Strip-Shaped Metal Gap Covering Element for Aircraft Aerodynamic Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft gap sealing technologies using conductive elastomer gaskets face challenges with mechanical strength, aerodynamic issues, radio frequency scattering, and maintenance requirements, particularly in low radar detectability designs, due to wear and weight considerations.
Innovation Solution
A strip-shaped metal structural element with a fixing portion, a wedge-shaped sliding portion, and a connection portion, optimized for controlled elastic bending, to maintain contact and minimize surface discontinuities while reducing radar scattering and weight, featuring a smooth surface and tapered profile for adaptability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive elastomer gaskets are used to seal gaps, then aerodynamic continuity and RF scattering prevention are improved, but mechanical strength and durability deteriorate due to wear and material limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite structure combining a rigid or semi-rigid core element with an elastomeric coating layer. The core provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the conductive elastomeric coating maintains aerodynamic continuity and RF scattering prevention. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric coating is applied selectively to specific surfaces of the core element where aerodynamic continuity and RF sealing are required, rather than making the entire gasket soft. This allows the core to provide structural strength in load-bearing areas while the coating provides the necessary sealing properties at the gap interface.
2Reliability
If conductive elastomer gaskets are used to ensure contact, then aerodynamic and RF scattering issues are resolved, but weight increases due to additional material and assembly components
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential functions of the traditional gasket (sealing and conductivity) and concentrates them into a thinner, more integrated structure. The core element provides the structural framework while the elastomeric coating, applied as a thin layer, provides the sealing and conductive properties, significantly reducing the overall weight compared to bulky traditional gasket assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the structural support function and the sealing/conductive function into a single integrated element. The core and elastomeric coating work as a unified component, eliminating the need for separate structural supports and gasket materials, thereby reducing total weight while maintaining contact reliability.
3Reliability
If traditional gasket assembly methods are used, then gap sealing is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase due to wear and need for restoration
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric coating is designed with inherent wear resistance and is applied as a protective layer that cushions against degradation. The coating's material properties are selected to resist wear, oxidation, and environmental degradation, extending the service life of the gasket and reducing maintenance frequency. The design anticipates wear and builds in a protective margin from the outset.
4Reliability
If multiple separate elements are used to address different requirements, then functional requirements are met, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions (structural support, aerodynamic sealing, RF scattering prevention, and wear resistance) into a single integrated element consisting of a core with an elastomeric coating. This eliminates the need for separate structural supports, gaskets, and protective layers, significantly reducing assembly complexity while maintaining all required functional performances.
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 addresses mechanical and aerodynamic requirements, maintains contact and reduces radar scattering, and minimizes maintenance needs, ensuring compatibility with operational demands for low radar detectability and adaptability to varying gap configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the thickness of said connection portion being so sized as to allow, in use, a controlled elastic bending of the structural covering element
Implementation Method 2
a sliding portion provided along the edge of the strip-shaped body opposite with respect to the one of the fixing portion, said sliding portion having a wedge-shaped profile and being adapted to urge in a sliding manner on the other of the longitudinal borders of the elongate gap
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention describes a covering structural element (1) adapted to close an elongate gap (2) provided on an aerodynamic surface (3) of an aircraft. Such an element consists of a strip-shaped body made of metal material, comprising a fixing portion, adapted to be fixed along one of the longitudinal borders of the elongate gap; a sliding portion adapted to urge in a sliding manner on the other of the longitudinal borders of the strip-shaped gap; and a connection portion, connecting the sliding portion to the fixing portion, the thickness of which is so sized as to allow, in use, a controlled elastic bending of the structural covering element. The covering structural element has a profile so sized as to be tapered at the transition from the fixing portion to the connection portion and from the sliding portion to the connection portion, said covering structural element having a smooth surface on the side intended to face away from the elongate gap.