Composite Panel Insert Ring for Thru-Hole Sealing

Solution Overview

Problem

Composite structures in aerospace and marine industries face challenges in maintaining fluid integrity when forming thru-holes, as they compromise both external and internal compartments, leading to potential leaks and contamination between adjacent compartments.

Innovation Solution

An insert ring with a male and female portion is connected to the composite structure to create a protective casing around the thru-hole, using adhesive to form a fluid-tight seal between the insert ring and internal compartments, preventing fluid flow between compartments and into the ring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a thru-hole is formed within the composite structure to facilitate passage of electrical wiring or mechanical components, then the passage function is improved, but the fluid integrity and strength of the composite structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassage of electrical wiring or mechanical componentsVSAvoidfluid integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insert ring is divided into a male portion and a female portion that can be separately installed and then assembled together. This segmentation allows the insert ring to be installed through the thru-hole in a controlled manner, with each portion being inserted separately and then joined to form a complete sealing structure around the penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adhesive is introduced as an intermediary substance between the insert ring and the composite structure. The adhesive creates a fluid-tight seal that bonds the insert ring to the composite structure, preventing fluid leakage while allowing the insert ring to maintain its structural integrity and sealing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a thru-hole is formed within the composite structure, then the passage function is improved, but the strength of the composite structure deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassage of componentsVSAvoidstrength of composite structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The insert ring is divided into a male portion and a female portion that can be separately installed and then assembled together. This segmentation allows the insert ring to be installed through the thru-hole in a controlled manner, with each portion being inserted separately and then joined to form a complete sealing structure around the penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert ring is formed from a material that is different from the composite structure, allowing it to provide structural reinforcement around the thru-hole. The insert ring acts as a composite element that combines with the existing composite structure to maintain or improve overall strength while enabling component passage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the internal compartments are opened to the surrounding environment through a thru-hole, then the passage function is improved, but the external fluid integrity deteriorates leading to potential leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassage of componentsVSAvoidexternal fluid leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An adhesive is introduced as an intermediary substance between the insert ring and the composite structure. The adhesive creates a fluid-tight seal that bonds the insert ring to the composite structure, preventing fluid leakage while allowing the insert ring to maintain its structural integrity and sealing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive forms a flexible sealing layer between the insert ring and the composite structure. This flexible seal can accommodate minor movements or deformations while maintaining the fluid-tight barrier, preventing external leakage from the internal compartments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If the thru-hole opens an internal compartment to an adjacent internal compartment, then the passage function is improved, but the internal fluid integrity deteriorates causing contamination between compartments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepassage of componentsVSAvoidinternal compartment contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insert ring is divided into a male portion and a female portion that can be separately installed and then assembled together. This segmentation allows the insert ring to be installed through the thru-hole in a controlled manner, with each portion being inserted separately and then joined to form a complete sealing structure around the penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An adhesive is introduced as an intermediary substance between the insert ring and the composite structure. The adhesive creates a fluid-tight seal that bonds the insert ring to the composite structure, preventing fluid leakage while allowing the insert ring to maintain its structural integrity and sealing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively seals internal compartments, preventing leaks and contamination, while allowing passage of components through the composite structure without compromising its strength or storage capacity.

Implementation Method 1

An adhesive is disposed between the composite structure and the insert ring to create a fluid-tight seal between the insert ring and the internal compartments

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8986491B2Composite panel insert ring and method of using the same

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP

AI summary

Provided is a method of forming a thru-hole through a composite structure having a plurality of internal compartments. An insert ring is connected to the composite structure to create a protective layer around the periphery of a penetration formed within the composite structure. An adhesive is disposed between the composite structure and the insert ring to create a fluid-tight seal between the insert ring and the internal compartments. In this regard, the fluid-tight seal mitigates fluid flow between the internal compartments.