Flow-efficient, static pressure-shielding, fire-resistant decompression panel assembly

Abstract

A decompression panel assembly ( ) for use in an aircraft separation structure ( ). The panel assembly includes a support pan ( ) having an opening ( ), a bull nose ( ) extending outwardly from the support pan at the opening's edge, and a recess ( ) surrounding the bull nose. An inner seal ( ) is sized and located within the recess ( ). A retaining ring ( ) is provided and includes a number of fingers ( ) formed from spaced-apart slits ( ) extending into the retaining ring ( ) from the ring's inner edge. The assembly ( ) further includes a pressure relief panel ( ) shaped similar to the support pan opening shape, though sized slightly larger. The pressure relief panel ( ) is held between the support pan bull nose ( ) and the retaining ring ( ) during non-decompression use. A number of index pins ( ) interconnect between the retaining ring and the support pan. A grill ( ) is attached to the support pan to protect the pressure relief panel. During a rapid decompression event, the retaining ring fingers ( ) flex slightly to reduce the holding force applied to the pressure relief panel ( ), thus allowing the pressure relief panel to quickly and entirely detach from the panel assembly ( ).