Arched horizontal pressure deck to rear spar gutter

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arched horizontal pressure deck to rear spar gutter, and in particular to an arched gutter that can be used to direct moisture within an aircraft, the arched gutter can include an arched web including a plurality of laterally spaced arches. The plurality of laterally spaced arches impart flexibility to the arched gutter so that the arched gutter has increased resistance to fatigue cracking and other wear and damage caused, for example, by parasitic loads caused by high bending strains transmitted to the arched gutter by the wing to which the arched gutter is attached during operation of the aircraft. Aircraft sections and aircraft including the arched gutter are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present teachings relate to the field of aircraft and other watercraft and, more particularly, to the control of moisture and water in aircraft and other watercraft. Background Art

[0002] During the working life of an aircraft, moisture must be carefully collected, guided and otherwise controlled to prevent potential problems such as corrosion. In commercial airliners, this includes moisture, such as gray water, from sources such as sinks and drip trays in kitchens and bathrooms. Guiding moisture can include guiding water from the source to the gutter, then into a drain pipe or pipe (i.e., a discharge mast), and then to the outside of the aircraft via a wastewater port. The gutter and drain pipe can be located in different sections of the aircraft, including under the floor of the cabin. Since corrosion can lead to structural weakening, increased maintenance and other problems in the aircraft, and the gutter system is exposed to stress and strain from the normal movement of the aircraft during operation, the gutter system of the aircraft must be regularly inspected to identify and prevent problems related to moisture. However, the aircraft downtime caused by such inspections is expensive because the aircraft must be taken out of service, disassembled to a certain extent, and inspected by trained personnel such as engineers and technicians. A well-designed moisture control system can allow the time between required inspections to be increased, thereby reducing aircraft downtime and costs.

[0003] A new gutter design and assembly that provides an improvement over existing gutter designs would be a welcome addition to the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] A simplified summary of the invention is presented below in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of one or more implementations of the present teachings. The summary is not an extensive review, nor is it intended to identify the key or important elements of the present teachings, nor is it intended to delineate the scope of the present disclosure. Instead, its primary purpose is simply to present one or more concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to a detailed description presented later.

[0005] In an implementation of the present teachings, an arched gutter for an aircraft includes a first edge, a lip at least partially defined by the first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, an arched web at least partially defined by the second edge, and a slot positioned between the first edge and the second edge, the arched web including a plurality of laterally spaced arches. Optionally, the arched gutter may also include a plurality of arched caps, wherein each of the plurality of laterally spaced arched caps is laterally bounded between a pair of arched caps that extend longitudinally across at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter. The slot may be positioned between the lip and the arched web, and the lip may transition to the slot, and the slot may transition to the arched web. Further optionally, the arched gutter may include a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, a fourth edge opposite the third edge and extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a width defined as the distance between the third edge and the fourth edge, wherein the width is 140.0 inches to 180.0 inches, and may include a length defined as the distance between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the length is 11.0 inches to 18.0 inches. In an optional implementation, an upper surface of the arched gutter at the lip is inclined at a first angle of 4.5° to 6.5° at the third edge, and an upper surface of the arched gutter at the arched web is inclined at a second angle of 3.1° to 5.1°.

[0006] The arched gutter may also include a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and an aperture extending through the arched gutter from the first surface to the second surface, wherein the aperture has a diameter of 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches.

[0007] In another implementation, an aircraft assembly includes an upper wing panel having a surface, a rear wheel well bulkhead, a pressure deck connected to the upper wing panel and the rear wheel well bulkhead, and an arched gutter. The arched gutter includes a first edge, a lip at least partially defined by the first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, an arched web at least partially defined by the second edge and attached to the pressure deck, and a groove positioned between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the lip is attached to the surface of the upper wing panel, and the arched web includes a plurality of laterally spaced arches.

[0008] Optionally, the pressure deck may include a plurality of pressure deck arches, and a plurality of laterally spaced arches of the arched web are attached to the plurality of pressure deck arches. Further optionally, the arched gutter may include a plurality of arched apexes, wherein each of the plurality of laterally spaced arches of the arched gutter is laterally bounded between a pair of arched apexes, the pair of arched apexes extending longitudinally across at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter. The groove of the arched gutter may be positioned between the lip and the arched web, and the lip may transition to the groove, and the groove may transition to the arched web. In an optional implementation of the aircraft assembly, the arched gutter further includes a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, a fourth edge opposite the third edge and extending between the first edge and the second edge, and a width defined as the distance between the third edge and the fourth edge, wherein the width is 140.0 inches to 180.0 inches, and may also have a length defined as the distance between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the length is 11.0 inches to 18.0 inches.

[0009] In another implementation, an aircraft includes a first wing and a second wing, an upper wing panel including a surface and extending between the first wing and the second wing, a rear wheel well bulkhead, a pressure deck connected to the upper wing panel and the rear wheel well bulkhead, a rear spar connected to the upper wing panel, and an arched gutter extending between the first wing and the second wing, wherein the rear spar, the rear wheel well bulkhead and the pressure deck at least partially define a wheel well of the aircraft. In this implementation, the arched gutter includes a first edge, a lip at least partially defined by the first edge, a second edge opposite the first edge, an arched web at least partially defined by the second edge and attached to the pressure deck, and a groove positioned between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the lip is attached to the surface of the upper wing panel, and the arched web includes a plurality of laterally spaced arched portions. The aircraft also includes a drain pipe in fluid communication with a moisture source, the arched gutter, and the wheel well.

[0010] Optionally, the pressure deck may include a plurality of pressure deck arches, and a plurality of laterally spaced arches of the arched web may be attached to the plurality of pressure deck arches. Further optionally, the arched gutter may include a plurality of arched apexes, wherein each of the plurality of laterally spaced arches of the arched gutter is laterally bounded between a pair of arched apexes, the pair of arched apexes extending longitudinally across at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter. The groove of the arched gutter may be positioned between the lip and the arched web. In an implementation of the aircraft, the lip transitions to the groove, and the groove transitions to the arched web, and the arched gutter may also include a third edge extending between the first edge and the second edge, a fourth edge opposite the third edge and extending between the first edge and the second edge, a width defined as the distance between the third edge and the fourth edge, and a length defined as the distance between the first edge and the second edge, wherein the width is 140.0 inches to 180.0 inches, and the length is 11.0 inches to 18.0 inches. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate implementations of the present teachings and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an arched gutter implemented according to the present teachings.

[0013] Figure 2 is a perspective view of another arched gutter according to another implementation of the present teachings.

[0014] Figure 3 It is a three-dimensional view of an arched gutter installed in an aircraft looking downward onto the upper surface of the pressure deck.

[0015] Figure 4 Look up Figure 3 The lower surface of the pressure deck Figure 3 A perspective view of the arched gutter.

[0016] Figure 5 Looking forward toward the rear spar Figure 4 A perspective view of the arched gutter.

[0017] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an aircraft including an arched gutter according to an implementation of the present teachings.

[0018] Figure 7 is a side view of the edge of an arched gutter implemented according to the present teachings.

[0019] It should be noted that some details of the drawings have been simplified and are drawn to facilitate understanding of the present teachings rather than maintaining strict structural accuracy, detail, and scale. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to example implementations of the present teachings, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever generally and / or convenient, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to represent the same or like parts.

[0021] As described above, moisture within an aircraft must be carefully collected, directed, and otherwise controlled to prevent problems such as corrosion. In an implementation of the present teachings, moisture from a source, such as a sink from a kitchen or bathroom and / or another aircraft source, is directed to the gutter. From the gutter, moisture can be directed into a drain that empties into, for example, a wheel well of the aircraft and then to the exterior of the aircraft.

[0022] As used herein, the term "arched" as in "arched gutter" is used to refer to a structure having one or more curves or arcs. It should be understood that the term "arched" is not limited to a strict arch shape, unless otherwise specified, and the term will include other curves or arcs, such as sinusoidal curves, circular arcs, parabolic arcs, flat arcs, catenary arcs, and other types of curves or arcs.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an arched gutter 100 according to an implementation of the present teachings. The perimeter of the arched gutter 100 is generally defined by a first edge (e.g., a front edge or front edge) 102, a second edge (e.g., a rear edge or rear edge) 104 opposite the first edge 102, a third edge (e.g., a port or first lateral edge) 106 extending between the first edge 102 and the second edge 104, and a fourth edge (e.g., a starboard or second lateral edge) 108 opposite the third edge 106, the fourth edge 108 also extending between the first edge 102 and the second edge 104. (The terms "front," "forward," "front," "rear," "rear," "port," "starboard," "upper," and "lower" are generally used with reference to the orientation of the arched gutter 100 when installed for use within an aircraft.) Figure 1 In the arched gutter, the length “L” is defined as the maximum distance between the first edge 102 and the second edge 104 , and the width “W” is defined as the maximum distance between the third edge 106 and the fourth edge 108 .

[0024] Figure 1 The arched gutter 100 includes various features and structures that enhance the use and operation of the arched gutter 100 within an aircraft as compared to conventional gutter systems, as will be described in greater detail below. Figure 1 The arched gutter 100 also includes a lip 120 at least partially defined by the first edge 102. The lip 120 extends transversely across at least a portion of the width W of the arched gutter 100, for example, from the third edge 106 to the fourth edge 108. Figure 1 Also shown is a slot 122 between the first edge 102 and the second edge 104 , which slot 122 extends transversely, fully or at least partially, across a width W from the third edge 106 to the fourth edge 108 . Figure 1 The arched gutter 100 also includes an arched web 124 at least partially defined by the second edge 104. The arched web 124 extends transversely at least partially all the way across the width W of the arched gutter 100 between the third edge 106 and the fourth edge 108. The arched web 124 includes a plurality of laterally spaced apart arches 126, wherein each arch 126 is laterally defined between a pair of arched apexes 128 that extend longitudinally (i.e., in the longitudinal direction “L” of the arched gutter 100) across at least a portion of the length L of the arched gutter 100.

[0025] The arched gutter 100 includes a first surface (i.e., upper surface) 140 and a second surface (i.e., lower surface) 142 opposite the first surface 140. As shown, the lip 120 transitions to the groove 122, and the groove 122 transitions to the arched web 124, wherein the groove 122 is positioned entirely or at least partially between the lip 120 and the arched web 124. The bottom of the groove 122 defines a first low point or lowest point of the arched gutter 100 relative to the first surface 140. The center of each arched portion 126 between the arched apex 128 defining the arched portion 126 defines a second low point or lowest point of the arched gutter 100 relative to the first surface 140. The center of each arched portion 126 between the bottom and the apex 128 of the groove 122 can be the same or different distances from the highest point of the first surface 140.

[0026] Although Figure 1 A first example implementation of an arched gutter 100 according to the present teachings is shown, but other implementations are also contemplated. For example, Figure 2 is a perspective view of another arched gutter 200 according to the present teachings, wherein the slot 222 only partially extends across the width W of the arched gutter 200. It should be understood that the arched gutters 100, 200 according to the present teachings may include other structures or features that are not shown for simplicity, while various shown structures and features may be removed or modified.

[0027] The width W and length L of the arched gutters 100, 200 may vary depending on the size of the aircraft for which the arched gutters 100, 200 are designed. In an example use, the width W of the arched gutters 100, 200 may be in the range of about 140.0 inches to about 180.0 inches, or about 147.6 inches to about 165.93 inches, and the length L may be in the range of about 11.0 inches to about 18.0 inches, or about 12.57 inches to about 14.57 inches. Depending on the material forming the arched gutters, the average thickness of the arched gutters 100, 200 from the first surface 140 to the second surface 142 may be about 0.15 inches to about 0.4 inches, or about 0.20 inches to about 0.25 inches. The arched gutters 100, 200 may be made of (or include) prepreg materials, which include, for example, fiberglass resin composites, carbon fiber epoxy composites, or metals such as titanium. Depending on the material from which the arched gutter 100, 200 is formed, the forming method may include one or more hand lay-up processes, and may include high pressure curing when formed from prepreg materials, or a stamping process when formed from metal.

[0028] Figures 3 to 6 Depicted is an aircraft 600 ( Figure 6 ) during use within the interior of the device. An arched gutter 300 implemented according to the present teachings. Figure 3 The arched gutter 300 shown may be a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 One of the arched gutters 100, 200 shown and described, or the arched gutters 300 may be a plurality of gutter types including those shown and described with reference to FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Another design of some or all of the various structural features 102 to 222 shown and described, some of which are not shown for simplicity. Figures 3 to 6 There is no separate number. Figure 3 30 is a perspective view of a section 302 of an aircraft assembly within an aircraft 600, and includes a rear spar 304, a pressure deck 306 including a plurality of pressure deck arches 308, and a rear wheel well bulkhead 310. The pressure deck 306 is connected to the upper wing panel 500 and the rear wheel well bulkhead 310. The rear spar 304, the pressure deck 306, and the rear wheel well bulkhead 310, as well as other structures not shown for simplicity, generally define a wheel well 312. The pressure deck 306 is oriented generally horizontally relative to the aircraft 600, while the rear spar 304 and the rear wheel well bulkhead 310 are oriented generally vertically relative to the aircraft 600. Typically, the floor of the passenger cabin (not shown for simplicity) will cover at least a portion of the pressure deck 306. Figure 3The perspective view of illustrative embodiment depicts section 302 of aircraft 600 looking down onto pressure deck 306 , with section 302 oriented with the rear spar toward the nose 602 of aircraft 600 and the rear wheel well bulkhead 310 toward the tail section 604 of aircraft 600 . Figure 4 The perspective view of FIG. 6 depicts section 302 of aircraft 600 looking upward onto pressure deck 306 . Figure 5 The perspective view of FIG. 6 depicts section 302 of aircraft 600 looking forward toward rear spar 304 . Figure 6 6 is a perspective view of an aircraft 600. As is known in the art of aircraft manufacturing, the rear spar 304 extends transversely across the width of the aircraft 600 from a first wing (e.g., a port wing) 610 to a second wing (e.g., a starboard wing) 612 (and between the first and second wings). Figure 6 As shown, the arched gutter 300 extends generally transversely across the width of the aircraft 600 between the first wing 610 and the second wing 612 . Figure 6 Also depicted are aircraft vertical stabilizers 620 , horizontal stabilizers 622 , fuselage 624 , and engines 626 , as well as moisture source 640 .

[0029] like Figure 5 As shown, the lip 120 of the arched gutter 300 may be located below the lower generally curved surface of the upper wing panel 500 and abut the rear spar 304, wherein the upper wing panel 500 is attached to and at least partially supported by the rear spar 304. The arched gutter 300 may be attached to the upper wing panel 500 using fasteners such as bolts, nuts, etc. The arched web 124 of the arched gutter 300 may be attached to the pressure deck 306 using fasteners such as bolts, nuts, etc.

[0030] In an implementation of the present teachings, the profile of each arched portion 126 of the arched gutter 300 is shaped to match the profile of one of the pressure deck arched portions 308, such as Figure 4The upper surface 140 of the arched gutter 300 thus physically contacts the lower surface 400 of the pressure deck 306 across the width of each gutter arch 126, thereby forming a seal between the lower surface 400 of the pressure deck 306 and the upper surface 140 of the arched gutter 300, so that moisture from the upper surface 320 of the pressure deck 306 is collected within the grooves 122, 222. The grooves 122, 222 then direct the moisture 502 through the apertures 504, wherein the apertures 504 extend through the arched gutter 300 from the first surface 140 to the second surface 142 and are defined by the arched gutter 300. The moisture is directed from the first surface 140 of the arched gutter 300 through the apertures 504 to the drain pipe 506, then into the wheel well 312 through the wastewater port 508, and then to the exterior 630 of the aircraft 600. The orifice may have a diameter from about 1.5 inches to about 3.5 inches or from about 2.0 inches to about 2.6 inches. Thus, the moisture source 640 is in fluid communication with the upper surface 320 of the pressure deck 306, the grooves 122, 222 and wastewater port 508 of the arched gutter 300, the drain pipe 506 and wastewater port 508, the wheel well 312, and the exterior 630 of the aircraft 600.

[0031] During operation of the aircraft 600, the wings 610, 612 flex vertically due to, for example, lift, turbulence, gravity, and other forces. The stresses and strains from this movement are transferred to the pressure deck 306 connected to the wings 610, 612, and to the arched gutter 300 attached to the pressure deck 306 as described above. The pressure deck arch 308 imparts physical flexibility to the pressure deck 306, thereby allowing the pressure deck 306 to move in response to the stresses and strains applied by the movement of the wings 610, 612 during operation of the aircraft 600. In addition, the arched portion 126 of the arched web 124 imparts physical flexibility to the arched gutter 300, thereby allowing the arched gutter 300 to move in response to the stresses and strains applied by the movement of the pressure deck 306. The arches 126 in effect allow the arched webs 124 and arched gutters 300 to move in an accordion-like manner, thereby allowing the arched gutters 300 to flex, rather than resist stresses and strains. The pressure deck arches 308 and arched webs 124 thereby relieve the stresses and strains that would otherwise be applied to the arched gutters 300, and the arched gutters 300 thus resist damage that might otherwise result from parasitic load transfer and high bending strains during movement of the wings 610, 612.

[0032] It should be understood that the arched gutter 300 including the arched portion 126 of the arched web 124 can be made of materials that may not be suitable for other gutter designs. For example, in order to give the flat gutter flexibility, the flat gutter will be formed of a flexible synthetic material, such as a polymer that is flexible in itself. However, the arched gutter 300 can be made of (or include) materials such as metals or metal alloys because the arched webs 124 allow the arched gutter 300 to expand, contract, and twist laterally without applying excessive stress to the material making the arched gutter. It should be understood that during use, depending on the thickness and composition of the arched gutter 300, stretching the arched web 124 outward will increase the width W of the arched web 124, increase the distance between adjacent arched tops 128, and generally reduce the arc of each arched portion 126. Therefore, the arched gutter 300 can be formed of a metal or metal alloy within a suitable thickness range. However, an arched gutter 300 made of a flexible synthetic material can also be considered.

[0033] Figure 7 is a side view of an arched gutter implemented according to the present teachings, for example, Figure 1 The third edge (eg, port or first lateral edge) 106 of the arched gutter 100. In this implementation, the thickness "T" of the arched gutter 100 at edge 106 is uniform from the first edge 102 to the second edge 104, and Figure 7The profile of the third edge 106 is depicted. In this implementation, the lip 120 is inclined at a first angle θ1 relative to the horizontal plane (represented by the dashed line on the left side of the figure). This inclination allows the lip 120 to be attached to the upper wing panel 500 as described above, and allows moisture to be directed from the lip 120 to the groove 122. In an implementation, θ1 can be from about 4.5° to about 6.5°, for example, about 5.5°. When the arched gutter 100 has a uniform thickness T, the upper surface 140 and the lower surface 142 of the arched gutter 100 at the lip 120 are inclined at a first angle θ1 relative to the horizontal plane. If θ1 is too small, moisture may not be adequately directed from the lip 120 to the groove 122. In addition, a first angle θ1 that is too large or too small may not allow the lip 120 of the arched gutter 100 to be properly attached to the upper wing panel 500. In addition, at the third edge 106, the arched web 124 is inclined at a second angle θ2 relative to the horizontal plane (indicated by the dashed line on the right side of the figure). This inclination allows the arched web 124 to be attached to the pressure deck 306 as described above, and also allows moisture to be guided from the arched web 124 to the groove 122. In implementation, θ2 can be from about 3.1° to about 5.1°, for example, about 4.1°. When the arched gutter 100 has a uniform thickness T, the upper surface 140 and the lower surface 142 of the arched gutter at the third edge 106 of the arched web 124 are inclined at the second angle θ2 relative to the horizontal plane. If θ2 is too small, moisture may not be adequately guided from the arched web 124 to the groove 122. In addition, a second angle θ2 that is too large or too small may not allow the arched web 124 of the arched gutter 100 to be properly attached to the pressure deck 306.

[0034] Therefore, the arched gutter according to the present teaching has a more flexible structural design compared to the traditional gutter. The physically flexible design of the arched gutter has a strong structure that has increased resistance to fatigue cracking and other wear and damage, which is caused by, for example, parasitic loads and high bending strains, which are transmitted to the arched gutter through the pressure deck during the operation of the aircraft. The traditional gutter design may include a first flat surface connected to the pressure deck and a second flat surface connected to the upper wing panel. Such a flat gutter design may require a reinforcing member that will strengthen the edges of the first and second flat surfaces to drive the high parasitic load transfer. In contrast, the arched gutter design provides a self-supporting pressure structure without driving the parasitic load transfer between the wing and the pressure deck. Because the arched gutter design alleviates the stress that would otherwise be applied to the gutter due to the interaction between the upper wing panel and the pressure deck, the mean time between inspections of the arched gutter can be reduced, and thus the maintenance, inspection and downtime costs are reduced.

[0035] Although the numerical ranges and parameters describing the wide range of this teaching are approximate, the numerical values ​​described in the specific embodiments are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors, which are necessarily caused by the standard deviation found in their corresponding test measurements. In addition, all ranges disclosed herein are understood to include any and all subranges incorporated therein. For example, a range of "less than 10" can include any and all subranges between (and including) a minimum value of zero and a maximum value of 10, that is, any and all subranges with a minimum value equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value equal to or less than 10, such as 1 to 5.

[0036] Although the present teachings have been described with respect to one or more implementations, changes and / or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, to the extent that the terms "include," "comprising," "having," "having," "with," or variations thereof are used in the detailed description and claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising." The term "at least one of..." is used to indicate that one or more of the listed items can be selected. As used herein, the term "one or more of..." with respect to a list of items, such as A and B, refers to A alone, B alone, or A and B. In addition, in the discussion and claims herein, the term "on..." used with respect to two materials, one material "on..." on another material, indicates at least some contact between the materials, while "above..." indicates that the materials are close, but may have one or more additional intermediate materials, so that contact is possible but not required. Neither "on..." nor "above..." implies any directionality as used herein. The term "about" indicates that the listed values ​​may vary slightly, as long as the change does not cause the process or structure to be inconsistent with the implementation shown. Finally, "exemplary" indicates that the description is used as an example, rather than implying that it is ideal. Other implementations of the present teachings will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present teachings being indicated by the following claims.

[0037] The terms of relative position used in this application are defined based on a plane parallel to the conventional plane or working surface of the workpiece, regardless of the orientation of the workpiece. The terms "horizontal" or "lateral" used in this application are defined as a plane parallel to the conventional plane or working surface of the workpiece, regardless of the orientation of the workpiece. The term "vertical" refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal. Terms such as "on...", "side" (as in "sidewall"), "high", "low", "above...", "top" and "below..." are defined relative to a conventional plane or working surface on the top surface of the workpiece, regardless of the orientation of the workpiece.

Claims

1. An arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) for an aircraft (600), the arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) comprising: firstedge(102); a lip (120) at least partially defined by the first edge (102); a second edge (104), the second edge (104) being opposite to the first edge (102); an arcuate web (124) at least partially defined by the second edge (104), the arcuate web (124) comprising a plurality of laterally spaced arcuate portions (126); and A groove (122, 222) is positioned between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104), wherein the lip (120) has a substantially flat surface between the first edge (102) and the groove (122, 222).

2. The arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of arched tops (128), wherein: Each arched portion (126) of the plurality of laterally spaced arched portions (126) is laterally bounded between a pair of arched apexes (128) that extend longitudinally across at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300).

3. The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein: The groove (122, 222) is positioned between the lip (120) and the arched web (124).

4. The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) according to claim 3, wherein: The lip (120) transitions into the groove (122, 222), and the groove (122, 222) transitions into the arched web (124).

5. The arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, further comprising: a third edge (106), the third edge (106) extending between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); a fourth edge (108) opposite the third edge (106) and extending between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); and A width, the width being defined as a distance between the third edge (106) and the fourth edge (108), wherein the width is between 140.0 inches and 180.0 inches.

6. The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) according to claim 5, the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) further having a length, the length being defined as a distance between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104), wherein: The length is 11.0 inches to 18.0 inches.

7. The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) according to claim 6, wherein: The upper surface (140) of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) at the lip (120) is inclined at a first angle of 4.5° to 6.5° at the third edge (106); and The upper surface (140) of the arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) at the arched web (124) is inclined at a second angle of 3.1° to 5.1°.

8. The arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, further comprising: a first surface (140); a second surface (142), the second surface (142) being opposite to the first surface (140); as well as An aperture (504) extends from the first surface (140) through the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) to the second surface (142), wherein the aperture (504) has a diameter of 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches.

9. An aircraft (600) assembly, the aircraft (600) assembly comprising: An upper wing panel (500), the upper wing panel (500) comprising a surface; Rear wheel well bulkhead (310); a pressure deck (306) connected to the upper wing panel (500) and the rear wheel well bulkhead (310); as well as An arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300), wherein the arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) comprises: firstedge(102); a lip (120) at least partially defined by the first edge (102), wherein the lip (120) is attached to the surface of the upper wing panel (500); a second edge (104), the second edge (104) being opposite to the first edge (102); an arched web (124) at least partially defined by the second edge (104) and attached to the pressure deck (306), the arched web (124) comprising a plurality of laterally spaced arches (126); and A groove (122, 222) is positioned between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104), wherein the lip (120) has a substantially flat surface between the first edge (102) and the groove (122, 222).

10. The aircraft (600) assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The pressure deck (306) includes a plurality of pressure deck (306) arched portions (126); and The plurality of laterally spaced apart arches (126) of the arched web (124) are attached to the plurality of pressure deck (306) arches (126).

11. The aircraft (600) assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) further includes a plurality of arched tops (128), wherein each arched portion (126) of the plurality of laterally spaced arched portions (126) of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) is laterally bounded between a pair of arched tops (128), the pair of arched tops extending longitudinally across at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300).

12. The aircraft (600) assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The groove (122, 222) of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) is positioned between the lip (120) and the arched web (124).

13. The aircraft (600) assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The lip (120) transitions into the groove (122, 222), and the groove (122, 222) transitions into the arched web (124).

14. The aircraft (600) assembly of claim 9, wherein: The arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) further comprises: a third edge (106), the third edge (106) extending between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); a fourth edge (108) opposite the third edge (106) and extending between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); and A width, the width being defined as a distance between the third edge (106) and the fourth edge (108), wherein the width is between 140.0 inches and 180.0 inches.

15. An aircraft (600) assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) also has a length, which is defined as the distance between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104), wherein the length is between 11.0 inches and 18.0 inches.

16. An aircraft (600), the aircraft (600) comprising: A first wing (610) and a second wing (612); an upper wing panel (500) comprising a surface and extending between the first wing (610) and the second wing (612); Rear wheel well bulkhead (310); a pressure deck (306) connected to the upper wing panel (500) and the rear wheel well bulkhead (310); a rear spar (304) connected to the upper wing panel (500), wherein the rear spar (304), the rear wheel well bulkhead (310) and the pressure deck (306) at least partially define a wheel well (312) of the aircraft (600); An arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300), the arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) extending between the first wing (610) and the second wing (612), the arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) comprising: firstedge(102); a lip (120) at least partially defined by the first edge (102), wherein the lip (120) is attached to the surface of the upper wing panel (500); a second edge (104), the second edge (104) being opposite to the first edge (102); an arched web (124) at least partially defined by the second edge (104) and attached to the pressure deck (306), the arched web (124) comprising a plurality of laterally spaced arches (126); and a groove (122, 222) positioned between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104), wherein the lip (120) has a substantially flat surface between the first edge (102) and the groove (122, 222); and A drain pipe (506) is in fluid communication with a moisture (502) source, the arched gutter (100, 200, 300), and the wheel well (312).

17. The aircraft (600) according to claim 16, wherein: The pressure deck (306) includes a plurality of pressure deck (306) arched portions (126); and The plurality of laterally spaced apart arches (126) of the arched web (124) are attached to the plurality of pressure deck (306) arches (126).

18. The aircraft (600) according to claim 16, wherein: The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) further includes a plurality of arched tops (128), wherein each arched portion (126) of the plurality of laterally spaced arched portions (126) of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) is laterally bounded between a pair of arched tops (128), the pair of arched tops extending longitudinally across at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300).

19. The aircraft (600) according to claim 18, wherein: The groove (122, 222) of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) is positioned between the lip (120) and the arched web (124).

20. The aircraft (600) according to claim 16, wherein: The lip (120) transitions into the groove (122, 222), and the groove (122, 222) transitions into the arched web (124); and The arched eaves gutter (100, 200, 300) further comprises: a third edge (106), the third edge (106) extending between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); a fourth edge (108), the fourth edge (108) being opposite to the third edge (106) and extending between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); a width, the width being defined as the distance between the third edge (106) and the fourth edge (108); and a length, the length being defined as a distance between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); The width is 140.0 inches to 180.0 inches; and The length is 11.0 inches to 18.0 inches.

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