Aerodynamic Seal with Bulb and Arched Base for Contour Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal technologies fail to effectively seal structures with varying contours and deflections, leading to air leakage and vibration issues, especially in aircraft components under differential pressures.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system comprising a first member with a bulb and a base, where the base has an arched portion that forms a preloaded seal under air pressure, and the bulb can rotate to self-align with deflections, accommodating contour changes and deflections between mating parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid seals are used to seal structures, then sealing effectiveness is improved under ideal conditions, but the seals fail to accommodate varying contours and deflections between mating parts
Solution Approach 1:
The seal base incorporates a bulbous portion that can dynamically deform and deflect to accommodate variations in contour and alignment between mating structures. The bulbous geometry allows the seal to adapt its shape in response to pressure differentials and surface irregularities, maintaining sealing effectiveness across varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal design changes its physical parameters (shape, position, deformation) in response to applied pressure differentials. The bulbous portion of the seal base deforms elastically under pressure, allowing the seal to conform to varying contours and deflections while maintaining contact with both mating surfaces.
2Reliability
If rigid seals are used to prevent air leakage, then sealing is effective under stable conditions, but vibration and air leakage occur under differential pressures with deflections
Solution Approach 1:
The bulbous seal base provides dynamic compliance that absorbs vibrations and maintains sealing contact under differential pressures. The elastic deformation capability allows the seal to continuously adapt to relative movements between mating parts, preventing air leakage while dampening vibrational effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal base utilizes a flexible bulbous geometry that can deform elastically under pressure differentials. This flexible structure maintains sealing contact despite deflections and vibrations, preventing air leakage while accommodating relative movements between the sealed structures.
3Ease of manufacture
If contoured surfaces are sealed with fixed seals, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but effective sealing becomes difficult due to surface variations
Solution Approach 1:
The bulbous seal base is designed to self-align and self-adjust to contoured surfaces through elastic deformation. When installed, the seal automatically conforms to the varying contours of mating parts under applied pressure, eliminating the need for precise manufacturing tolerances or complex adjustment procedures while maintaining effective sealing.
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 system provides an aerodynamic seal that prevents air leakage and vibration by conforming to varying surfaces and self-aligning with deflections, effectively sealing against external and internal differential pressures.
Implementation Method 1
the arched portion forms a preloaded seal adapted to seal against the second surface when air pressure is exerted against a side of the base
Implementation Method 2
the bulb may have vertical compression or springiness that allows the sealing system to advantageously accommodate up and down deflections
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a first surface, a second surface, and a sealing system operable to provide an aerodynamic seal between the first surface and the second surface. The second surface may be a surface to be sealed. The sealing system includes a first member and a base. The first member includes a first portion and a bulb coupled to the first portion. The first portion has one or more projections and is adapted to couple the first member to the first surface. The base includes a plurality of feet, a plurality of arms, and an arched portion. The plurality of feet are adapted to be positioned against the second surface. The plurality of arms are adapted to accept the bulb. The arched portion forms a preloaded seal adapted to seal against the second surface when air pressure is exerted against a side of the base.