Transparent Composite Aircraft Window with Matching Refractive Index
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft windows are complex to assemble, expensive to produce, and sensitive to heat and chemical influences, with a window frame limiting size and requiring multiple elements for structural support, which increases weight and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A window made from a transparent composite material with fibers and a matrix having the same refractive index, eliminating the need for a window frame and retaining elements, providing a load-bearing, damage-tolerant solution that can withstand structural loads and maintain optical clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional window frame and retaining elements are used to provide structural support, then the window can withstand structural loads, but the weight increases and assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the window frame and retaining elements from the conventional window structure, extracting only the essential load-bearing function and integrating it directly into the pane element itself. The pane element is designed to withstand all structural loads without requiring a separate frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the window pane and frame functions into a single integrated pane element. The frame's structural support function is merged with the pane element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall weight.
2Reliability
If multiple elements (window frame, inner and outer window panes, seals, retaining elements) are used to ensure safety and functionality, then the window can maintain cabin pressure and provide fail-safe operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate elements (inner and outer panes, seals, retaining elements) into a single integrated pane element with laminated construction. The laminated structure combines the functions of multiple layers and sealing elements into one cohesive component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses laminated composite material construction for the pane element, combining multiple layers of glass or transparent plastic with intermediate layers. This composite structure provides both the structural integrity and fail-safe characteristics previously requiring multiple separate elements.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional materials are used for window panes, then the production cost is high due to reinforcing methods, but the material is sensitive to heat, aging, and chemical influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs laminated composite materials for the pane element, combining layers of glass or transparent plastic with intermediate bonding layers. This composite construction provides enhanced resistance to heat, aging, and chemical influences compared to conventional single-material panes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by using laminated construction with specific intermediate layers that provide resistance to thermal, chemical, and aging effects. The composite structure modifies the overall material properties to improve durability.
4Shape
If the window set is mounted with extreme precision to achieve a visually perfect joint pattern, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the window pane and frame into a single integrated pane element, eliminating the need for precise assembly of multiple separate components. The monolithic structure ensures visual perfection without requiring complex assembly procedures.
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 reduces weight and production costs, allows for flexible window sizing, enhances durability, and simplifies assembly, while ensuring safe operation even if damaged, with improved resistance to aging and maintenance requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The composite material preferably comprises fibres and a matrix material, the fibres and matrix material being transparent and having substantially the same refractive index. The use of the same refractive index means that the composite material has optically constant characteristics and consequently the fibres are virtually invisible.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle window consisting of a transparent composite material, wherein the composite material comprises fibers and a matrix material such that the vehicle window is capable of withstanding structural loads occurring in the window region and can substantially provide the window function even in spite of damage to the vehicle window (damage-tolerant), the fibers and the matrix material being transparent and substantially having the same refractive index. The invention proposes vehicle windows which are damage-tolerant, load bearing, cost-saving, easy to handle and require less installation space than conventional vehicle windows.