Arched gutter from horizontal pressure deck to rear girder

Abstract

To provide a new gutter design and assembly providing improvements over prior gutter designs.SOLUTION: An arched gutter that can be used to channel moisture within an aircraft can include an arched web including a plurality of laterally spaced arches. The arches impart flexibility to the arched gutter such that the arched gutter has an increased resistance to fatigue cracking and other wear and damage resulting from, for example, parasitic loads due to high bending strains that are transferred to the arched gutter by a wing to which the arched gutter is attached during operation of the aircraft. An aircraft section and an aircraft including the arched gutter are also described.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] During an aircraft's operational life, moisture must be carefully collected, channeled, and otherwise managed to prevent potential problems, such as corrosion. On commercial passenger aircraft, moisture includes water from sources such as galley and toilet sinks, drip pans, and other sources, such as gray water. Channeling moisture can route water from the source to gutters, then to drain pipes or conduits (i.e., drain masts), and then to the exterior of the aircraft through wastewater outlets. Gutters and drain pipes may be located in various compartments of the aircraft, including under the passenger cabin floor. Because corrosion can cause structural weakness in the aircraft, increased maintenance, and other problems, and because gutter systems are subject to stresses and strains from the aircraft's normal motion during operation, aircraft gutter systems must be periodically inspected to identify and prevent moisture-related problems. However, such inspections can result in aircraft downtime, which can be costly because the aircraft must be removed from service, disassembled to some extent, and inspected by trained personnel, such as engineers and technicians. A properly designed moisture management system can allow for longer periods between required inspections, thereby reducing aircraft downtime and costs. (See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0162511 and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0008284.) . Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] A new design and assembly of gutters that improves upon previous designs of gutters would be a welcome addition to the art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of one or more implementations of the present teachings. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the present teachings or to delineate the scope of the disclosure. Rather, its primary purpose is merely to present one or more concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is 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, a plurality of laterally spaced arches, and an arched web including a trough disposed between the first edge and the second edge, the arched web being at least partially defined by the second edge. Optionally, the arched gutter can further include a plurality of arch apexes, each of the plurality of arches being bounded laterally between a pair of arch apexes extending longitudinally over at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter. The trough can be disposed between the lip and the arched web, and the lip can transition into the trough and the trough can transition into the arched web. Further optionally, the arcuate 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 3.556 meters (140.0 inches) to 4.572 meters (180.0 inches) and may include a length defined as the distance between the first edge and the second edge, the length being 0.2794 m (11.0 in) ~ 0.4572 m (18.0 in) In an optional implementation, the upper surface of the arcuate gutter of the lip slopes at a first angle of 4.5° to 6.5° at the third edge, and the upper surface of the arcuate gutter of the arcuate web slopes at a second angle of 3.1° to 5.1°.

[0006] The arched gutter further includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface; 38.1mm (1.5 inches) to 88.9mm (3.5 inches)and an orifice having a diameter of 0.5 mm extending through the arcuate gutter from the first surface to the second surface.

[0007] In another implementation, an aircraft assembly includes a surface, an aft landing gear well bulkhead, a pressure deck connected to the upper wing panel and the aft landing gear well bulkhead, and an upper wing panel with an arched gutter, the arched gutter including a first edge and a lip at least partially defined by the first edge, the lip attached to the surface of the upper wing panel, a second edge opposite the first edge, an arched web at least partially defined by the second edge and attached to the pressure deck, the arched web including a plurality of laterally spaced arches, and a trough disposed between the first edge and the second edge.

[0008] Optionally, the pressure deck may include a plurality of pressure deck arches, with the laterally spaced arches in the arched web attached to the plurality of pressure deck arches. Further optionally, the arched gutter may include a plurality of arch apexes, with each arch of the plurality of arches in the arched gutter being bounded laterally between a pair of arch apexes extending longitudinally over at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter. A trough of the arched gutter may be disposed between the lip and the arched web, with the lip transitioning into the trough and the trough transitioning into the arched web. In any 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, the width being 3.556 meters (140.0 inches) to 4.572 meters (180.0 inches) and may also include a length defined as the distance between the first edge and the second edge, the length being 0.2794 m (11.0 in) ~ 0.4572 m (18.0 in) is.

[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, an aft landing gear well bulkhead, a pressure deck connected to the upper wing panel and the aft landing gear well bulkhead, a rear spar connected to the upper wing panel, and an arched gutter extending between the first wing and the second wing, where the rear spar, the aft landing gear well bulkhead, and the pressure deck at least partially define a landing gear well of the aircraft. In this implementation, the arched gutter includes a first edge and a lip at least partially defined by the first edge, the lip attached to the surface of the upper wing panel, a second edge opposite the first edge, an arched web at least partially defined by the second edge and attached to the pressure deck, the arched web including a plurality of laterally spaced arches, and a trough disposed between the first edge and the second edge. The aircraft further includes a drain pipe in fluid communication with the moisture source, the arch gutter, and the landing gear well.

[0010] Optionally, the pressure deck may include a plurality of pressure deck arches, and the laterally spaced arches in the arched web may be attached to the plurality of pressure deck arches. Further optionally, the arched gutter may include a plurality of arch apexes, and each of the plurality of arches in the arched gutter is bounded laterally between a pair of arch apexes extending longitudinally over at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter. A trough of the arched gutter may be disposed between the lip and the arched web. In an aircraft implementation, the lip transitions into the trough and the trough transitions into the arched web, and the arched gutter may further 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, the width being 3.556 meters (140.0 inches) to 4.572 meters (180.0 inches) and this length is 0.2794 m (11.0 in) ~ 0.4572 m (18.0 in) is. 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 disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an arched gutter according to an implementation of the present teachings; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another arched gutter according to another implementation of the present teachings. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an arched gutter installed on an aircraft, looking down onto the pressure deck. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the arched gutter of FIG. 3 looking up at the underside of the pressure deck of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the arched gutter of FIG. 4 looking forward toward the rear spar. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft including an arched gutter according to an implementation of the present teachings. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view of an edge of an arched gutter in accordance with an implementation of the present teachings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It should be noted that some details in these figures have been simplified and are drawn to facilitate understanding of the present teachings rather than to maintain strict structural accuracy, detail, and scale.

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary implementations of the present teachings, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever general and / or convenient, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0014] As previously mentioned, moisture within an aircraft must be carefully collected, channeled, and otherwise managed to prevent problems such as corrosion. In implementations of the present teachings, moisture from a source, such as a galley or toilet sink, and / or another aircraft source, is channeled and channeled into an arched gutter. From the arched gutter, the moisture is channeled and channeled to a drain pipe, which directs the moisture, for example, into the aircraft's wheel wells and then to the exterior of the aircraft for drainage.

[0015] As used herein, the term "arched," as in "arched gutter," is used to identify a structure having one or more curves or arcs. It will be understood that the term "arch" is not limited to a strict arch shape unless otherwise specified, and that the term includes other curves or arcs, such as sinusoidal arcs, circular arcs, parabolic arcs, flattened arcs, catenary curves, and other types of curves or arcs.

[0016] 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) 102, a second edge (e.g., a rear edge) 104 opposite the first edge 102, a third edge (e.g., a left edge or first side edge) 106 extending between the first edge 102 and the second edge 104, and a fourth edge (e.g., a right edge or second side edge) 108 also extending between the first edge 102 and the second edge 104 and opposite the third edge 106. (The terms "fore," "forward," "anterior," "aft," "posterior," "left side," "right side," "lateral," "above," and "below" are used generally with reference to the orientation of the arched gutter 100 when it is installed for use in an aircraft.) For the arched gutter of FIG. 1 , 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.

[0017] The arched gutter 100 of FIG. 1 includes various features and structures that enhance the use and operation of the arched gutter 100 within an aircraft compared to conventional gutter systems, as described in detail below. The arched gutter 100 of FIG. 1 further includes a lip 120 defined at least in part by the first edge 102. The lip 120 extends laterally 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. FIG. 1 also shows a trough 122 between the first edge 102 and the second edge 104 that extends laterally across all or at least a portion of the width W from the third edge 106 to the fourth edge 108. The arched gutter 100 of FIG. 1 further includes an arched web 124 defined at least in part by the second edge 104. The arched web 124 extends laterally across at least a portion of 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 arches 126, each bounded laterally between a pair of arch apexes 128 that extend longitudinally (i.e., the length direction "L" of the arched gutter 100) across at least a portion of the length L of the arched gutter 100.

[0018] 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 into a trough 122, which transitions into an arched web 124, with the trough 122 disposed entirely or at least partially between the lip 120 and the arched web 124. The bottom of the trough 122 defines a first low point or lowest point of the arched gutter 100 relative to the first surface 140. The center of each arch 126 between the arch apices 128 bounding the arch 126 defines a second low point or lowest point of the arched gutter 100 relative to the first surface 140. The bottom of the trough 122 and the center of each arch 126 between the arch apex 128 can be the same distance or different distances from the highest point of the first surface 140 .

[0019] 1 illustrates a first exemplary implementation of an arched gutter 100 in accordance with the present teachings, although other implementations are contemplated. For example, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another arched gutter 200 in accordance with the present teachings, in which a trough 222 extends across a portion of the width W of the arched gutter 200. It will be understood that the arched gutters 100, 200 in accordance with the present teachings may include other structures or features not shown for simplicity, while various structures and features shown may be removed or modified.

[0020] The width W and length L of the arched gutters 100, 200 can 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 is: Approximately 3.556 meters (approximately 140.0 inches) to approximately 4.572 meters (approximately 180.0 inches) In, or Approximately 3.74904 meters (approximately 147.6 inches) to approximately 4.214622 meters (approximately 165.93 inches) and the length L can be in the range Approximately 0.2794 meters (approximately 11.0 inches) to approximately 0.4572 meters (approximately 18.0 inches) ,or Approximately 0.319278 meters (approximately 12.57 inches) to approximately 0.370078 meters (approximately 14.57 inches) The average thickness of the arched gutter 100, 200 from the first surface 140 to the second surface 142 can be, depending on the material from which it is formed, Approximately 3.81 mm (approximately 0.15 inches) to approximately 10.16 mm (approximately 0.4 inches) ,or Approximately 5.08 mm (approximately 0.20 inches) to approximately 6.35 mm (approximately 0.25 inches)The arched gutters 100, 200 can be fabricated from (or include) prepreg materials, including, for example, fiberglass resin composites, carbon fiber / epoxy composites, or metals such as titanium. Depending on the material being formed, the method of forming the arched gutters 100, 200 can include one or more hand layup processes, an autoclave curing process if formed from prepreg materials, or a tamping process if formed from metals.

[0021] 3-6 illustrate an arched gutter 300 according to an implementation of the present teachings in use within an aircraft 600 (FIG. 6). The arched gutter 300 shown in FIG. 3 can be one of the arched gutter 100, 200 shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, or the arched gutter 300 can be another design that includes some or all of the various structural features 102-222 as shown in and described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, some of which are not separately labeled in FIGS. 3-6 for simplicity. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an aircraft assembly compartment 302 within the aircraft 600, including a rear spar 304, a pressure deck 306 including multiple pressure deck arches 308, and an aft landing gear well bulkhead 310. The pressure deck 306 is connected to an upper wing panel 500 and the aft landing gear well bulkhead 310. The rear spar 304, pressure deck 306, and aft landing gear well bulkhead 310, among other structural components not shown for simplicity, collectively define a landing gear well 312. The pressure deck 306 is oriented generally horizontally, while the rear spar 304 and aft landing gear well bulkhead 310 are oriented generally vertically relative to the aircraft 600. Generally, the passenger cabin floor (not shown for simplicity) is located at least partially on the pressure deck 306. The perspective view of FIG. 3 shows the compartment 302 of the aircraft 600 looking down on the pressure deck 306, with the compartment 302 oriented with the rear spar facing toward the nose 602 of the aircraft 600 and the aft landing gear well bulkhead 310 facing toward the tail compartment 604 of the aircraft 600. The perspective view of FIG. 4 shows the compartment 302 of the aircraft 600 looking up on the pressure deck 306. The perspective view of Figure 5 shows section 302 of aircraft 600, with rear spar 304 looking forward. Figure 6 is a perspective view of aircraft 600. As known in the art of aircraft manufacturing, rear spar 304 extends laterally across the width of aircraft 600 from a first wing (e.g., port wing) 610 to a second wing (e.g., starboard wing) 612 (and between first wing 610 and second wing 612). As shown in Figure 6, arched gutter 300 extends generally laterally across the width of aircraft 600 between first wing 610 and second wing 612.FIG. 6 further shows the aircraft's vertical stabilizer 620, horizontal stabilizer 622, fuselage 624, and engines 626, as well as a source of moisture 640.

[0022] 5, the lip 120 of the arched gutter 300 may be on the upper wing panel 500 and extend below a generally curved lower surface that abuts the rear spar 304, where 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 and nuts. The arched web 124 of the arched gutter 300 may be attached to the pressure deck 306 using fasteners such as bolts and nuts.

[0023] In an implementation of the present teachings, the profile of each arch 126 of the arched gutter 300 is formed to match the profile of one of the pressure deck arches 308, as shown, for example, in FIG. 4. Thus, the upper surface 140 of the arched gutter 300 extends across the width of each gutter arch 126. The troughs 122, 222 then direct the moisture 502 through the orifices 504, which extend through and are defined by the arched gutter 300 from the first surface 140 to the second surface 142. From the first surface 140 of the arched gutter 300, the moisture is directed through the orifices 504 to a drain pipe 506, thence through a wastewater outlet 508 to the wheel well 312, and then to the exterior 630 of the aircraft 600. The orifices Approximately 38.1 mm (approximately 1.5 inches) to approximately 88.9 mm (approximately 3.5 inches) ,or Approximately 50.8 mm (approximately 2.0 inches) to approximately 66.0 mm (approximately 2.6 inches) Thus, the moisture source 640 is in fluid communication with the upper surface 320 of the pressure deck 306, the troughs 122, 222 of the arched gutter 300 and the wastewater outlet 508, the drain pipe 506 and the wastewater outlet 508, the wheel well 312, and the exterior 630 of the aircraft 600.

[0024] During operation of the aircraft 600, the wings 610, 612 bend vertically due to, for example, lift, turbulence, gravity, and other forces. The stresses and strains from this vertical bending are transferred to the pressure deck 306, which is 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 provides physical flexibility to the pressure deck 306, thereby allowing it to move in response to the stresses and strains imposed by the movement of the wings 610, 612 during operation of the aircraft 600. Additionally, the arch 126 of the arched web 124 provides physical flexibility to the arched gutter 300, thereby allowing it to move in response to the stresses and strains imposed by the movement of the pressure deck 306. The arches 126 effectively allow the arched webs 124 and arched gutter 300 to move like an accordion, thereby allowing the arched gutter 300 to flex rather than resist stresses and strains. The pressure deck arches 308 and arched webs 124 relieve the stresses and strains that would otherwise be imposed on the arched gutter 300, and therefore the arched gutter 300 is more resistant to damage that could otherwise occur as a result of parasitic load transfer and large bending strains during movement of the wings 610, 612.

[0025] It will be appreciated that the arched gutter 300, including the arches 126 of the arched webs 124, may be fabricated from materials that may not be suitable for other gutter designs. For example, to impart flexibility to flat gutters, flat gutters are formed from flexible synthetic materials, such as polymers, that are themselves flexible. However, because the arched webs 124 allow the arched gutter 300 to expand, contract, and twist laterally without excessively stressing the material, the arched gutter 300 may be fabricated from (or include) materials such as metals or metal alloys. It will be appreciated that, depending on the thickness and composition of the arched gutter 300, stretching the arched webs 124 outward during use increases the width W of the arched webs 124, increases the distance between adjacent arch apices 128, and generally reduces the arc of each arch 126. Thus, the arched gutter 300 may be fabricated from metals or metal alloys within a range of thicknesses that comply with standards. However, arched gutters 300 made from flexible synthetic materials are also contemplated.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of an arched gutter according to an implementation of the present teachings, such as the third edge (e.g., left wing edge or first wing edge) 106 of the arched gutter 100 of FIG. 1 . In this implementation, the thickness “T” of the arched gutter 100 at the edge 106 is uniform from the first edge 102 to the second edge 104, and FIG. 7 shows the profile of the third edge 106. In this implementation, the lip 120 is sloped at a first angle θ1 relative to the horizontal (represented by the dashed line on the left side of the figure). This slope allows the lip 120 to be attached to the upper wing panel 500 and allows moisture to channel from the lip 120 to the trough 122, as described above. In this implementation, θ1 can be between about 4.5° and about 6.5°, for example, about 5.5°. Because the arched gutter 100 has a uniform thickness T, both 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. If θ1 is too small, moisture may not be able to channel from the lip 120 to the trough 122. Furthermore, if the first angle θ1 is too large or too small, the lip 120 of the arched gutter 100 may not be able to properly attach to the upper wing panel 500. Furthermore, at the third edge 106, the arched web 124 is inclined at a second angle θ2 relative to the horizontal (represented 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 channel from the arched web 124 to the trough 122. In implementations, θ2 can be from about 3.1° to about 5.1°, for example, about 4.1°. Because arched gutter 100 has a uniform thickness T, both upper surface 140 and lower surface 142 of arched gutter 100 at third edge 106 of arched web 124 are inclined at a second angle θ2 relative to horizontal. If θ2 is too small, moisture may not flow sufficiently through the channels from arched web 124 to trough 122.Additionally, if the second angle θ 2 is too large or too small, the arched web 124 of the arched gutter 100 may not be able to properly attach to the pressure deck 306 .

[0027] Thus, the arched gutter according to the present teachings has a more flexible structural design compared to conventional gutter designs. The physically flexible design of the arched gutter provides a robust structure with improved resistance to fatigue cracking and other wear and damage resulting from, for example, parasitic loads and large bending strains transferred to the arched gutter by the pressure deck during aircraft operation. Conventional gutter designs may include a first planar surface connecting to the pressure deck and a second planar surface connecting to the upper wing panel. This flat gutter design may require stiffening members to stiffen the edges of the first and second planar surfaces to control the transfer of large parasitic loads. In contrast, the arched gutter design provides a self-supporting pressure structure without controlling the transfer of parasitic loads between the wing and the pressure deck. The arched gutter design reduces stress on the gutter from the interaction between the upper wing panel and the pressure deck, thereby increasing the average time between inspections of the arched gutter, thereby reducing maintenance, inspection, and downtime costs.

[0028] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the present teachings are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed within that range. For example, the range "less than 10" can include any and all subranges between (and including) a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 10, i.e., any and all subranges having a minimum value of 0 or more and a maximum value of 10 or less, such as, for example, 1 to 5.

[0029] While the present teachings have been illustrated with respect to one or more implementations, variations and / or modifications can be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including," "includes," "having," "have," "with," or variations thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive, similar to the terms "comprising." The term "at least one" is used to mean that one or more of the listed items can be selected. As used herein, the term "one or more" with respect to a list of items, such as A and B, means A only, B only, or A and B. Furthermore, in the description and claims herein, the term "on" when used with respect to two materials, i.e., one being "on" the other, means that there is at least some contact between the materials. On the other hand, "over" means that materials are adjacent to each other, but may be interposed by one or more additional materials, and that contact is possible but not required. As used herein, neither "on" nor "over" implies any directionality. The term "about" indicates that the recited value may vary somewhat, but only to the extent that this variation does not cause incompatibility of the process or structure to the illustrated implementation. Finally, "exemplary" indicates that the description is not meant to be ideal, but is used as an example. Other implementations of the present teachings will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and the specific examples 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 scope of the following claims.

[0030] Relative position terms used in this application are defined based on a plane parallel to the conventional plane or work 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 work 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"), "higher," "lower," "over," "above," and "below" are defined based on a conventional plane or work surface on the top surface of the workpiece, regardless of the orientation of the workpiece. [Explanation of symbols]

[0031] 100 Arched Gutter 102 first edge 104 second edge 106 Third Edge 108 Fourth Edge 120 Lip 122 Trough 124 Arched Web 126 Arch 128 Arch Apex 140 Top 142 Bottom surface 200 Arched Gutter 222 Trough 300 Arched Gutter Section 302 306 Pressure Deck 308 Pressure Deck Arch 310 Rear landing gear compartment bulkhead 312 Leg storage room 320 Top 400 Bottom 500 upper wing panel 502 Moisture 504 Orifice 506 Drain pipe 508 Sewage Outlet 600 aircraft 602 nose 604 Tail Section 610 Wings 612 Wings 620 Vertical Stabilizer 622 Horizontal stabilizer 624 Torso 626 Engine 630 External 640 Source

Claims

1. An arched gutter (100, 200, 300) for an aircraft (600), comprising: a first edge (102) extending in the longitudinal direction of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300); a lip (120) at least partially defined by said first edge (102); a second edge (104) opposite said first edge (102); an arched web (124) defined at least in part by said second edge (104), said arched web (124) including a plurality of longitudinally spaced arches (126); a trough (122, 222) disposed between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); a plurality of said arches (126) disposed only on said arched web (124); An arched gutter (100, 200, 300) wherein the lip and the arched web slope toward the bottom of the trough.

2. 2. The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of arch apexes (128), each arch (126) of the plurality of arches (126) being bounded laterally between a pair of the plurality of arch apexes (128) and extending longitudinally over at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300).

3. The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the trough (122, 222) is disposed between the lip (120) and the arched web (124).

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

5. a 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); 5. The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a width defined as the distance between the third edge (106) and the fourth edge (108), the width being between 3.556 meters (140.0 inches) and 4.572 meters (180.0 inches).

6. 6. The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) of claim 5, further comprising a length defined as the distance between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104), the length being between 0.2794 meters (11.0 inches) and 0.4572 meters (18.0 inches).

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

8. a first surface (140); a second surface (142) opposite said first surface (140); an orifice (504) extending through the arcuate gutter (100, 200, 300) from the first surface (140) to the second surface (142), the orifice (504) having a diameter of between 38.1 mm (1.5 inches) and 88.9 mm (3.5 inches); The arched gutter (100, 200, 300) of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising:

9. an upper wing panel (500) having a surface; an aft landing gear well bulkhead (310); a pressure deck (306) connected to the upper wing panel (500) and the aft landing gear well bulkhead (310); An aircraft (600) assembly comprising an arched gutter (100, 200, 300), The arch-shaped gutter (100, 200, 300) a first edge (102); a lip (120) at least partially defined by said first edge (102), said lip (120) being attached to said surface of said upper wing panel (500); a second edge (104) opposite said first edge (102); an arched web (124) at least partially defined by said second edge (104) and attached to said pressure deck (306), said arched web (124) including a plurality of laterally spaced arches (126); a trough (122, 222) disposed between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104).

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

11. 11. The aircraft (600) assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) further includes a plurality of arch apexes (128), and each arch (126) of the plurality of arches (126) of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) is bounded laterally between a pair of arch apexes (128) that extend longitudinally over at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300).

12. 12. The aircraft (600) assembly of claim 11, wherein the trough (122, 222) of the arcuate gutter (100, 200, 300) is disposed between the lip (120) and the arcuate web (124).

13. 13. The aircraft (600) assembly of claim 12, wherein the lip (120) transitions into the trough (122, 222) and the trough (122, 222) transitions into the arched web (124).

14. The arch-shaped gutter (100, 200, 300) a 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); 14. The aircraft (600) assembly of any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising: a width defined as a distance between the third edge (106) and the fourth edge (108), the width being between 3.556 meters (140.0 inches) and 4.572 meters (180.0 inches).

15. 15. The aircraft assembly of claim 14, wherein the arched gutter includes a length defined as the distance between the first edge and the second edge, the length being between 0.2794 meters (11.0 inches) and 0.4572 meters (18.0 inches).

16. An aircraft (600), a first wing (610) and a second wing (612); an upper wing panel (500) including a surface and extending between said first wing (610) and said second wing (612); an aft landing gear well bulkhead (310); a pressure deck (306) connected to the upper wing panel (500) and the aft landing gear well bulkhead (310); a rear spar (304) connected to the upper wing panel (500), the rear spar (304), the aft landing gear well bulkhead (310), and the pressure deck (306) at least partially defining a landing gear well (312) of the aircraft (600); an arched gutter (100, 200, 300) extending between said first wing (610) and said second wing (612); The arch-shaped gutter (100, 200, 300) a first edge (102); a lip (120) at least partially defined by said first edge (102), said lip (120) being attached to said surface of said upper wing panel (500); a second edge (104) opposite said first edge (102); an arched web (124) at least partially defined by said second edge (104) and attached to said pressure deck (306), said arched web (124) including a plurality of laterally spaced arches (126); a trough (122, 222) disposed between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); The aircraft (600) further comprises a drain pipe (506) in fluid communication with a source of moisture (502), the arched gutter (100, 200, 300), and the landing gear well (312).

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

18. 18. The aircraft (600) of claim 16 or 17, wherein the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) further includes a plurality of arch apexes (128), and each arch (126) of the plurality of arches (126) of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300) is bounded laterally between a pair of arch apexes (128) that extend longitudinally over at least a portion of the length of the arched gutter (100, 200, 300).

19. 20. The aircraft (600) of claim 18, wherein the trough (122, 222) of the arcuate gutter (100, 200, 300) is disposed between the lip (120) and the arcuate web (124).

20. the lip (120) transitions into the trough (122, 222), and the trough (122, 222) transitions into the arched web (124); The arch-shaped gutter (100, 200, 300) a third edge extending between said first edge (102) and said second edge (104); (106) and a fourth edge (108) opposite the third edge (106) and extending between the first edge (102) and the second edge (104); a width defined as the distance between said third edge (106) and said fourth edge (108); a length defined as the distance between said first edge (102) and said second edge (104); the width is between 3.556 meters (140.0 inches) and 4.572 meters (180.0 inches); The aircraft (600) of any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the length is between 0.2794 meters (11.0 inches) and 0.4572 meters (18.0 inches).

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