Modular Aircraft Windshield Segmentation for Selective Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft windshields with unitary construction face challenges where damage to the central component, more prone to high-energy strikes, necessitates replacing the entire windshield, even if side components are undamaged.

Innovation Solution

A modular windshield design comprising a central component and two side components, supported by pillars, allowing for selective replacement of damaged components without replacing the entire windshield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a unitary windshield construction is used, then the structural integrity and simplicity of the windshield is improved, but the cost and complexity of replacement increases when damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidreplacement cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The windshield is divided into multiple separate components (central component and side components) that can be independently replaced. The central component is separable from the side components, allowing selective replacement of only the damaged portion rather than the entire windshield assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of moving object

If a single large windshield component is used, then the visibility and structural simplicity is improved, but the weight of the windshield increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility areaVSAvoidwindshield weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The large windshield area is segmented into multiple smaller components (central and side components) that can be separately manufactured and assembled. This segmentation reduces the overall weight while maintaining the required visibility area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different materials or thicknesses can be used for different components based on their specific requirements. The central component may use different material properties than the side components, optimizing weight while maintaining structural integrity and visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the central component is made more robust to resist bird strikes, then the resistance to damage is improved, but the overall windshield weight and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to bird strikeVSAvoidwindshield weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The central component is designed with enhanced robustness specifically at the high-risk forward-facing area to resist bird strikes, while the side components can use lighter materials. This localized quality enhancement provides targeted protection without unnecessarily increasing the weight of the entire windshield assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3677500B1Modular windshield

Publication Date: 2025.03.05 TEXTRON INNOVATIONS INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A modular windshield (200) has a central component (202) and at least one side component (204). The central component is constructed of polycarbonate and the at least one side component is constructed of acrylic.