Electro-optic window assembly EMI shield

• US 9,403,590 B2
• Filed: 07/22/2014
• Issued: 08/02/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/26/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Original Assignee: Gentex Corporation
• Inventors: Driscoll, David I., Busscher, Bradley L., Ash, Kevin L., LeVesque, Andrew J., Teune, James E., Kemperman, Christian M., Theiste, David A., Mitchell, Andrew T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ben, Loha
• Application Number:
  US14/338,070
• Publication Number:
  US 20150029574A1
• Time in Patent Office: 742 Days
• Field of Search: 359/265, 359/267, 359/275, 359/871, 359/872, 348/77, 348/78, 348/148, 362/494, 294/28
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 1/088 using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/14 Windows; Doors; Hatch covers or access panels; Surrounding frame structures; Canopies; Windscreens accessories therefor, e.g. pressure sensors, water deflectors, hinges, seals, handles, latches, windscreen wipersfairings movable in conjunction with undercarriage elements B64C25/16; bomb doors B64D1/06
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/1484 Windows B64C1/1492 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B64C 1/1492 Structure and mounting of the transparent elements in the window or windscreen
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/153 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/1533 structural features not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 9/0005 Shielded windows
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining

Abstract

An aircraft window foam mounting assembly having an exterior pressure pane frame including an inner surface and an outer surface. A pressure pane is in abutting contact with the inner surface of the exterior pressure pane frame. A foam bezel is proximate a periphery of the pressure pane and defines an inner opening. The foam bezel includes an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall includes a channel. An electrochromic element is disposed in the opening and is configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall. An electrically conductive member is operably coupled to the foam bezel and extends from the inner wall to the outer wall.

Claims

1. An aircraft window foam mounting assembly comprising:

an exterior pressure pane frame including an inner surface and an outer surface;

a pressure pane in abutting contact with the inner surface of the exterior pressure pane frame;

a foam bezel proximate a periphery of the pressure pane and defining an inner opening, the foam bezel including an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall includes a channel;

an electrochromic element disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall; and

an electrically conductive member operably coupled to the foam bezel and extending from the inner wall to the outer wall.

2. The aircraft window foam mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member extends through the foam bezel.

3. The aircraft window foam mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member wraps around the foam bezel.

4. The aircraft window foam mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member abuts the pressure pane.

5. The aircraft window foam mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member is at least partially covered by a coating.

6. The aircraft window foam mounting assembly of claim 1, wherein a portion of the electrically conductive member wraps around a portion of the electrochromic element.

7. A window mounting assembly comprising:

a bezel defining an inner opening and including an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall includes a channel;

an electrochromic element disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall; and

an electrically conductive member operably coupled to the bezel and extending from the inner wall to the outer wall.

8. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive member extends through the bezel and separates a first portion of the bezel from a second portion of the bezel.

9. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein a portion of the electrically conductive member wraps around an edge of the electrochromic element.

10. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive member includes a multitude of particles interspersed throughout the bezel.

11. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive member is at least partially formed from a flexible metal mesh.

12. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive member is at least partially formed from a thin metal sheet.

13. The window mounting assembly of claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive member is disposed on only one side of the electrochromic element.

14. A method for making an aircraft window foam mounting assembly comprising:

forming an exterior pressure pane frame including an inner surface and an outer surface;

abutting a pressure pane with the inner surface of the exterior pressure pane frame;

positioning a foam bezel proximate a periphery of the pressure pane, the foam bezel defining an inner opening and including an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall includes a channel;

inserting an electrochromic element into the channel of the inner wall; and

coupling an electrically conductive member to the foam bezel that extends from the inner wall to the outer wall.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

wrapping a portion of the electrically conductive member around a portion of the electrochromic element.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

dispersing a multitude of particles throughout the bezel to form the electrically conductive member.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising:

wrapping the bezel with a sleeve of conductive material to form the electrically conductive member.

18. An aircraft window foam mounting assembly comprising:

an exterior pressure pane frame including an inner surface and an outer surface;

a pressure pane in abutting contact with the inner surface of the exterior pressure pane frame;

a bezel proximate a periphery of the pressure pane and defining an inner opening, the bezel including an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall includes a channel;

an electrochromic element disposed in the opening and configured for reception in the channel of the inner wall; and

a light limiting insert operably coupled to the bezel and extending from the inner wall to the outer wall, wherein the light limiting insert substantially decreases light infiltration through the bezel.

19. The aircraft window foam mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein an electrically conductive member wraps around a portion of the electrochromic element.

20. The aircraft window foam mounting assembly of claim 18, wherein an electrically conductive member extends through the bezel and separates a first portion of the bezel from a second portion of the bezel.