Jettisonable Aircraft Window With Segmented Peripheral Wall

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing releasable vehicle windows require significant effort to jettison during emergencies due to their design, which is challenging for passengers in emotionally complicated situations, especially considering the aerodynamic and vibration constraints of aircraft.

Innovation Solution

A peripheral wall with a cut line design, featuring a first and second section connected by an adhesive film and a connecting strip, allowing for measured force application to rotate the second section relative to the first, facilitating easier extraction while maintaining structural integrity and insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the window and release seal are dimensioned according to aerodynamic stresses and vibrations, then the window can withstand flight conditions, but significant effort is required to push the window to release it

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to aerodynamic forcesVSAvoideffort required to jettison window
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral wall is divided into a first section and a second section that can rotate relative to each other around a rotation axis. The first section has high stiffness to resist aerodynamic forces, while the second section can be rotated with moderate force to disengage the seal from the frame, separating the functions of strength and ease of operation into different segments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral wall transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic system where the second section can rotate relative to the first section. This dynamic capability allows the window to maintain structural integrity during flight while enabling easier release when needed by rotating the second section to disengage the seal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid seal body is used to maintain window position during flight, then the window remains secure, but it becomes difficult to deform the release seal for extraction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow securementVSAvoiddeformability of release seal
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal body is segmented into a first section with high stiffness for maintaining securement and a second section that can be rotated for release. This segmentation allows the seal to exhibit both rigidity and deformability in different operational phases without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the peripheral wall is cut into sections to facilitate rotation, then ease of jettisoning is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of jettisoningVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral wall is segmented into sections connected by a rotation mechanism that maintains structural integrity while enabling rotation. The connection between sections is designed to preserve strength and sealing capability while allowing the necessary rotational movement for jettisoning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The peripheral wall sections utilize composite construction with materials of different stiffness properties. The first section uses high-stiffness material for aerodynamic resistance, while the connection mechanism allows controlled rotation, creating a composite structure that balances strength and deformability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 reduces the effort required to jettison the window while preserving its resistance to aerodynamic forces and preventing debris generation, ensuring safe and efficient emergency exit.

Implementation Method 1

a film of glue being disposed in the space by being glued to the first flank and the second flank

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a connecting strip which is fixed, for example glued or screwed, to the first inner face and to the second inner face covering said space to allow rotation of the first section relative to the second section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical connection: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3476718B1Jettisonable vehicle window and vehicle comprising such window
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 EUROCOPTER FRANCE SA
  • EP3476718B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3476718B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3476718B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a jettisonable porthole (10) provided with a peripheral wall (20). The peripheral wall (20) comprises at least a first section (25) and a second section (30) in extension of each other, said first section (25) having a first flank (28) separated from a second flank (33) of the second section (30) by a space (40), an adhesive film (45) being disposed in said space (40) by being glued to the first flank (28) and to the second flank (33), said porthole (10) comprising a connecting strip (85) glued to a first inner face (26) of the first section and to a second inner face (31) of the second section by covering said space (40).