Composite Part Edge Seal Assembly for Leak-Free Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods require post-assembly sealing and cleanup operations within confined spaces, such as fuel tanks, to protect exposed edges of composite parts from leakage and corrosion, which is difficult and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A prepackaged edge seal arrangement integrated into the design of composite laminate parts, comprising a precured polymer edge seal, an edge cover, and a seal bead within a recess, which forms a seal between the part and the structure upon joining, eliminating the need for additional sealing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If precured seals are applied to cut edges before joining, then the exposed edges are protected from fuel leakage and corrosion, but additional sealing operations are required after assembly which are difficult and time-consuming to perform from within fuel tanks
Solution Approach 1:
The seal arrangement is pre-installed on the composite part before assembly, with the seal bead positioned in the recess and the cover already in place. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-assembly sealing operations, as the seal is already configured and ready to function immediately upon joining the part to the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple sealing components (edge seal, cover, and seal bead) into a single integrated seal arrangement that is pre-assembled. This merging of components into one unified system simplifies the overall sealing process and eliminates the need for separate post-assembly sealing operations.
2Reliability
If additional seal details and cleanup operations are performed from within fuel tanks, then sealing is completed, but the confined space makes these operations difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The seal arrangement is pre-configured with the seal bead in the recess and the cover in place before assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that no additional sealing operations are needed from within the confined fuel tank space, making the assembly process easier and more efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal arrangement is designed to be self-contained and self-sealing. The pre-positioned seal bead and cover create a complete sealing system that functions automatically upon assembly, eliminating the need for manual intervention or cleanup operations in the confined fuel tank space.
3Ease of manufacture
If a prepackaged seal arrangement is integrated into the part edge design, then design is simplified and post-assembly sealing is eliminated, but the structure requires additional components (edge seal, cover, recess)
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple sealing functions into a single integrated seal arrangement that is pre-assembled and treated as one unit. By combining the edge seal, cover, and seal bead into a unified prepackaged system, the design simplifies the manufacturing process while the components work together as a cohesive whole.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal arrangement is pre-assembled and prepared before final installation on the part. This preliminary action allows the components to be organized and configured in advance, making the actual assembly process simpler and more efficient despite the presence of multiple components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal arrangement is provided for sealing an exposed edge of a composite laminate part having a fay surface configured to be joined to a structure. The seal arrangement includes a precured edge seal covering the exposed edge and a cover covering the edge seal. A seal bead located within a recess in the fay surface of the part forms a seal between the part and the structure.