Patent Publication Number: US-2020298952-A1

Title: Optically enhanced aircraft window

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This U.S. Non-Provisional application relies on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/822,607, filed on Mar. 22, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention concerns a construction for an aircraft window that includes an optical enhancer. The optical enhancer may be incorporated into or attached to the window to create a larger, apparent window. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
     When designing an aircraft cabin, aircraft designers address a number of comfort issues for passengers including, among them, the view afforded to passengers of the exterior environment from the aircraft cabin. 
     Constraints on the size and shape of the windows in the aircraft present challenges to aircraft designers seeking to improve comfort by providing a larger, apparent window and to provide more light to the interior of the aircraft. 
     The prior art fails to provide solutions for providing larger windows. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention seeks to address one or more of the deficiencies associated with the prior art. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention provides a window that includes a first transparent pane having a first surface and a second surface and a second transparent pane having a third surface and a fourth surface. The third surface faces the second surface and is separated from the first transparent pane by a distance. The window also includes an optical enhancer positioned at least one of between the second surface and the third surface, or adjacent to the fourth surface. The first transparent pane transmits light therethrough as a first image with a first image area. The optical enhancer receives the first image, modifies the first image, and produces a second image with a second image area larger than the first image area. 
     It is contemplated that the window also may include an intermediate region with a surface extending from the first transparent pane to the second transparent pane. If so, the optical enhancer may be disposed on the surface of the intermediate region at a position along the distance between the first transparent pane and the second transparent pane. 
     Still further, the surface of the intermediate region may include a groove in which the optical enhancer is disposed. 
     In another contemplated embodiment, the optical enhancer may be connected to the surface of the intermediate region by a fastener. Where a fastener is employed, that fastener may be an adhesive. 
     It is also contemplated that the optical enhancer may be disposed adjacent to the second surface. If so, the optical enhancer may be attached to the second surface via an adhesive. 
     In still another contemplated embodiment, the optical enhancer may be disposed adjacent to the third surface. Here, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer may be attached to the third surface via an adhesive. 
     In a further embodiment, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer may be disposed adjacent to the fourth surface. If so, the optical enhancer may be attached to the fourth surface via an adhesive. 
     It is also contemplated that the optical enhancer may be integrally formed with the first transparent pane. Specifically, the optical enhancer may be integrally formed with the second surface. 
     Alternatively, the optical enhancer may be integrally formed with the second transparent pane. If so, the optical enhancer may be integrally formed with the third surface. 
     In still another variation, the optical enhancer may be integrally formed with the fourth surface. Here, the optical enhancer may be micro-etched to produce the second image. 
     Alternatively, the optical enhancer may include at least two materials to produce the second image. 
     The optical enhancer may be a laminate. 
     The window is contemplated to be an aircraft window. 
     Still further aspects of the present invention will be made apparent from the drawings and the discussion provided below. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate various, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a graphical depiction of two conventional aircraft windows, side-by-side, taken from the perspective of a passenger within the aircraft; 
         FIG. 2  is a partial, cross-section of an aircraft window according to the prior art; 
         FIG. 3  is a graphical representation of the optical performance of the prior art aircraft window illustrated in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a graphical representation of the optical performance of the aircraft window according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a graphical depiction of two aircraft windows from the perspective of a passenger within the aircraft, providing an illustration of the aircraft window according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial, cross-section of a first embodiment of an aircraft window according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial, cross-section of a second embodiment of an aircraft window according to the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial, cross-section of a third embodiment of an aircraft window according to the present invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a partial, cross-section of a fourth embodiment of an aircraft window according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention will now be described in connection with one or more embodiments. The discussion of specific embodiments is intended to highlight the breadth and scope of the present invention without limiting the invention thereto. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that the present invention may be implemented via one or more equivalents and variations of the embodiments described herein. Those equivalents and variations are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
     In the paragraphs that follow, the present invention is described in connection with its deployment in an aircraft. While the window of the present invention is discussed in connection with an aircraft cabin, the present invention may be employed in other environments including, but not limited to, trains, cars, boats, etc. 
       FIG. 1  is a graphical illustration of two aircraft windows  10  in a side-by-side configuration typical for an aircraft cabin  12 . The windows  10  are installed in the wall  14  of the aircraft cabin  12 , permitting the passengers to view the external environment  16 . 
     Each window  10  is surrounded by a frame  18 , which is an integral part of the wall  14 . As highlighted in  FIG. 2 , the frame  18  defines a transition point from the wall  14  to an intermediate region  20  extending from the wall  14  to the transparent pane  22 . The frame  18  defines a frame opening  24  in the wall  14  that narrows down to a transparent pane opening  26 . In this example, the frame  18  and the frame opening  24  are rectangularly-shaped with rounded corners. 
     As should be apparent to those skilled in the art and as shown in  FIG. 2 , the intermediate region  20  between the frame opening  24  and the transparent pane opening  26  tapers from the wall  14  to the transparent pane  22 . As should be apparent, the intermediate region  20  forms an oblong cone around the transparent pane  22 , extending to the transparent pane  22  from the wall  14 . 
     As also illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the frame  18  circumscribes a frame area  28 . The frame  18 , therefore, defines the perimeter around the frame area  28 . Similarly, the transparent pane opening  26  circumscribes a transparent pane area  30 . As with the frame  18 , the transparent pane opening  26  defines the perimeter around the pane area  30 . As is apparent, the frame area  28  is larger than the transparent pane area  30 . 
     In  FIG. 1 , the frame opening  24  has a generally square configuration. The transparent pane opening  26  has a generally oval shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the transparent pane opening  26  has a height  32  and a width  34 . As should be apparent from  FIG. 2 , the height  32  and width  34  of the transparent pane opening are the same as or nearly the same as the opening in the fuselage  38  that accommodates the transparent pane  22 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates one construction of part of the window  10  according to the prior art. The window  10  encompasses two basic elements: (1) the transparent pane  22  that separates the aircraft cabin  14  from the external environment  16  and (2) a cabin pane  36 . Among other things, the cabin pane  36  prevents a passenger from touching the transparent pane  22 . The cabin pane  36  is separated from the transparent pane  22  by a distance  38 . 
     For the window  10 , the transparent pane  22  encompasses an inner pane  40  and an outer pane  42 . It is noted that the terms “inner” and “outer” have been selected with reference to the aircraft cabin  12  and the external environment  16 . An “inner”-facing element is one that faces the interior of the aircraft, specifically the aircraft cabin  12 . An “outer”-facing element faces the exterior of the aircraft, specifically the external environment  16 . 
     The outer pane  42  separates the external environment  16  from the aircraft cabin  12 . The inner pane  40  also separates the external environment  16  from the aircraft cabin  12 . The inner pane  40  acts as a redundant barrier between the external environment  16  and the aircraft cabin  12 . 
     The inner pane  40  and the outer pane  44  are edged by a seal  44  that is made from rubber. The seal  44  is disposed on a frame element  46  that is made from an aluminum material. The outer pane  44  includes a beveled edge  48 , which conforms to the frame element  46 . The frame element  46  connects to the fuselage  50 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the inner pane  40  is separated from the outer pane  42  by a gap  52 . The gap  52  is contemplated to contain air. 
       FIG. 3  is a graphical representation that depicts the optical performance of the window  10 . 
     Light, designated as light rays  54 ,  56 , enters into the transparent pane  22  from the external environment  16 . The light rays  54 ,  56  are transmitted through the outer pane  42 , enter into and pass through the air gap  52 , and then are transmitted through the inner pane  40  into the aircraft cabin  12 . While those skilled in the art will appreciate that the travel path of the light rays  54 ,  56  from the exterior environment  16  into the aircraft cabin  12  does not follow an unwavering straight line, the path of the light rays  52 ,  54  though the transparent pane  22  has been simplified to streamline the discussion of the present invention. 
     With respect to the window  10 , the light rays  54 ,  56  are illustrated as being separated from one another by a first distance  58 . The first distance  58  may correspond either to the height  32  or to the width  34  designated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the basic construction of a window  60  according to the present invention. The window  60  includes the transparent pane  22  and the cabin pane  36 , just as illustrated in connection with the window  10 . It is noted that the transparent pane  22  and the cabin pane  36  may differ from the construction discussed in connection with the window  10  without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In at least one respect, the window  60  differs from the prior art window  10  in that the window  60  includes an optical enhancer  62  disposed between the transparent pane  22  and the cabin pane  36  in the space defined by the distance  38 . The optical enhancer  62  enlarges the size of the image perceived by passengers in the aircraft cabin  12  by enlarging the passengers&#39; view of the external environment  16 . Specifically, the optical enhancer  62  creates a virtual image within the aircraft cabin  12  that has a size greater than the image transmitted through the transparent pane  22 . As a result, passengers within the aircraft cabin  12  perceive that the window  60  is larger than the window  10  when, in fact, the physical size of the transparent pane  22  is the same for both the window  10  and the window  60 . 
     The optical enhancer  62  is an optical element that alters the transmission of the light rays  54 ,  56  by altering them as indicated by the light rays  64 ,  66 . The paths of the light rays  54 ,  56  may be altered by refraction, for example. The altered light rays  64 ,  66  are then transmitted through the cabin pane  36  as indicated by the light rays  68 ,  70 . This results in an image measurable across a second distance  72 . As noted, the second distance  72  is larger than the first distance  58 . 
       FIG. 5  is a graphical representation of two windows  60  disposed, side-by-side, in an aircraft.  FIG. 5  parallels  FIG. 1  and highlights the difference between the window  60  of the present invention and the window  10  of the prior art. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the transparent pane opening  26  is smaller than a virtual image perimeter  73 , which circumscribes the modified image transmitted through the optical enhancer  62 . Similar to the transparent pane opening  26 , the virtual image perimeter  73  has a virtual height  74  and a virtual width  76 . With reference to the two-dimensional representation in  FIG. 4 , the second distance  72  may be either the virtual height  74  and/or the virtual width  76 . For completeness, the virtual image perimeter  73  circumscribes a virtual image area  78 . The virtual image area  78  is larger than the transparent pane area  30 . 
     As should be apparent, the transparent pane area  30  is consistent with an unmodified image area transmitted through the transparent pane  22 . Consistent with the discussion herein, the unmodified image area  30  is smaller than the virtual image area  78 . 
       FIG. 6  provides a partial, cross-section of a first embodiment of a window  80  according to the present invention that incorporates the optical enhancer  62  at a position between the transparent pane  22  and the cabin pane  36 . In this embodiment, the optical enhancer  62  is attached to surface  82  of the intermediate region  20  via an adhesive  84 . As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, the optical enhancer  62  may be attached to the surface  82  via any other suitable connection. For example, the surface  82  may be provided with a groove that accommodates the optical enhancer  62 . In another contemplated embodiment, the optical enhancer  62  may be connected to the intermediate region  20  via ultrasonic welding, an interference fit, fasteners, etc., as should be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 7  provides a partial, cross-section of a second embodiment of a window  86  according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the optical enhancer  62  is connected to the outer surface  88  of the cabin pane  36  via an adhesive  90 . As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, the optical enhancer  62  may be attached to the outer surface  88  via any other suitable connection without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  may be formed as an integral component of the cabin pane  36 . 
       FIG. 8  provides a partial, cross-section of a second embodiment of a window  86  according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the optical enhancer  62  is connected to the inner surface  94  of the cabin pane  36  via an adhesive  96 . As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, the optical enhancer  62  may be attached to the inner surface  94  via any other suitable connection without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  may be formed as an integral component of the cabin pane  36 . 
     For the window  86 , it is noted that the cabin pane  36  is inset from the frame opening  24  to accommodate the thickness of the optical enhancer  62  and the adhesive  96 . This construction is not required to practice the present invention, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
       FIG. 9  provides a partial, cross-section of a second embodiment of a window  98  according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the optical enhancer  62  is connected to the inner surface  100  of the transparent pane  22  via an adhesive  102 . As should be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, the optical enhancer  62  may be attached to the inner surface  100  via any other suitable connection without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  may be formed as an integral component of the transparent pane  22 . 
     With renewed reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the optical enhancer  62  is contemplated to be positioned in relation to the transparent pane  22  so that the virtual image area  78  is larger than the transparent pane area  30 . As such, the virtual image perimeter  73  is contemplated to surround (i.e., lie outside of) the transparent pane opening  26 . And, with reference to the first distance  58  and the second distance  72 , the second distance  72  is larger than the first distance  58 . Thus, a passenger within the aircraft cabin  12  will perceive that the window  60  has a larger opening size, because the virtual image area  78  is larger than the transparent pane area  30 . 
     The optical enhancer  62  is contemplated to encompass any of a wide variety of optical devices capable of altering light transmission therethrough so that a larger image is produced thereby. The optical enhancer  62  may be a lens, for example. The lens may incorporate a structure that produces an enlarged image of the external environment  18 . More specifically, the optical enhancer  62  is contemplated incorporate micro-etchings on one or both surfaces that are designed to produce a virtual image having the virtual image area  78 . 
     It is also contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  may occupy as small a thickness as practicable. Not only is this desirable from a visual standpoint, but it is the object of aircraft designers to add as little weight to an aircraft as possible. As a result, thinner, lighter components are always preferred, where possible. It is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  will follow these design guidelines as well. 
     Here, the optical enhancer  62  may be a thin sheet or film that is positioned in relation to the transparent pane  22 . While it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  will be made from a suitable plastic, polycarbonate, or other polymeric compound, the present invention should not be understood to be limited solely to these materials. To the contrary, the optical enhancer  62  may be constructed from glass, crystal, transparent oxides, and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention. Still further, the optical enhancer  62  may be a composite material. 
     Still further, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  will be made from a single material. However, the optical enhancer  62  may be made from a combination of several materials without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, if the optical enhancer  62  is constructed as a composite material, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  may be made of a number of layers of different materials that are laminated together. Still further, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  may comprise multiple layers that are not laminated together but are stacked atop one another. 
     As should be apparent from  FIGS. 6, 7, and 9 , it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  may be positioned at any location along the distance  38  between the inner surface  100  of the transparent pane  22  and the outer surface  88  of the cabin pane  36 . And, as shown in  FIG. 8 , it is also contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  may be affixed to the inner surface  94  of the cabin pane  36 . 
     It is believed that the embodiments  6 ,  7 , and  9  are likely to be the most desirable of the embodiments described herein for the simple reason that it may be prudent to separate the optical enhancer  62  from passengers. Specifically, it is possible that the optical enhancer  62  may be damaged (e.g., by scratching) by a passenger during the operational lifetime of the aircraft. Therefore, to prevent damage to the optical enhancer  62 , it is likely that the optical enhancer  62  will be positioned between the transparent pane  22  and the cabin pane  36 . And, for simplicity, it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  will be disposed at a point along the distance  38  between the transparent pane  22  and the cabin pane  36 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
     With renewed reference to  FIGS. 6-9 , the following additional definitions are provided. The transparent pane  22  has a first surface  104  and a second surface  106 . The first surface  104  faces the external environment  16 . The second surface  106  faces the aircraft cabin  12 . The cabin pane  36 , which also is transparent, has a third surface  108  and a fourth surface  110 . The third surface  108  faces the external environment  16  and the second surface  106  of the transparent pane  22 . The fourth surface  110  faces the aircraft cabin  12 . The fourth surface  110  may be touched by the passengers in the aircraft cabin  12 . 
     As discussed, the optical enhancer  62  is contemplated to be an element that is separate from the transparent pane  22  and the cabin pane  36 . However, as noted, the optical enhancer  62  may be integrally formed as a part of the transparent pane  22  and/or the cabin pane  36 . If the optical enhancer  62  is formed as a part of the transparent pane  22 , it is contemplated that the optical enhancer  62  will be integrally formed as a part of the second surface  106 , such as by micro-etching of the second surface. If the optical enhancer  62  is formed as a part of the cabin pane  36 , the optical enhancer is contemplated to be integrally formed as a part of the third and/or fourth surfaces  108 ,  110 , also by microetching. Still further, the optical enhancer  62  may be incorporated as a part of the transparent pane  22  and/or the cabin pane  36  as required or desired. 
     As indicated above, the present invention may be implemented in any of a number of configurations without departing from the scope thereof. Any and all equivalents and variations that should be apparent to those skilled in the art are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.