Aircraft Fairing Panel Seal With Compression Stop for Gap Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft fairing sealing methods are time-consuming and fail to consistently fill gaps between panels or between panels and the secondary structure, with the obtained seal being either non-regular or not adaptable to dimensional variations due to stiffness and the need for polymerization processes.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft fairing with a compressible seal and a rigid stop, where the compressible seal has a compression ratio of less than or equal to 90%, ensuring it is never fully compressed and can adapt to gaps while maintaining sealing, and is supported by the fairing panel rather than the structure, allowing for easier installation and adaptability to varying configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If polymerization of sealing mastic is used to obtain a cured seal, then the seal conforms to the gap and provides sealing, but the process is time-consuming and the seal becomes stiff and cannot absorb dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the polymerization step from the sealing process by using pre-compressed resilient seals that are ready-to-use without requiring in-situ curing. This eliminates the time-consuming polymerization process while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the elastic properties of the seal material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the sealing material from a two-part mastic requiring polymerization to a pre-formed resilient seal with optimized elastic properties. The seal material is selected to have specific durometer hardness (40-90 Shore A) and compression set characteristics that enable it to function without chemical curing.
2Strength
If a cured seal is obtained through polymerization, then the seal provides structural integrity, but it cannot absorb dimensional variations due to vibrational and aerodynamic phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties by selecting resilient seal materials with specific elastic characteristics (durometer 40-90 Shore A) that provide both structural integrity and flexibility. These materials maintain sufficient strength for sealing while possessing the elasticity needed to absorb dimensional variations caused by vibrations and aerodynamic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic capability to the seal system by using elastomeric materials that can continuously adapt to changing gap dimensions. The seal dynamically responds to vibrational and aerodynamic loads through elastic deformation, maintaining sealing contact without the brittleness of cured polymerized seals.
3Manufacturing precision
If sealing mastic is applied and polymerized with the panel in place, then the seal conforms to the gap, but the panel cannot be removed without damaging the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the seal from the permanent structural assembly by making it a removable, replaceable component. The resilient seal is designed to be installed and removed multiple times without damage, enabling panel maintenance and replacement while maintaining precise gap sealing through the elastic conformity of the seal material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a seal design that can be easily replaced rather than permanently bonded. If the seal becomes worn or damaged, it can be removed and replaced without damaging the panel or requiring complex repair procedures, treating the seal as a consumable component that ensures continuous sealing functionality.
4Reliability
If multiple sealing operations are performed to ensure proper sealing, then the seal quality improves, but the process becomes increasingly time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the sealing action in advance by pre-compressing the resilient seal during panel installation. The seal is compressed to the appropriate degree (30-70% compression ratio) during the initial mounting operation, eliminating the need for subsequent curing or additional sealing steps. This preliminary compression ensures proper seal engagement and eliminates the need for multiple operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous sealing functionality through a single compression action that maintains seal effectiveness throughout the panel's service life. The resilient material continuously adapts to gap variations without requiring periodic re-sealing or maintenance operations, providing uninterrupted sealing while reducing the number of required sealing operations.
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 provides a time-saving, adaptable, and durable seal that can absorb dimensional variations due to vibrational and aerodynamic phenomena without being damaged, ensuring consistent sealing between the fairing panel and the structure.
Implementation Method 1
the seal being a compressible seal having a compression ratio, the stop and the compressible seal being configured such that the compression ratio of the compressible seal is less than or equal to 90%
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft fairing having at least one structure, at least one fairing panel, at least one fastening element connecting the fairing panel and the structure, and at least one compressible seal interposed between first and second bearing zones that are as one, respectively, with the fairing panel and with the structure. The fairing panel comprises at least one rigid stop positioned in the first bearing zone, the stop and the compressible seal being configured such that the compression ratio of the compressible seal is less than or equal to 90%.