Interlocking Aircraft Cockpit Frames with Deformable Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft windscreen and canopy frames require enhanced impact absorption capabilities without increasing cross-sectional area, while maintaining structural integrity and pilot safety.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating movable joints between the windscreen and canopy frames that deform upon impact, allowing relative movement and eventual interlocking to absorb impact forces as a rigid unit, with seals maintaining pressurization and weather sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the cross-section of the frame is increased to absorb full impact load, then the impact absorption capability is improved, but the weight and material cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame system is divided into two separate frames (first frame for windscreen, second frame for canopy) connected by movable joints. This segmentation allows each frame to be lighter while the system as a whole absorbs impact through the deformation of the movable joints, resolving the contradiction between individual frame weight and overall impact absorption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable joints are designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing them to deform and move relative to each other during impact. This dynamic behavior enables the frames to absorb impact loads without requiring increased cross-sectional area, thus reducing frame weight while maintaining impact absorption capability.
2Strength
If the cross-section of the frame is increased to absorb full impact load, then the impact absorption capability is improved, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into two separate frames connected by movable joints, the total quantity of material required is reduced compared to a single rigid frame with increased cross-section. The movable joints provide impact absorption through deformation rather than requiring additional material in the frame cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable joints change their physical state from rigid to deformed during impact, allowing them to absorb energy without requiring increased frame material. This parameter change in the joint behavior enables reduced material usage while maintaining impact absorption capability.
3Strength
If movable joints are incorporated to allow relative movement, then the impact absorption capability is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable joints are designed to be dynamic during impact (allowing deformation and relative movement) but maintain structural integrity under normal conditions. This dynamic design enables the system to absorb impact loads while preserving the overall structural integrity of the cockpit assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable joints are pre-designed with the capability to deform and absorb impact energy before actual impact occurs. This beforehand preparation ensures that when impact happens, the joints can smoothly transition to absorb the load without compromising the overall structural integrity of the frame assembly.
4Strength
If movable joints are incorporated to allow relative movement, then the impact absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable joints use simple dynamic mechanisms (sliding and compression movements) rather than complex mechanical systems. This allows the joints to provide impact absorption capability through straightforward relative movement between frames, minimizing device complexity while maintaining improved impact absorption.
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 movable joints enable load sharing and reduced frame deflection, enhancing safety by preventing object penetration and increasing structural rigidity, while reducing material costs and improving pilot egress visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one movable joint plastically deforms in response to an object striking at least one of the windscreen and the canopy to allow for relative movement between the first and second frames
Implementation Method 2
A sliding joint includes a first seal secured to the second frame and a recessed surface on the first frame on which the first seal slides to allow for relative fore-aft movement between the first and second frames
Implementation Method 3
A compression joint includes a second seal secured to the first frame and a cavity provided on the second frame for receiving the second seal to allow for relative fore-aft movement between the first and second frames
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for connecting a windscreen and a canopy to an aircraft is provided that includes a first frame for securing to the windscreen and a second frame for securing to the canopy. At least one movable joint connects the first frame to the second frame. The at least one movable joint deforms in response to an object striking at least one of the windscreen and the canopy to allow for relative movement between the first and second frames.