Thermal Barrier Apparatus with Concentric Channels for Window Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window systems in aircraft and buildings face issues with heat transfer from fuselages or exterior environments, leading to deformation or degradation of window panes and seals, which can result in structural integrity loss and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A thermal barrier apparatus is introduced, featuring a closed curve-shaped plate with concentric channels and walls, a frame, and thermal barrier layers made of low thermal conductivity materials like silica aerogel, which reduces heat transfer through convection and insulation, maintaining structural integrity and reducing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the fuselage is painted in a lighter color to minimize solar energy absorption, then the heat absorption is reduced, but the fuselage still heats up beyond acceptable temperature and transfers heat to the window frame or acrylic window
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal barrier apparatus is introduced as an intermediary component between the window frame and the interior environment. This barrier includes a barrier frame, thermal barrier material, and barrier pane that intercepts and blocks heat transfer before it reaches the window frame and acrylic window, preventing the harmful thermal effects even when the fuselage temperature is elevated
2Temperature
If the window frame or acrylic window heats beyond acceptable temperature, then the heat transfer is reduced, but the acrylic window may deform or degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier apparatus serves as a protective intermediary that blocks heat transfer to the window frame and acrylic window. The barrier frame, thermal barrier material, and barrier pane work together to maintain acceptable temperature levels, preventing deformation or degradation of the acrylic window while allowing the window frame to operate within safe thermal parameters
3Temperature
If the exterior of the building heats up beyond acceptable temperature, then the heat transfer is reduced, but the rubber seal between the window frame and window pane may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal barrier apparatus acts as an intermediary protective layer that prevents excessive exterior heat from reaching the rubber seal. By blocking heat transfer through the barrier frame and thermal barrier material, the system maintains the seal within acceptable temperature ranges, preventing failure and maintaining reliability even when exterior temperatures exceed acceptable levels
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 thermal barrier apparatus effectively limits heat transfer to window panes and seals, maintaining their integrity, reducing maintenance needs, and potentially lowering the weight of aircraft by using lighter materials, thus improving fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
thermal barrier layers made of low thermal conductivity materials like silica aerogel, which reduces heat transfer through convection and insulation
Implementation Method 2
thermal barrier layers made of low thermal conductivity materials like silica aerogel, which reduces heat transfer through convection and insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal barrier apparatus for a window system includes a closed curve-shaped plate having a plurality of concentric channels, a plurality of walls each defining adjacent concentric channels, each of the walls including a plurality of openings between adjacent concentric channels, an outer wall formed on an outer peripheral edge of the closed curve-shaped plate, the outer wall including a plurality of openings, and an inner wall formed on an inner peripheral edge of the closed curve-shaped plate including a plurality of openings. The plurality of openings and concentric channels are configured to provide an air flow path for conduction of air through the thermal barrier apparatus to an exterior of the thermal barrier apparatus.