Aircraft Windshield Moisture Sensor for Delamination Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft windshields face reduced operational efficiency and potential failure due to moisture ingress between laminated layers, leading to delamination and damage to conductive coatings, which can result in emergency maintenance needs if not monitored effectively.
Innovation Solution
Integration of moisture sensors between the layers or between the layers and the moisture seal in laminated windshields, utilizing an electrolyte member between electrodes to measure electrical properties and determine moisture levels, providing real-time feedback on the health status of the window system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If moisture seals are used to prevent moisture ingress, then reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because moisture ingress cannot be detected until damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture sensor is installed between the laminate layers during manufacturing, positioned to detect moisture ingress at the seal interface before it causes delamination or damage to conductive coatings. This preliminary positioning enables early detection and scheduled maintenance rather than emergency repairs.
Solution Approach 2:
A moisture sensor acts as an intermediary detection device between the moisture seal and the laminate layers. The sensor includes a moisture-sensitive element that changes electrical properties when exposed to moisture, providing measurable signals before structural damage occurs.
2Measurement precision
If moisture sensors are integrated between laminate layers, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture sensor is merged with the laminate structure by positioning it between existing layers during manufacturing. The sensor electrodes are connected to circuit boards through the laminate assembly, combining the sealing function, structural function, and moisture detection function into a single integrated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture sensor serves multiple functions: detecting moisture ingress, providing early warning before damage occurs, enabling scheduled maintenance, and monitoring the health of the windshield assembly. The same sensor structure integrates electrical detection capabilities within the laminate without requiring separate monitoring systems.
3Reliability
If real-time moisture monitoring is implemented, then reliability is improved, but use of energy worsens due to continuous sensor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture sensor is a passive device that detects moisture through changes in its own electrical properties (capacitance or resistance) when exposed to moisture. The sensor does not require active power consumption for detection, as moisture naturally alters the electrical characteristics of the sensor element, enabling energy-efficient continuous monitoring.
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
Enables scheduled maintenance by monitoring moisture ingress, preventing permanent deterioration of the windshield and reducing the risk of electrical failures, thus extending the service life and maintaining visibility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The moisture sensor includes an electrolyte member between a first electrode and a second electrode wherein the electrolyte material is in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes
Implementation Method 2
the electrolyte material is in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes and maintains the first and the second electrodes spaced from one another and out of the surface contact with one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more moisture sensors to monitor moisture penetration to monitor performance of the moisture barrier. At least one of the moisture sensors includes an electrolyte between and in ionic contact with two electrically conductive electrodes. Measuring the potential between the first and second electrode and/or the current through the electrodes to determine the amount of moisture within the laminated windshield in the area of the moisture sensor. With the information provided by the moisture sensors performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.