Reinforced cover for cut-outs in an aeordynamic contour

Abstract

Reinforced cover for cut-outs in an aerodynamic contour of a vehicle, with a first attachment section 1a attachable to a structural element (2,5) of the vehicle (11); a second elastic section 1c which covers the cut-out (4) which is located between a fixed part 5 and a moving part (6, 12) of the vehicle (11), and provided with a low-friction layer (8) on its inner surface (1e), which comprises a first area (1i) in a rectangular configuration and a second area (1j) with a second cross-section smaller than that of the first area (1i); an outer surface (1k) with a fiberglass layer (7a); a main internal body (9) of a flexible material, a transition section (1g) thickened between the first and the second section, (1a, 1c); flushing the outer surface (1k) of the second section (1c) with the outer surface (5a).

Description

RELATED APPLICATION [0001] The present application claims priority from Spanish Application Serial No. 200403162, filed on Dec. 31, 2004. Applicants claim priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 as to said Spanish application, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHINCAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention pertains to the field of the covers used for covering recesses, hollows and / or cut-outs which affect the aerodynamic properties of outer surfaces of vehicles such as aircraft and high-speed trains. This invention is particularly encompassed within the sector of the covers used for covering cut-outs located between the surface of a moving element and the surface of a fixed element on such a vehicle. PRIOR ART TO THE INVENTION [0003] On high-speed vehicles such as aircraft and high-speed trains, there are moving elements articulated to fixed elements, between which there are cut-outs in the aerodynamic contour, located in the ar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0018] The areas which require maximum reinforcement are usually the first section and the adjacent section, given that, on one hand, the first section is the area by which the cover is attached, in other words, for attaching the cover to the fixed structural element of the vehicle, whilst the adjacent area which includes the aforementioned transition plane, is the area which includes the bending axis of the second section with regard to the first plane and, therefore, is subjected to continuous bending stress. Therefore, the thickness of the fiberglass layer at the second section preferably decreases in direction towards the free end of the second section and, more preferably, the thickness of the fiberglass layer in the aforementioned adjacent area decreases progressively from the transition section towards the free end of the second section. In the other areas of the cover, the fiberglass layer is thinner, which makes it possible to reduce the total weight of the cover, which is especially important in aircraft.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the cover of the present invention especially useful on aircraft and, particularly for covering the openings on the elevators of the type described hereinabove, the first section which forms the attachment tab is stage-shaped for bolting it to a structural element such as a metal or carbon fiber panel, with a bevel on its inner surface for positioning the stage. The rigidity of this tab, achieved with greater thicknesses of the fiberglass layer, allows it to be mechanized in the vicinity of the turning fittings, so that interferences are avoided and integration thereof into the structure is possible. Likewise it affords the possibility of attachment elements to be mounted thereat, such as rivetable nuts, as a result of which no additional metal section is needed for reinforcing the attachment, as would usually be used for preventing rips in the cloth-reinforced seals. This alternative is suitable in cases in which it is desired to uninstall the seal without the need of accessing the interior of the structure, as the seal itself retains the nut without any need of using a spanner, which could be necessary for making inspections of the assembly of fittings supporting the moving aerodynamic surface. The tab can also take a catch made directly by a bolt, nut and washer.

Problems solved by technology

On high-speed vehicles such as aircraft and high-speed trains, there are moving elements articulated to fixed elements, between which there are cut-outs in the aerodynamic contour, located in the areas in which a surface is attached to a primary adjacent structure which negatively affect the aerodynamic contour of the vehicle.

The sealing of these cut-outs, which may be large in size, is necessary for the purpose of reducing the structural or parasitic drag of the vehicle and so as not to affect the aerodynamic efficiency of the surface, given that the dimensions of such cut-outs may generate unanticipated behaviors in the flow of air circulating around the vehicle.

This problem is especially important for aircraft.

On returning to the cruising position, these cut-outs remain open outward, thus giving rise to aerodynamic problems consisting, on one hand, in the possibility of unanticipated behaviors of the vehicle and, on the other, in larger fuel consumption.

As the internal (non-aerodynamic) elements is exposed, the air current may be deflected, which may give rise to the aforementioned unanticipated behaviors in the airflow.

Although these seals are capable of withstanding major deflections, their lack of reinforcement may lead, under certain conditions, such as, for example at high cruising speeds, to a flapping of the tongue, thus reducing its efficiency and being able to cause a negative effect on the aerodynamics.

In addition thereto, in the movements in which the friction against the moving surface tends to contract the seal, blockages may occur, especially if there are deposits of grime.

A second type of seal is a tongue-shaped seal with internal cloth reinforcement, covered with low-friction polyester fabric, which, although it improves the negative aspects of the non-reinforced tongue-shaped seals, has the drawback of the reinforcement provided by the cloth is not sufficient to reduce the aforementioned flapping to desired levels.

A third type of seals is the tongue-shaped seal with integrated plastic or metal reinforcement, covered with low-friction fabric, which, although having a suitable rigidity, needs an auxiliary structure for supporting the seal, so that, although they provide a positive solution to the aerodynamic problems, are of an unacceptable structural weight.

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