Chamfered Seal Structure for Fastener Joint Sealant Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seal structures in aircraft assemblies face challenges in effectively sealing and maintaining the sealant without protrusions, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and increased weight, while also risking corrosion and requiring manual removal of excess sealant.
Innovation Solution
A seal structure featuring a chamfered surface on the second part with specific inclination angles and positions relative to the insertion hole, accommodating seal material between opposing surfaces, which reduces the need for manual removal and enhances sealing efficacy by maintaining the seal material within a chamfered portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealant is applied to contact surfaces and pushed out around the contact surface, then sealing is achieved, but manual removal of protruding sealant is required increasing complexity and time
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered surface is pre-formed on the second part before sealant application. This preliminary geometric feature automatically accommodates and contains the protruding sealant, eliminating the need for subsequent manual removal operations while ensuring proper sealing
2Reliability
If excess sealant protrudes around the contact surface, then sealing is achieved, but weight increases and corrosion risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered surface creates a localized recess area specifically designed to contain the sealant. This local geometric modification allows the sealant to be contained precisely where needed without adding unnecessary material or weight to the entire assembly
3Reliability
If excess sealant protrudes around the contact surface, then sealing is achieved, but corrosion resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered surface creates a controlled local environment for the sealant, containing it within the recess area. This prevents sealant from being exposed to external corrosive elements while maintaining its sealing function between the joined parts
4Shape
If manual removal of sealant is performed, then clean appearance is achieved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered surface is pre-formed to automatically contain the sealant within the recess area. This preliminary geometric feature eliminates the need for subsequent manual removal operations, maintaining both appearance quality and assembly productivity simultaneously
5Productivity
If chamfered surface is added to accommodate sealant, then manual removal is eliminated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamfered surface is defined by simple geometric parameters (inclination angle, distance from insertion hole center). These parameters can be easily controlled during manufacturing processes, making the additional feature straightforward to produce without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A seal structure is a seal structure configured to seal, by using a seal material, between a first opposing surface and a second opposing surface which are opposed to each other. A second part includes an insertion hole which is open on the second opposing surface and into which a fastener is inserted; a chamfered surface including a first end connected to an edge of the second opposing surface, the chamfered surface being inclined relative to the second opposing surface; an end surface including an edge connected to a second end of the chamfered surface, the end surface being inclined relative to the chamfered surface. A space sandwiched between the chamfered surface and the first opposing surface forms a chamfered portion accommodating the seal material protruding from between the first opposing surface and the second opposing surface.