General Dynamics has patented an aircraft design with an innovative APU inlet assembly that redirects sound waves away from the passenger loading zone. The system includes an inlet duct, door, and acoustic features to enhance passenger comfort during boarding. GlobalData’s report on General Dynamics gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
Smarter leaders trust GlobalData
According to GlobalData’s company profile on General Dynamics, Fuel transport marine vessels was a key innovation area identified from patents. General Dynamics's grant share as of May 2024 was 78%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Apu inlet assembly for aircraft sound wave redirection
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US12012217B2) discloses an innovative auxiliary power unit (APU) inlet assembly designed for aircraft with a main entry door and a passenger loading zone. The assembly includes an inlet duct connected to the APU, an inlet door that can move between open and closed positions, and a mechanism for redirecting sound waves integrated into the interior side of the inlet door. This feature, such as an acoustic reflector, is strategically positioned to deflect APU-generated noise away from the passenger loading zone when the door is open, enhancing passenger comfort during boarding and disembarkation.
Furthermore, the patent details variations of the APU inlet assembly, including different configurations of the acoustic reflector to redirect sound waves at specific angles relative to the aircraft's central longitudinal axis. By utilizing an acoustic reflector or diffuser, the assembly aims to minimize noise levels in the passenger loading zone, enhancing the overall passenger experience. The design considerations for the inlet assembly, such as physical dimensions of the aircraft and the inlet door, play a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of the sound wave redirection mechanism, showcasing a comprehensive approach to noise reduction in aircraft operations.
To know more about GlobalData’s detailed insights on General Dynamics, buy the report here.
Data Insights
From
The gold standard of business intelligence.
Blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology, GlobalData’s unrivalled proprietary data will enable you to decode what’s happening in your market. You can make better informed decisions and gain a future-proof advantage over your competitors.
GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
