Piezoelectric-Electrochromic Opacity Control for Aircraft Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for opacity adjustment in aircraft components, such as liner and harness covers, face challenges including sealing issues, durability problems, and lengthy removal processes, which hinder effective inspection and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical opacity adjustment system that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy using piezoelectric materials, which is then used to adjust the opacity of electrochromic materials without the need for additional electronic systems, allowing for adjustable visibility without removing the covers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the cover is opened or removed to inspect harness lines and equipment, then visibility for inspection is improved, but sealing and durability are compromised and the process takes a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrochromic material to the cover, which changes its optical properties (from opaque to transparent) when electrical energy is applied. This allows the cover to transition between opaque and transparent states, enabling inspection without physical removal or opening, thus resolving the contradiction between visibility and time loss.
2Loss of information
If the cover is opened or removed to inspect harness lines and equipment, then visibility for inspection is improved, but sealing and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochromic material enables the cover to become transparent on demand without physical opening, maintaining the sealed and durable state while providing inspection capability. The cover remains in its original position and sealed condition, preserving reliability while achieving visibility.
3Device complexity
If piezoelectric material is used to generate electricity from mechanical pressure, then additional electronic systems are eliminated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs piezoelectric material that generates electrical energy directly from mechanical pressure applied during normal aircraft operation (vibrations, movements). This self-generating power source eliminates the need for external batteries or power cables, and the material is integrated directly into the cover structure, simplifying manufacturing despite the advanced material requirements.
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 system provides a cost-effective means to adjust the opacity of aircraft components, enabling users to inspect areas like avionics systems and cargo storage without removing the covers, thus improving maintenance efficiency and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
When mechanical effects such as pressure are applied to piezoelectric materials, they generate electricity due to their structure
Implementation Method 2
Electrochromic materials can change colour or their opacity can be adjusted when electrical energy is applied
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a body (2), at least one part (3) made of material that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy when pressure is applied on the body (2), at least one mass (4) that provides electrical energy by applying pressure to the part (3), and a trigger (5) that activates the part (3) on the body (2).