Polymer Stepped Element for Aeronautical Windshield Moisture Barrier
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Heated aeronautical windshields face issues with moisture penetration leading to delamination, corrosion, electrolysis, and electrical discharges due to metal zed elements, which also complicate manufacturing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Replacing metal zed elements with polymer-based stepped elements that are vapor-permeable and electrically insulating, manufactured through thermoforming, to ensure water-tightness and reduce electrical interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal zed elements are used as peripheral barrier elements, then moisture penetration is significantly reduced, but electrical insulation defects and electrical discharges occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces durable metal zed elements with polymer materials that may have shorter service life but eliminate electrical conductivity issues. The polymer zeds are designed to be replaced or maintained without the complex electrical insulation management required for metal elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter from conductive metal to insulating polymer, fundamentally altering the electrical property while maintaining the mechanical barrier function. This parameter change resolves the electrical discharge issue while preserving moisture protection.
2Reliability
If metal zed elements are applied to the glazing, then water vapor barrier performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and tooling costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses cheaper polymer materials instead of expensive metal zed elements, reducing tooling costs and manufacturing complexity. The polymer elements can be formed using standard thermoforming techniques without requiring complex metal stamping or shaping equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material from metal to polymer, enabling different manufacturing processes. Polymer materials can be thermoformed directly into the required stepped geometry without complex metal forming tooling, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing equipment requirements.
3Reliability
If metal zed elements are used, then peripheral sealing is improved, but maintenance requirements increase due to bead erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces metal zed elements with polymer materials that are more resistant to erosion and degradation from aeronautical fluids. The polymer elements do not require the protective polysulfide beads that metal elements need, eliminating the maintenance issue associated with bead erosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material property from metal (prone to corrosion and erosion) to polymer (resistant to chemical degradation). This material parameter change eliminates the need for protective beads and reduces maintenance requirements significantly.
4Reliability
If leaktightness elements are applied peripherally, then moisture protection is attempted, but optical defects and installation difficulties occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses polymer zed elements that can be easily installed during the lamination process without requiring complex interlayer-free zones. The polymer material's flexibility and ease of processing allow for simpler installation that maintains optical quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material from rigid metal to flexible polymer, enabling easier installation during lamination. The polymer material can be formed and installed without creating the optical defects associated with rigid leaktightness elements, while maintaining moisture protection.
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 polymer zed elements provide equivalent water vapor barrier performance to metal zeds while eliminating electrical issues, simplifying manufacturing and reducing maintenance needs, and are more cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
the stepped element is made of polymer material which can contain reinforcing fillers and exhibits a permeability to water vapor at most equal to 5 and preferably 1 g/m2/day
Implementation Method 2
Replacing metal zed elements with polymer-based stepped elements that are vapor-permeable and electrically insulating
Data Source
AI summary
Laminated glazing includes a first glass sheet constituting an external face of the glazing, connected to a second glass sheet by a first interlayer adhesive layer, the edge of the first glass sheet being set back with respect to that of the second, a peripheral part of the free surface of the first glass sheet, its edge face, that of the first interlayer adhesive layer and a part of the surface of the second glass sheet extending beyond the first describing a continuous stepped contour which is covered, with interposition of adhesive, with a stepped element made of polymer material which can contain reinforcing fillers, which exhibits a permeability to water vapor at most equal to 5 g/m2/day.