Aircraft Rib Sealing Tool With Guided Alignment for Fuel Tank Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of seal plates in aircraft fuel tank cut-outs is difficult and time-consuming due to the need for manual alignment and fixing, which complicates the sealing process.
Innovation Solution
A sealing tool comprising a seal carrier, intermediate member, and alignment member that facilitates easy alignment and fixation of seal members over the gap, using guide channels and adjustable mounts to constrain and guide the seal member into position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seal plates are manually installed from inside the fuel tank, then the seal plates can cover and seal the cut-outs, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing tool is divided into multiple segments: a seal member (first plate) for sealing the cut-out, a seal carrier (second plate) for supporting the seal member, and an intermediate member for mounting the seal carrier to the rib. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall sealing process more efficient and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member acts as an intermediary between the rib and the seal carrier. It includes a mounting surface that contacts the rib and a guide channel that receives the seal carrier, facilitating easy alignment and fixation of the seal member over the gap without requiring complex manual alignment procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment and fixing of seal plates is performed, then the seal plates can be positioned over the gap, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The seal member is pre-mounted on the seal carrier, and the seal carrier is designed with features that facilitate preliminary alignment with the rib through the guide channel. This preliminary action ensures that when the seal member is installed, it is already in the correct position, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during final installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member serves as a mediator that provides a guide channel for the seal carrier, ensuring straightforward location and alignment of the seal member over the gap. The guide channel constrains the seal carrier to move along a predetermined path, achieving precise alignment without time-consuming manual adjustments.
3Reliability
If seal plates are installed in assembled fuel tanks, then the sealing can be completed, but the installation becomes difficult due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into the seal member, seal carrier, and intermediate member, allowing the seal member to be mounted on the seal carrier as a pre-assembled unit. This segmentation enables the seal member to be installed from inside the fuel tank through the cut-out opening without requiring complex manipulation of separate components in the limited access environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate member acts as an intermediary that provides structural support and alignment guidance from the rib to the seal carrier. The guide channel in the intermediate member receives the seal carrier and constrains its movement, ensuring that the seal member is correctly positioned even when installed from inside the fuel tank with limited access.
Data Source
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AI summary
Seal plates are typically mounted over stringer-receiving openings in aircraft ribs (20). The present application relates to a sealing tool (42) for sealing a stringer-receiving opening (27) in an aircraft rib (20). The sealing tool (42) includes a seal member (56) arranged to seal a gap (28) formed by the opening between the stringer (30) and the rib (20). An intermediate member (60) is configured to be adjustably mounted on the rib (20). The adjustable member receives and aligns the seal member (56) over the gap (28).