U.S. patent application number 14/276549 was filed with the patent office on 2015-11-19 for window assemblies.
This patent application is currently assigned to GOODRICH CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is Goodrich Corporation. Invention is credited to Steven Podyma, William Zmek.
Application Number | 20150330136 14/276549 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54328148 |
Filed Date | 2015-11-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150330136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Podyma; Steven ; et
al. |
November 19, 2015 |
WINDOW ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
A flexure ring for a window assembly includes a continuous
annular portion and a segmented portion. The continuous annular
portion defines a ring axis. The segmented portion defines a
plurality of circumferential segments. The continuous annular
portion is connected to each circumferential segment by a
respective neck. Each neck extends from the continuous annular
portion to a respective one of the circumferential segments. The
continuous annular portion, the segmented portion and the necks are
configured to circumscribe a window pane.
Inventors: |
Podyma; Steven; (New
Milford, CT) ; Zmek; William; (Bethlehem,
CT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Goodrich Corporation |
Charlotte |
NC |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
GOODRICH CORPORATION
Charlotte
NC
|
Family ID: |
54328148 |
Appl. No.: |
14/276549 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/204.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64C 1/1492 20130101;
E06B 1/36 20130101; E06B 1/68 20130101; E06B 1/006 20130101; E06B
1/26 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E06B 1/26 20060101
E06B001/26; B64C 1/14 20060101 B64C001/14; E06B 1/36 20060101
E06B001/36 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] This invention was made with government support under
contract number W9089-34082 awarded by the U.S. Department of
Defense. The government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1-6. (canceled)
7. A window assembly comprising: a window pane having opposed top
and bottom surfaces and an outer periphery; and a flexure ring
defining a ring axis and mounted to the outer periphery of the
window pane for providing the window pane with substantial
isolation from vehicle induced loads, wherein the flexure ring
includes a continuous portion and a segmented portion defining a
plurality of circumferential segments, wherein the continuous
portion is connected to each circumferential segment by a
respective a neck, wherein each neck extends from the continuous
portion in a substantially axial direction with respect to the ring
axis to a respective one of the circumferential segments, wherein a
circumferential dimension of each neck is less than a
circumferential dimension of its respective circumferential
segment, and wherein each circumferential segment extends away from
and is aligned with the continuous portion in an axial direction
parallel to the ring axis.
8. A window assembly as recited in claim 7, further comprising an
elastomeric material between the outer periphery of the window pane
and the flexure ring.
9. (canceled)
10. A window assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein each
circumferential segment has an inner diameter surface and an outer
diameter surface, wherein the inner diameter surface is secured to
the window pane.
11. A window assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein the continuous
portion of the flexure ring has an inner diameter surface and an
outer diameter surface, wherein the outer diameter surface is
secured to a frame.
12. A window assembly as recited in claim 7, wherein an adhesive
layer is disposed on an inner diameter surface of each
circumferential segment.
13. A window assembly as recited in claim 12, wherein the adhesive
layer is segmented to correspond to each circumferential
segment.
14. A window assembly as recited in claim 7, further comprising an
intermediary ring mounted radially between the outer periphery of
the window pane and the flexure ring.
15. A window assembly as recited in claim 14, wherein each
circumferential segment has an inner diameter surface and an outer
diameter surface, wherein the inner diameter surface is secured to
an outer diameter surface of the intermediary ring.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates to window assemblies, and
more particularly to window assemblies such as those that require
specific optical performance for use in applications that can
impose stress, such as in the exterior of aircraft, other vehicles,
and environmental test chambers.
[0004] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0005] Windows installed on vehicles need to be durable but also
meet stringent optical and mechanical requirements depending on the
intended application. A traditional window assembly includes a
window substrate cemented into a frame using a compliant adhesive,
such as a room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) material. The RTV bond
provides isolation of the window from environmental loads. The
portions of loads that are not absorbed by the RTV bond layer can
be transmitted to the window and can cause stress and strain in the
window substrate. Stress and strain can alter a window's optical
properties. As a result, traditional window assemblies can have
variable optical and mechanical performance depending on forces
acting on the vehicle housing them.
[0006] Such conventional methods and systems have generally been
considered satisfactory for their intended purposes. However, there
is still a need in the art for improved window assemblies. The
present disclosure provides a solution for this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A flexure ring for a window assembly includes a continuous
annular portion and a segmented portion. The continuous annular
portion defines a ring axis. The segmented portion defines a
plurality of circumferential segments. The continuous annular
portion is connected to each circumferential segment by a
respective neck. Each neck extends from the continuous annular
portion to a respective one of the circumferential segments. The
continuous annular portion, the segmented portion and the necks are
configured to circumscribe a window pane.
[0008] Each neck can extend from the continuous annular portion in
a substantially axial direction with respect to the ring axis,
and/or at an angle with respect to the ring axis, e.g. in a
cantilevered fashion. The circumferential dimension of each neck
can be less than the circumferential dimension of its respective
circumferential segment. Each circumferential segment, respective
necks and continuous annular portion can have substantially similar
inner diameters when in a relaxed state. The radially outer extent
of the continuous annular portion can be greater than the radially
outer extent of the segmented portion and the necks when in a
relaxed state.
[0009] A window assembly includes a window pane and a flexure ring.
The window pane has opposed top and bottom surfaces and an outer
periphery. The flexure ring defines a ring axis and is mounted to
the outer periphery of the window pane for providing the window
pane with substantial isolation from vehicle induced loads.
[0010] The window assembly can include an elastomeric material
between the outer periphery of the window pane and the flexure
ring. Each circumferential segment can have an inner diameter
surface and an outer diameter surface. The inner diameter surface
can be secured to the window pane. The continuous portion of the
flexure ring has an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter
surface, wherein the outer diameter surface is secured to a frame.
An adhesive layer can be disposed on an inner diameter surface of
each circumferential segment. The adhesive layer can be segmented
to correspond to each circumferential segment.
[0011] The window assembly can also include an intermediary ring
mounted radially between the outer periphery of the window pane and
the flexure ring. Each circumferential segment can have an inner
diameter surface and an outer diameter surface. The inner diameter
surface can be secured to an outer diameter surface of the
intermediary ring.
[0012] These and other features of the systems and methods of the
subject disclosure will become more readily apparent to those
skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] So that those skilled in the art to which the subject
disclosure appertains will readily understand how to make and use
the devices and methods of the subject disclosure without undue
experimentation, preferred embodiments thereof will be described in
detail herein below with reference to certain figures, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
window assembly constructed in accordance with the present
disclosure showing the window pane, the flexure ring, the
intermediary ring and the frame;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of
the window assembly of FIG. 1, showing the continuous annular
portion and the segmented portion of the flexure ring;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of
the window assembly of FIG. 1, showing the circumferential segments
of the flexure ring with the frame removed;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
flexure ring constructed in accordance with the present disclosure
showing the continuous annular portion and the segmented
portion;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of
the flexure ring of FIG. 4, showing the continuous annular portion,
the segmented portion, and the necks;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of
another exemplary embodiment of a window assembly constructed in
accordance with the present disclosure, showing the continuous
annular portion and the segmented portion of the flexure ring;
and
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of
the window assembly of FIG. 6, showing the flexure ring secured to
the frame.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like
reference numerals identify similar structural features or aspects
of the subject disclosure. For purposes of explanation and
illustration, and not limitation, a perspective view of an
exemplary embodiment of a window assembly accordance with the
disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 and is designated generally by
reference character 100. The systems and methods described herein
can be used in windows for vehicles, or for mirrors, lenses or
windows in any other suitable optical instrument, for example, to
provide isolation from loads transmitted through the frame while
maintaining out-of-plane stiffness.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 1 window assembly 100 includes a window
pane 102, a flexure ring 104, an intermediary ring 106 and a frame
108. Intermediary ring 106 is mounted between the outer periphery
of window pane 102 and an inner periphery of flexure ring 104.
Flexure ring 104 defines a ring axis A. Window pane 102, flexure
ring 104, and intermediary ring 106 are all mounted within frame
108. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that flexure
ring 104 can provide window pane 102 with substantial isolation
from loads transmitted through the frame. It is also contemplated
that the flexure ring 104 tends to allow for greater isolation from
environmental loads as compared with traditional window assemblies
while allowing the continued use of traditional thin RTV bonds or
even eliminating the traditional RTV bond entirely. Those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that there can be a trade-off
between RTV bonds and out-of-plane stiffness, e.g. a thicker RTV
bond tends to provide greater isolation from in-plane loads, but
reduced out-of-plane stiffness.
[0023] Now with reference to FIG. 2, window pane 102 has opposed
top and bottom surfaces, 112 and 114, respectively, and an outer
periphery 116. Flexure ring 104 includes a continuous annular
portion 118 and a segmented portion 120. Continuous annular portion
118 defines a circumferential channel 122 separating an inner
diameter flange 124 and an outer diameter flange 126. Continuous
portion 118 of flexure ring 104 has an inner diameter surface 144
and an outer diameter surface 146. Inner diameter surface 144 is
proximate to intermediary ring 106. Outer diameter surface 146 is
secured to frame 108 with an adhesive, e.g. an elastomeric
material, such as a RTV material. Those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that while flexure ring 104 is described herein
as being affixed to frame 108 using an adhesive, a mechanical
fastening method, or any other suitable fastening method can be
used.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, an elastomeric material 110, such as a
RTV material, is disposed between the outer periphery of window
pane 102 and intermediary ring 106. Segmented portion 120 defines
circumferential segments 128. Continuous annular portion 118 is
connected to each circumferential segment 128 by a respective neck
130. Necks 130 extend from the inner diameter flange 124 in a
substantially axial direction with respect to ring axis A. It is
also contemplated that necks 130 can extend from inner diameter
flange 124 at an angle with respect to ring axis A, e.g. in a
cantilevered fashion in a radially inward and/or outward
direction.
[0025] With continued reference to FIG. 3, continuous annular
portion 118, segmented portion 120, and necks 130 all circumscribe
intermediary ring 106, and in turn, window pane 102. Continuous
annular portion 118, segmented portion 120, and necks 130 can be
tuned to achieve a desired stiffness in the radial, tangential and
hoop directions, e.g. necks 130 and circumferential segments 128
can be thicker or thinner, longer or shorter, narrower or wider,
and/or any other suitable shape depending on what is suitable for a
given application and the expected operating conditions of window
102. For example, necks 130, continuous annular portion 118, and/or
circumferential segments 128 can be thicker at the ends and thinner
in the middle, and/or thinner on the ends and thicker in the
middle. In other words, necks 130, continuous annular portion 118,
and/or circumferential segments 128 can be shaped depending on the
desired stiffness/compliance, natural frequency, peak stress,
optical distortion of window pane 102, and the like. The individual
circumferential segments 128 and their respective necks 130 tend to
provide more isolation from in-plane environmental loads without
detrimentally increasing out-of-plane compliance (motion). Further,
those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the number of
circumferential segments 128 making up the segmented portion 120
can vary depending on the number required for a given
application.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, circumferential segments 128
have an inner diameter surface 132 and an outer diameter surface
134. Inner diameter surfaces 132 of circumferential segments 128
are secured to an outer diameter surface 142 of intermediary ring
106 with an adhesive 148, such as a RTV material, other fastening
means, or the like. Intermediary ring 106 can tend to provide
additional attenuation of loads transmitted from the external
environment to window pane 102. In an alternate embodiment,
intermediary ring 106 is omitted and inner diameter surface 132 is
secured to window pane 102 with an elastomeric material 110, e.g. a
RTV material, or other adhesive or fastening means. Those skilled
in the art will also appreciate that while inner diameter surfaces
132 of circumferential segments 128 are shown and described herein
as being secured to either outer diameter surface 142 of
intermediary ring 106 or window pane 102 with an adhesive, inner
diameter surfaces 132 can be secured with a mechanical fastening
method, or any other suitable fastening method.
[0027] Circumferential segments 128 can be sized for optimal stress
distribution in the adhesive regions, e.g. between inner diameter
surface 132 of circumferential segments 128 and outer diameter
surface 142 of intermediary ring 106, for example. In other words,
the shape and size of each circumferential segment 128 dictates the
stress distribution in the adhesive layer, e.g. adhesive 148, and
also its stiffness. The shape and size of circumferential segments
128 can also effect the performance of window assembly 100, as a
whole, for example, it can vary the natural frequency, bond
strength, and ultimately the optical performance. It is
contemplated that flexure ring 104 can be mounted to frame 108,
intermediary ring 106, and/or window pane 102 in a strain-free
state. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
mounting in a strain-free state means, for example, assembling an
optomechanical assembly where the critical optical and mechanical
reference surfaces are aligned by use fixtures, then a suitable
adhesive material, such as RTV or epoxy, is injected between
desired mating surfaces while the parts are in a non-strained, or
at-rest, condition.
[0028] With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, an adhesive layer
148, e.g. a RTV material, is disposed on inner diameter surfaces
132 of each circumferential segment 128. Adhesive layer 148 can be
continuous or segmented as shown, either partially or entirely, to
correspond to each circumferential segment 128. For example, it is
contemplated that adhesive layer 148 can be continuous along outer
diameter surface 142 of intermediary ring 106, and/or can be
continuous along outer diameter surface 142 of intermediary ring
106 but include scores in adhesive layer 148 between each
respective circumferential segment to partially segment adhesive
layer 148. Segmentation of adhesive layer 148, partially or
entirely, tends to provide additional isolation between each
circumferential segment 128 and provides for an expansion area for
a substantially incompressible adhesive layer 148, e.g. a RTV
material, under load conditions.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, a circumferential dimension B of each
neck 130 is smaller than a circumferential dimension C of
respective circumferential segments 128. Circumferential segments
128, necks 130, and continuous annular portion 118 have
substantially similar inner diameters when in a relaxed state. A
radially outer extent of continuous annular portion 118 is greater
than a radially outer extent of segmented portion 120 and necks 130
when in a relaxed state. Variance between circumferential dimension
B and circumferential dimension C can operate to produce compliance
in the lateral direction, e.g. in a plane parallel to top and
bottom surfaces, 112 and 114, respectively, and in the hoop
direction. The thickness of flexure ring 104 and window pane 102,
in the axial direction with respect to ring axis A, can be
substantially the same, tending to provide a compact window
assembly design.
[0030] With reference now to FIG. 6, another embodiment of a window
assembly 200 is shown. Window assembly 200 includes a window pane
202, an elastomeric material 210, an intermediary ring 206, and a
frame 208, similar to window pane 102, elastomeric material 110,
intermediary ring 106 and frame 108, described above. Window
assembly 200 includes a flexure ring 204 that includes
circumferential segments 228, similar to circumferential segments
128, described above. Inner diameter surfaces 232 of
circumferential segments 228 are secured to an outer diameter
surface 242 of intermediary ring 206 with an adhesive layer 248,
such as a RTV material, other fastening means, as described above,
except that adhesive layer 248 is in a continuous ring around outer
diameter surface 242. Although continuous, it is contemplated that
adhesive layer 248 can include scores, indicated schematically by
the dashed line, between each respective circumferential segment
228 to partially or entirely segment adhesive layer 248.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 7, window assembly 200 includes a flexure
ring 204, similar to flexure ring 204 described above, except that
a continuous annular portion 218 of flexure ring 204 does not
include opposing flanges. Instead, continuous annular portion 218
of flexure ring includes an inner diameter surface 244 and an outer
diameter surface 246. Inner diameter surface 244 is proximate to an
outer diameter surface 242 of intermediary ring 206. Outer diameter
surface 246 is secured to frame 208 with an adhesive 248, e.g. an
elastomeric material, such as a RTV material, described above.
[0032] With reference now to FIGS. 1-7, loads from frames 108 and
208 are distributed to their respective flexure rings 104 and 204
and then to their respective window panes 102 and 202 via
respective necks 130 and 230 and circumferential segments 128 and
228 of the flexure rings 104 and 204. The in-plane compliance of
necks 130 and 230 and circumferential segments 128 and 228 in the
radial, tangential and hoop directions allows for loads imposed on
a given point on their respective window panes 102 and 202 to be at
least partially absorbed through respective necks 130 and 230 and
circumferential segments 128 and 228, e.g. necks 130 and 230 and
circumferential segments 128 and 228 on a side of respective window
panes 102 and 202 opposite that of the applied loads. It is
contemplated this this absorption reduces the in-plane stress and
strain experienced by window pane 102. In addition, as described
above, use of intermediary rings 106 and 206 can provide additional
absorption of in-plane, as well as, out-of-plane environmental
loads. In traditional window assemblies, the bond layer, e.g.
elastomeric material 110, can be sized to provide both
athermalization and mechanical isolation. In some cases, this can
tend to lead to very thick bond layers, e.g. elastomeric material
110 and 210, which can tend to increase out-of plane compliance.
The use of intermediary rings 106 and 206 can allow elastomeric
material 110 and 210 to be sized primarily for athermalization,
allowing a thinner bond layer while flexure rings 104 and 204 can
be designed for other isolating other loads.
[0033] The methods and systems of the present disclosure, as
described above and shown in the drawings, provide for window
assemblies with superior properties including improved isolation
from vehicle induced loads while maintaining out-of-plane
stiffness. While the apparatus and methods of the subject
disclosure have been shown and described with reference to
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that changes and/or modifications may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject
disclosure.
* * * * *