Rotorcraft Windshield Attachment Isolator for Birdstrike Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional rotorcraft designs with separate chin windows obstruct pilot visibility, pose safety risks during crashes, and occupy valuable space, while also being vulnerable to birdstrikes due to their location and structural attachment.

Innovation Solution

A windshield assembly for rotorcraft that integrates a single, curved front windshield providing both forward and downward visibility, coupled with an attachment device featuring a fastener portion, elastomeric load isolator, and bolt to manage thermal expansion and external loads, eliminating the need for a chin window and enhancing impact resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a separate chin window is installed to provide downward visibility, then pilot visibility is improved, but device complexity and safety risks increase due to additional attachment points and structural vulnerabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepilot visibilityVSAvoidwindow assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the front windshield and chin window into a single integrated curved windshield structure. This eliminates the need for separate chin windows and their attachment points, reducing structural complexity while maintaining downward visibility through the curved design that wraps around the cockpit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single curved windshield serves multiple functions: it provides forward visibility like a conventional windshield, delivers downward visibility previously requiring a separate chin window, and acts as a unified structural element that reduces attachment points and potential failure points in the event of birdstrikes or crashes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Strength

If conventional attachment methods are used for the windshield, then structural integrity is maintained, but thermal expansion and external loads cause stress and potential failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield attachment strengthVSAvoidattachment reliability under thermal and load conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an elastomeric load isolator as an intermediary component between the windshield and the rigid attachment structure. This elastomeric material absorbs thermal expansion stresses and isolates external loads (such as birdstrikes) from the windshield, preventing stress concentration and potential failure while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric load isolator changes its physical parameters (such as stiffness and damping characteristics) to accommodate thermal expansion and external loads. The material's viscoelastic properties allow it to deform under stress and return to its original shape, accommodating parameter changes in the attached components without compromising attachment strength or reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If rigid attachment structures are used for the windshield, then structural support is provided, but impact forces from birdstrikes or crashes are transmitted causing shattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindshield support strengthVSAvoidimpact force transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric load isolator is installed beforehand as a cushioning element between the windshield and rigid attachment structure. In the event of birdstrikes or crashes, this elastomeric material absorbs and dissipates impact forces through deformation, preventing the transmission of concentrated impact forces to the windshield and reducing the risk of shattering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an elastomeric material that exhibits flexible, film-like behavior to create a compliant attachment interface. This flexible element deformable under impact loads, acting as a protective barrier that isolates the rigid windshield from harmful impact forces while maintaining structural support through its elastic recovery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Improves pilot visibility, safety, and structural integrity by eliminating the chin window, reducing the risk of shattering, and optimizing space usage, while providing flexibility and protection against birdstrikes through the innovative attachment mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

an elastomeric load isolator... to manage thermal expansion and external loads

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2626292B1Attahment devices for rotorcraft front windshield

Publication Date: 2015.06.03 BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON INC

Figure 1~2D
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a windshield attachment device (400) for coupling a windshield to a body includes a fastener portion (410), a bolt (430), and an elastomeric load isolator (420). The fastener portion (410) has an opening therethrough. The bolt (430) is configured to extend through the opening of the fastener portion (410) and couple the fastener portion (410) to the body. The elastomeric load isolator (420) surrounds at least a portion of the fastener portion (410) and separating the fastener portion (410) from the windshield.