Inward U-Shaped Sealing Flange for Brazed Honeycomb Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of structural and/or acoustic panels in aircraft propulsion assemblies is complicated due to the geometry of conventional sealing flanges, which can lead to weakened fastening during brazing processes, as the lateral arms of the sealing flanges are prone to collapse under thermal expansion.
Innovation Solution
The sealing flange is arranged with its free ends facing the alveolar structure instead of the outside, and reinforcements such as transverse walls or foils are used to keep the lateral arms separated, facilitating assembly and enhancing structural strength by preventing collapse during brazing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing flange has lateral arms oriented toward the outside of the panel, then the assembly with other structures is complicated, but the structural strength is maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional orientation of the sealing flange lateral arms. Instead of extending outward from the panel boundary, the lateral arms are oriented toward the inside of the panel, with their free ends facing the alveolar structure. This inversion simplifies the lateral boundary geometry and facilitates assembly with other structures while maintaining the sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the sealing flange configuration by repositioning the lateral arms from an external orientation to an internal orientation toward the alveolar structure. This dimensional reconfiguration eliminates the hollow at the panel boundary, simplifying the overall geometry and assembly process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lateral arms of the sealing flange are heated during brazing, then the fastening process is completed, but the lateral arms collapse under thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the lateral arms in a configuration that resists the anticipated thermal expansion forces during brazing. The lateral arms are designed with sufficient structural rigidity and proper positioning to counteract the collapsing tendency that would occur under thermal stress, ensuring they maintain their shape and fastening capability throughout the brazing process.
3Weight of moving object
If the sealing flange uses a U-shaped cross-section, then the panel mass is reduced, but the lateral boundary becomes hollow and complicates assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the orientation of the U-shaped sealing flange so that the open end of the U-shape faces inward toward the alveolar structure rather than outward. This inversion maintains the mass-saving advantage of the U-shaped cross-section while eliminating the hollow at the panel boundary, thereby simplifying assembly with other 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
This arrangement simplifies the assembly process and enhances the structural integrity of the panels by maintaining the separation of lateral arms during brazing, ensuring proper fastening and improved panel strength.
Implementation Method 1
heating a filling metal inserted between the elements to be assembled to the melting point thereof
Implementation Method 2
heating a filling metal inserted between the elements to be assembled to the melting point thereof
Implementation Method 3
the lateral arms of the sealing flanges are prone to collapse under thermal expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A structural and/or acoustic panel including an inner skin, an outer skin, a honeycomb structure and at least one sealing flange. The sealing flange has a U-shaped section directed toward the honeycomb structure and is clamped with the honeycomb structure between the inner and the outer skins. A method for manufacturing such a panel by soldering the component elements thereof is also disclosed.