Train Window Lamination Connecting Bridge Emergency Exit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current multiple glazing systems in transportation, such as trains, lack safety features that allow for easy destruction of the external part while maintaining its position if broken unintentionally, posing a risk to passenger safety and requiring unnecessary evacuation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a reinforcing lamination with a connecting bridge that attaches the peripheral edge of the lamination to a surface opposite the glazing cavity, independent of the glazing frame structure, allowing the lamination to remain attached and maintaining the integrity of the glazing even if the external substrate breaks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a lamination is provided in the outer substrate to enhance safety and shock resistance, then the glazing becomes more resistant to breaking, but when the outer substrate breaks, the lamination cannot be easily separated requiring unnecessary evacuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidease of separation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The lamination is segmented into multiple independent attachment points (connecting bridges) distributed around the periphery rather than being continuously attached to the frame structure. This allows the lamination to remain attached during normal operation for safety, but enables easy separation by breaking or removing individual connecting bridges during emergency evacuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a static continuous attachment to a dynamic system where the degree of attachment can change. During normal operation, the lamination is securely attached through multiple connecting bridges providing safety. During emergency, the attachment can be quickly changed by breaking the connecting bridges, allowing the lamination to be separated for evacuation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the lamination is set back from the peripheral structure to facilitate emergency destruction, then the glazing can be easily broken for evacuation, but the lamination cannot be maintained in position if broken unintentionally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of destructionVSAvoidposition maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The peripheral attachment is segmented into discrete connecting bridges rather than continuous contact with the frame structure. This segmentation allows the lamination to be easily destroyed by targeting individual connecting bridges while maintaining overall position through the distributed attachment points during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing full peripheral contact for attachment, only partial attachment at specific connecting bridge locations is provided. This partial attachment is sufficient to maintain position during normal operation but allows easy destruction by removing or breaking the limited number of connecting bridges during emergency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If connecting bridges are provided to maintain lamination position independently of the frame structure, then the glazing maintains integrity after outer substrate breakage, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglazing integrityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is segmented into simple, discrete connecting bridges rather than a complex continuous attachment mechanism. Each connecting bridge is a simple element that can be independently provided, making the overall system relatively simple despite providing independent attachment from the frame structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting bridges act as intermediary elements between the lamination and the inner substrate (or opposing surface), providing the necessary connection without requiring direct attachment to the complex frame structure. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall design by decoupling the lamination attachment from the frame structure complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances the glazing's mechanical strength and thermal insulation while enabling emergency evacuation by allowing the broken lamination to be separated, preventing immediate evacuation and allowing the transport to continue until a safe destination.

Implementation Method 1

a lamination comprising on the one hand a main glass sheet (15) and on the other hand a main plastic sheet (16), with this main plastic sheet (16) which is located between this intermediate face (12) and this main glass sheet (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLamination: Lamination

Implementation Method 2

a glazing cavity (4) located between this outer substrate (10) and this inner substrate (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 3

at least one connecting bridge (6) which is separate from said glazing frame structure (3) and which provides a connection between a peripheral edge of said lamination (5) and a surface located opposite vis-à-vis on the other side of said glazing cavity (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical connection: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3274237B1Side window of a means of transport having a reinforced emergency exit substrate
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP3274237B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3274237B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3274237B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a side window (1) of a means of transport, in particular a train window, said window being a stationary, multiple window, said window comprising at least one connecting bridge (6) which is separated from the window frame structure (3) and provides a connection between a peripheral edge of the lamination (5) and a surface located transversely opposite, on the other side of the window opening (4).