Aircraft Joint Cover Assembly with Variable-Length Middle Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current designs and sealing systems for aircraft joints fail to adequately prevent fluid leakage, particularly when using composite stringers, which are more challenging to seal compared to metal stringers, and fasteners can obstruct fluid flow and increase installation time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A cover assembly comprising a first section, a second section, and a middle section that changes length in response to movement between connected structures, forming a seal for the joint, which can be made from the same material and includes a flexible design to accommodate structural deflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing systems are used at aircraft joints, then installation is simpler, but fluid leakage cannot be adequately prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly is divided into three distinct sections: a first section connected to the first structure, a second section connected to the second structure, and a middle section between them. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for sealing effectiveness while managing the complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The middle section is designed with variable length capability to accommodate movement between the first and second structures. This dynamic design allows the seal to maintain effectiveness during aircraft operation when structures experience thermal expansion, vibration, and structural deflection, resolving the contradiction between reliable sealing and structural flexibility.
2Reliability
If rigid sealing covers are used, then sealing is more effective, but they cannot accommodate structural movement and deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The middle section of the cover assembly is explicitly designed to change length in response to movement between structures. This dynamic characteristic enables the seal to adapt to thermal expansion, contraction, and structural deflection while maintaining seal integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between rigid sealing and structural adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover assembly utilizes changes in the physical parameter of length in the middle section to accommodate structural movement. By allowing this parameter to vary dynamically, the system maintains sealing effectiveness while adapting to different operational conditions and structural positions.
3Strength
If fasteners are used to connect stringers, then structural connection is achieved, but fluid flow is obstructed and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides sealing, protects the joint, and can be installed without requiring additional fasteners in the fluid flow path. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete parts and installation steps, directly addressing the productivity issue while maintaining structural connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the sealing function from the structural connection function. Instead of using fasteners that serve both structural and sealing purposes (which obstruct fluid flow), the cover assembly provides sealing as a separate function that does not interfere with fluid flow or require additional fastening operations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cover assembly effectively reduces and prevents fluid leakage at aircraft joints, maintaining the integrity of fluid flow channels while minimizing installation complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The middle section has a length that is configured to change in response to a movement between the first structure and the second structure
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus comprises a first section (324), a second section (326), and a middle section (328). The first section is configured to be connected to a first structure (304). The second section is configured to be connected to a second structure (306). The first structure and the second structure are connected to each other at a joint (310). The middle section is located between the first section and the second section. The middle section has a length that is configured to change in response to a movement between the first structure and the second structure. The first section, the middle section, and the second section form a cover that is configured to form a seal (332) for the joint.