Cold Side Flap Seals for Aircraft Thermal Blankets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal protection systems for aircraft engines expose thermal seals to high temperatures, leading to premature aging and loss of durability, and result in potential leaks due to preload loss when the seal compresses.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of cold side flap seals, where the thermal seal is positioned adjacent to the cold side of the thermal insulator and laterally offset from the fastening mechanism, reducing exposure to high temperatures and maintaining preload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the thermal seal is positioned at the overlapping portion of thermal blankets exposed to high temperatures, then the sealing function is provided, but the seal deteriorates prematurely due to heat exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidservice life of seal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is extracted from the hot side overlapping portion and repositioned to the cold side overlapping portion of the thermal blankets. This separation removes the seal from the high-temperature environment while preserving its sealing function between adjacent thermal blankets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A flap structure is introduced as an intermediary element that extends from the hot side to the cold side of the thermal blanket. The flap carries the seal to the cold side position, allowing the seal to function without direct heat exposure while maintaining the thermal blanket's integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the seal is positioned at the overlapping portion, then sealing is provided, but preload is lost when the seal compresses leading to leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing functionVSAvoidpreload retention

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is extracted from the traditional overlapping portion position and relocated to the cold side overlapping portion. This repositioning allows the seal to compress and maintain preload effectiveness without being subjected to the thermal conditions that cause preload loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal environment parameter is changed for the seal location by moving it from the hot side to the cold side. This parameter change (temperature) directly addresses the preload retention issue by eliminating thermal softening effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If conventional thermal blankets are joined at overlapping portions, then thermal protection is provided, but hot air leaks occur due to seal deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protectionVSAvoidhot air leaks

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is extracted from the hot side position where it would deteriorate and cause leaks, and repositioned to the cold side where it can maintain its sealing integrity while still preventing hot air leakage between thermal blankets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cold side region, which was previously just a structural extension, is converted into a beneficial location for the seal. This converts the cold side from a passive structural element to an active protective zone that extends the seal's service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This configuration extends the lifespan of the thermal seal, ensures it reaches its full sealing potential, and prevents hot air leaks by maintaining the seal's integrity and preload.

Implementation Method 1

the seal is to be compressed between the third portion of the fourth insulation section and the second portion of the flap when the second thermal blanket is coupled to the first thermal blanket

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a thermal protection system may be implemented between a core of an aircraft engine and a thrust reverser of the aircraft engine to protect the thrust reverser from heat emitted from the core

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10597137B2Thermal insulators having cold side flap seals

Publication Date: 2020.03.24 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Thermal insulators having cold side flap seals are described. An example thermal insulator includes a first thermal blanket and a second thermal blanket to be coupled to the first thermal blanket. The first thermal blanket includes a first insulation section, a flap, and a second insulation section. The flap extends laterally from the first insulation section and has a first portion laterally adjacent the first insulation section and a second portion laterally adjacent the first portion. The second insulation section is located on the first portion. The second thermal blanket includes a third insulation section, a fourth insulation section, and a seal. The fourth insulation section has a third portion laterally adjacent the third insulation section and a fourth portion laterally adjacent the third portion. The seal is to be compressed between the third portion and the second portion when the second thermal blanket is coupled to the first thermal blanket.