Aircraft Fuselage Insulation Blanket Overlap Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insulation systems in aircraft fuselages face challenges in preventing the entry of liquid water and vapor into the passenger cabin due to overlapping insulation blankets, which create paths for moisture to travel, especially under severe moisture conditions and limited drying capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The insulation system employs a design where a second insulation blanket acts as a shingle, positioned between the first insulation blanket and the fuselage, with an overlap angle ranging from 5 to 40 degrees, secured by fasteners, to direct moisture away from the cabin using gravitational force, thereby reducing moisture transmission between the blankets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If insulation blankets are installed as discrete blankets with overlaps, then ease of installation and fabrication are improved, but water and vapor transmission paths are created reducing insulation effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidmoisture protection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the insulation blanket overlap away from the crown zero position (where water would naturally drain) and placing it instead at a location on the lower fuselage where the blanket configuration creates a water-deflecting geometry. This asymmetric placement prevents water from penetrating through the overlap into the cabin while maintaining the discrete blanket installation approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful overlap region into a beneficial water-deflecting feature by strategically positioning it where the overlapping blankets create a geometric configuration that redirects water flow away from the cabin. The overlap, which would normally be a weakness, becomes a water-shedding element that enhances moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of operation

If overlap position is at crown zero position, then installation simplicity is maintained, but liquid water can drip through overlaps into occupied volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidliquid water exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the overlap position from the symmetric crown zero position to an asymmetric location on the lower fuselage. This asymmetric placement ensures that water draining under gravity does not penetrate through the overlap into the cabin, while still maintaining relatively simple installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses the water drainage problem by changing the spatial dimension of overlap placement from the vertical crown area to the lower lateral fuselage area. This dimensional relocation exploits gravitational flow patterns to prevent water from reaching the cabin through the overlap region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If overlap is positioned to prevent water ingress, then moisture protection is improved, but specific angular positioning (5-40 degrees from zero position) increases installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture seal effectivenessVSAvoidoverlap positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary action by providing index markings on the fuselage and insulation blankets that pre-indicate the correct overlap position (5-40 degrees from crown zero). These markings guide installers to the precise angular position without requiring complex measurement tools or procedures during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual indicators (index markings) that provide a clear visual signal for correct overlap positioning. The markings likely use contrasting colors or patterns to make the 5-40 degree angular position easily identifiable during installation, reducing complexity while ensuring precise placement for optimal moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

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

This configuration effectively reduces moisture ingress into the cabin, providing a better moisture seal and minimizing retention between the insulation and the fuselage structure, enhancing the insulation system's effectiveness in thermal and noise insulation.

Implementation Method 1

to direct moisture away from the cabin using gravitational force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10814954B2Insulation system

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An insulation system comprises a first insulation blanket and a second insulation blanket. The first insulation blanket extends circumferentially within a curved body. The second insulation blanket extends circumferentially within the curved body and covers a zero position of the curved body. A portion of the second insulation blanket covers a portion of the first insulation blanket so that the portion of the second insulation blanket is between the portion of the first insulation blanket and the curved body to form an overlap. The overlap is positioned within a range having an absolute value of 5 to 40 degrees from the zero position of the curved body.