Elastomeric Control Surface Gap Sealing for Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flight control surfaces moving create gaps that lead to increased airframe acoustic noise, reduced aerodynamics, and increased drag, particularly during changes in flight direction like landing approaches.
Innovation Solution
A continuous moldline technology using an elastomeric control surface with an elastomer interface coupled to a fluid-dynamic body, filling joint gaps caused by movement and allowing for subtle control without exposing edges, thereby reducing noise and improving aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional rigid control surfaces are used, then structural strength is maintained, but gaps are created during movement causing increased noise and drag
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible elastomeric material to create a control surface that can conform and seal against the airframe during movement, eliminating gaps while maintaining structural integrity through the elastomer's inherent flexibility and strength properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining elastomeric material with internal reinforcement structures (such as ribs or spars) to achieve both the flexibility needed for gap elimination and the structural strength required for aerodynamic loads
2Weight of moving object
If control surface size is reduced to lower weight and power requirements, then performance is maintained through elastomer bridging, but structural rigidity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric control surface uses flexible material that can provide sufficient rigidity for small control surfaces while enabling weight reduction, as the elastomer itself provides both structural support and sealing function
Solution Approach 2:
The composite elastomeric construction allows reduced control surface size and weight while maintaining rigidity through the combined properties of the elastomer and any internal reinforcement structures
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 decreases acoustic noise and enhances aerodynamic efficiency by bridging gaps during flight control surface movements, allowing for equivalent performance with a smaller actuated control surface and reduced weight and power requirements.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric control surface comprising a control surface and an elastomer interface. The control surface is coupled to a fluid-dynamic body... such that a joint gap caused by movement of the control surface relative to the fluid-dynamic body is filled
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A continuous moldline technology elastomeric control surface and methods are presented. A control surface (302) is coupled to a fluid-dynamic body (314). An elastomer interface (304) is coupled to the control surface (302) and the fluid-dynamic body (314) such that a joint gap (410) caused by movement of the control surface (302) relative to the fluid-dynamic body (314) is filled.