Self-Powered Aircraft Window with Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of electrically dimmable windows in aircraft increases electrical power demands and requires costly and impractical wiring for installation and control, especially for retrofitting existing aircraft.

Innovation Solution

A self-powered dimmable window system with integrated controls that utilizes energy harvesting devices to convert thermal gradients, light, or motion into electrical power, eliminating the need for external wiring through a controller module with a processor, power conditioning circuits, and energy storage, allowing for wireless control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrically dimmable windows are integrated into aircraft, then window functionality is improved, but wiring complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow functionalityVSAvoidwiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the aircraft window control into independent modular units, where each window assembly includes its own power conditioning circuitry and control electronics integrated into the window frame, eliminating the need for centralized wiring and allowing independent installation of each window module

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the power conditioning and control functions from the central aircraft electrical system and relocates them to self-contained units integrated with each window assembly, thereby removing the complex wiring network while preserving full window functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If additional control wiring is installed for central window control, then control capability is improved, but installation practicality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidinstallation practicality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Each window assembly incorporates integrated control electronics and power conditioning circuits that enable the window to autonomously receive and process control signals through existing aircraft wiring or wireless communication, eliminating the need for additional dedicated control wiring while maintaining full central control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing aircraft are retrofitted with dimmable windows, then window functionality is improved, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow functionalityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retrofit system uses modular window assemblies that can be independently installed in each window opening without requiring modifications to the aircraft's existing electrical infrastructure, significantly reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining full dimmable window functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The window assembly design incorporates universal mounting interfaces and integrated power conditioning that can interface with various aircraft electrical systems, allowing the same retrofit solution to be applied across different aircraft types without custom wiring harnesses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution reduces wiring requirements, facilitates easier installation, particularly in retrofit applications, and enables central control of dimmable windows without the need for additional electrical connections, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

The energy harvesting device may include a photovoltaic device mounted on or near the sidewall for converting ambient light into electrical power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

These windows rely on electric power applied to special materials in the windows in order to change or sustain window opacity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9146438B2Self-powered dimmable windows with integrated controls

Publication Date: 2015.09.29 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An electrically controlled dimmable window for aircraft includes a controller and power that eliminates the need for wiring connections to on-board systems. The controller is integrated into the sidewall in which the window is mounted. Power for controlling the window is derived from an energy harvesting device that generates power by converting thermal gradients, motion/vibration or light energy present near the window. The integrated controller includes passenger controls for adjusting the opacity of the window, power conditioning circuitry, an electrical power storage device such as a battery, a processor and a radio receiver. The window can be remotely controlled by a cabin attendant from a central controller that transmits window control signals to the radio receiver.