Angulated Aerodynamic Seal for High-Lift Flap Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for reducing aerodynamic noise from aircraft high-lift components, such as forward edge slats and trailing edge wing flaps, do not adequately address the noise generated during the landing phase of flight, where high-lift devices are fully extended and engine power is reduced.

Innovation Solution

An aerodynamic seal element with a one-piece non-planar angulated structure, featuring an outwardly extended planar section and a downwardly extended planar section, both potentially perforated, is integrated with high-lift flaps, forming a sharp or arcuate edge, to reduce noise by altering airflow patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If existing aerodynamic seal designs (planar perforated strips) are used, then some noise reduction is achieved, but noise levels during landing phase remain insufficiently reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic noiseVSAvoidseal structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerodynamic seal is divided into two distinct functional sections: an outwardly extended planar section for maintaining seal integrity and a downwardly extended planar section for noise reduction during flap deployment. This segmentation allows each section to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seal transitions from a traditional planar two-dimensional structure to a three-dimensional angulated structure with both outward and downward extensions. This dimensional change enables the seal to address noise from multiple directions and create more effective airflow control patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the aerodynamic seal uses a unitary non-planar angulated structure with both outward and downward extended sections, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic noiseVSAvoidseal element fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The outwardly extended planar section and downwardly extended planar section are merged into a single unitary angulated structure, eliminating the need for separate components and complex assembly processes. This integration maintains noise reduction effectiveness while simplifying manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal incorporates variable geometric parameters including different extension distances (D1, D2, D3), angular relationships, and perforation patterns that can be adjusted during design to optimize both noise reduction performance and manufacturability for specific aircraft configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the aerodynamic seal includes perforations in the outwardly and downwardly extended sections, then airflow control and noise reduction are enhanced, but structural strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerodynamic noiseVSAvoidseal element structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The seal incorporates perforations in both the outwardly and downwardly extended planar sections, creating a porous structure that controls airflow through the seal. This porous design enhances noise reduction by allowing controlled air passage while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through strategic hole distribution and size selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 described aerodynamic seal effectively reduces noise levels during the landing phase by optimizing airflow around high-lift flaps, as demonstrated by wind tunnel testing, providing a significant improvement over existing noise reduction methods.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic flow control:

Data Source

PatentEP3898411B1Aerodynamic seals to reduce aerodynamic noise associated with aircraft high lift control surfaces

Publication Date: 2023.05.03 EMBRAER SA

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AI summary

Aircraft wings and aircraft comprising the same include at least one high-lift system(e.g., a high-lift flap) and an aerodynamic seal associated operatively with the high-lift system, the aerodynamic seal includes a non-planra angulated plate structure which has an outwardly extended planr section having a proximal edge joined to the at least one high-lift flap at the outboard and/or inboard ends thereof, and a downwardly extended planar section joined at an angle to a terminal edge of the outwardly extended planar section.