Compression-Fit EME Seal Cap for Fastener Installation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current installation methods for electromagnetic effect (EME) protection seal caps on aircraft fasteners are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to defective installations, especially in confined spaces, leading to high re-installation rates and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A protection seal cap design featuring a cap member with a continuous sidewall that creates an interference compression fit with the fastener, allowing for secure positioning without manual holding during sealant application and decompression, and enabling installation in various orientations without gravity challenges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the installer manually holds the protection seal cap in place during sealant decompression, then the seal cap remains positioned correctly, but the installation time increases and labor effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection seal cap is designed with an interference fit mechanism that enables self-positioning and self-holding during installation. The cap's geometry creates friction and mechanical interference with the fastener, allowing it to maintain position automatically during sealant decompression without requiring manual holding by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection seal cap incorporates a curved or tapered interference fit surface that engages with the fastener. This curved geometry creates mechanical interference and friction that automatically holds the cap in place during installation, eliminating the need for manual positioning support.
2Manufacturing precision
If the installer manually holds the protection seal cap in place during sealant decompression, then the seal cap remains positioned correctly, but the labor effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection seal cap is designed with an interference fit mechanism that enables self-positioning and self-holding during installation. The cap's geometry creates friction and mechanical interference with the fastener, allowing it to maintain position automatically during sealant decompression without requiring manual holding by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection seal cap incorporates a curved or tapered interference fit surface that engages with the fastener. This curved geometry creates mechanical interference and friction that automatically holds the cap in place during installation, eliminating the need for manual positioning support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the protection seal cap is installed in confined spaces with challenging orientations, then the seal cap can be installed in various locations, but gravity makes it difficult to maintain the seal cap in the desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The protection seal cap is designed with an interference fit mechanism that enables self-positioning and self-holding during installation. The cap's geometry creates friction and mechanical interference with the fastener, allowing it to maintain position automatically during sealant decompression without requiring manual holding by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection seal cap incorporates a curved or tapered interference fit surface that engages with the fastener. This curved geometry creates mechanical interference and friction that automatically holds the cap in place during installation, eliminating the need for manual positioning support.
4Reliability
If traditional installation methods are used, then the seal cap can be installed, but the installation process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The protection seal cap is designed with an interference fit mechanism that enables self-positioning and self-holding during installation. The cap's geometry creates friction and mechanical interference with the fastener, allowing it to maintain position automatically during sealant decompression without requiring manual holding by the installer.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection seal cap is pre-designed with an interference fit geometry that automatically engages with the fastener upon installation. This preliminary design feature ensures proper positioning and holding capability are built into the cap structure itself, eliminating the need for manual positioning actions during installation.
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 significantly reduces installation time and quality defects, allows for secure fastener sealing without manual holding, and facilitates in-service maintenance by maintaining the seal cap position during sealant decompression, even in challenging orientations and confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The continuous wall member is configured to create an interference compression fit between the end portion of the fastener and the continuous wall member
Implementation Method 2
The method further includes deforming of the continuous wall member creating an interference compression fit between the continuous wall member and the end portion of the fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A protection seal cap for enclosing an end portion of a fastener which extends from a structure, which includes a cap member, which includes a sidewall that defines an interior space within the cap member. The sidewall forms a continuous wall member positioned within the cap member. The continuous wall member defines an opening providing access to the interior space. The continuous wall member is configured to create an interference compression fit between the end portion of the fastener and the continuous wall member.