Aircraft Flap-Tab Sealing Structure for Gap Airflow Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerodynamic systems for aircrafts face challenges in maintaining effective sealing and airflow continuity between movably coupled aerodynamic components, such as flaps and tabs, which are subjected to strong aerodynamic loads, leading to inefficiencies in aerodynamic performance.

Innovation Solution

An aerodynamic system with a sealing element arranged between two movably coupled components, a first panel element covering the gap between them, and a nose support element to enhance sealing, guided by airflow pressure differences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gap is left between movably coupled aerodynamic components (flap and tab), then the components can move independently and accommodate aerodynamic loads, but the gap creates airflow leakage and reduces aerodynamic efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent movement of aerodynamic componentsVSAvoidAirflow leakage through gap

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the flap and tab to block airflow through the gap. This sealing element can be flexible or rigid, and may include a nose support element to maintain proper spacing while ensuring effective sealing during component movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element is designed as a flexible or semi-flexible component that can accommodate the relative movement between the flap and tab while maintaining the seal. This flexible sealing element prevents airflow leakage without constraining the independent movement of the aerodynamic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Loss of energy

If a sealing element is added between aerodynamic components to block airflow, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAirflow blocking efficiencyVSAvoidNumber of sealing components

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element is integrated with the nose support element, combining two functional components into a unified structure. This merging reduces the total number of separate parts while maintaining both the sealing function and the spacing function, thereby reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks airflow through the gap, provides a continuous outer contour, acts as a nose support element to maintain spacing, and can be pressed against the outer surface to enhance sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If a panel element is added to cover the gap between aerodynamic components, then aerodynamic continuity and surface smoothness improve, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveContinuous outer contourVSAvoidNumber of panel components

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The panel element is merged with the sealing element and nose support element into a unified structure. This integration allows the same component to provide both the continuous outer contour and the sealing function, reducing the total number of separate parts needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel element serves multiple functions: it provides a continuous outer contour for aerodynamic smoothness, acts as a structural support, and can be pressed against the outer surface to enhance sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Improves sealing and maintains aerodynamic continuity by effectively blocking airflow and adapting to component movements, enhancing the aerodynamic performance of aircraft components.

Implementation Method 1

the sealing element is configured to at least partially block an airflow between the first aerodynamic component and the second aerodynamic component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow blocking:

Implementation Method 2

the first panel element can additionally provide a stiff element between the two aerodynamic components along which the air flow can be guided

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow guidance:

Data Source

PatentEP4446219B1Aerodynamic system for an aircraft

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

Figure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to an aerodynamic system (1) for an aircraft (100). The aerodynamic system (1) comprises a first aerodynamic component (10) configured to be movably coupled to a primary structure (110) of the aircraft (100), a second aerodynamic component (20) which is movably coupled to the first aerodynamic component (10) and a first panel element (11) coupled to the first aerodynamic component (10), wherein the first panel element (11) at least partially covers a gap (13) between the first aerodynamic component (10) and the second aerodynamic component (20). The aerodynamic system (1) further comprises a sealing element (30) arranged between the first aerodynamic component (10) and the second aerodynamic component (20), wherein the sealing element (30) is configured to at least partially block an airflow (40) between the first aerodynamic component (10) and the second aerodynamic component (20).