replaces traditional rigid structural materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Strength

If traditional rigid materials and structures are used for pressure bulkheads, then structural integrity is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible sheets can be manufactured using simpler processes compared to rigid composite or metal structures. The sheets can be produced, stored in a deflated state, and then inflated and sealed into position during assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity when inflated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The bulkhead transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic inflatable structure. This allows the structure to be compact during manufacturing and storage, then expanded to its functional form during assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing assembly complexity compared to traditional rigid structures that require complex fabrication and assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If dome-shaped pressure bulkheads are used, then pressure bearing capacity is improved, but space allocation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure bearing capacityVSAvoidspace allocation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The inflatable bulkhead can be inflated to achieve the necessary dome shape for pressure bearing capacity only when needed, and deflated when space is required. This dynamic transformation allows the structure to provide full pressure bearing capacity (comparable to traditional domes) while occupying minimal space during storage or when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible sheets can be inflated to form an optimized dome shape that provides excellent pressure bearing capacity. When deflated, the same structure occupies minimal space. This flexible construction allows the bulkhead to achieve the necessary structural performance only during operation, optimizing both pressure bearing capacity and space allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 inflatable pressure bulkhead occupies less space, meets safety requirements, is lighter, easier to assemble, and less expensive to manufacture, while maintaining airtight integrity and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

an inflatable element suitable for being filled with air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

sealing means suitable for providing an airtight seal between the cover and the fuselage of the aircraft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS10286993B2Inflatable pressure bulkhead

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 AIRBUS OPERATIONS SL

AI summary

A pressure bulkhead for an aircraft comprising a fuselage. The pressure bulkhead comprises an inflatable element, suitable for being filled with air, which in turn comprises a cover which delimits an inner zone. The pressure bulkhead further comprises a seal suitable for providing an airtight seal between the cover and the fuselage of the aircraft.