Fluid Applicator for Structural Fastener Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid applicators fail to uniformly and efficiently apply anticorrosion substances to structural fasteners, which are prone to corrosion, especially in aircraft assembly, due to the complexity of surface geometries and the need for precise coating distribution.
Innovation Solution
A fluid applicator with a hollow body containing porous materials and a pin with a baffle, allowing for controlled flow of anticorrosion substances through a system of apertures and notches to uniformly coat surface protrusions, such as structural fasteners, ensuring comprehensive coverage and adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional fluid applicators are used to apply anticorrosion substances to structural fasteners, then the coating can be applied, but the coating distribution is non-uniform and coverage is insufficient on complex surface geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator employs a porous material with controlled porosity that allows the anticorrosion substance to be absorbed and distributed uniformly across the surface of the fastener through capillary action, ensuring even coating distribution on complex geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The porous material acts as an intermediary between the fluid reservoir and the fastener surface, mediating the transfer of anticorrosion substance and ensuring uniform distribution through its capillary structures
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional applicators are used, then application can be performed, but the coating distribution is insufficient on complex surface geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The porous material's three-dimensional capillary structure naturally conforms to complex surface geometries, providing comprehensive coating distribution without requiring complex applicator mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The porous material self-regulates the distribution of anticorrosion substance through capillary action, automatically adapting to the surface geometry without requiring external control systems
3Reliability
If conventional fluid applicators are used, then coating can be applied, but the coating is not thorough and consistent
Solution Approach 1:
The controlled porosity of the material ensures consistent and thorough coating by distributing the anticorrosion substance uniformly across all surface areas through capillary action, achieving reliable protection
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 enables a uniform and controlled application of anticorrosion substances to structural fasteners, enhancing corrosion resistance and extending the lifespan of aircraft components by ensuring thorough and consistent coating distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Wicking typically comprises the absorption of the liquid into the porous material by capillary action
Implementation Method 2
The porous material is an organic (natural) material or a synthetic material with a wicking property so that the porous material readily absorbs a fluid such as a liquid for transfer to the protrusion such as a fastener
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid applicator for applying a fluid to a surface protrusion. In one embodiment, an anticorrosion substance is applied to a structural fastener.