Panel Sealing Assembly With Flexible Blade for Easy Replacement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft panel assembly methods face issues such as screw element seizing, the need to replace seals when panels are changed, and accessibility problems during polymerization, which complicates other assembly operations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flexible blade integrated into the structure with elastomeric cords that are off-center and housed in receptacles, allowing panels to be fixed without re-sealing when replaced, and enabling polymerization without panel presence, reducing the risk of damage and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If panels are fixed to the structure by compressing joint beads during assembly, then sealing is achieved, but screw elements seize and panels cannot be replaced without replacing the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into three independent components: the joint bead (sealant), the flexible blade, and the panel. The flexible blade acts as an intermediary element that can be independently replaced. When a panel needs replacement, only the flexible blade is removed and replaced, while the joint bead remains on the structure, maintaining the sealing function without requiring panel seal replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible blade serves as an intermediary element between the panel and the joint bead. It mediates the sealing function by being compressed between the panel and the joint bead during assembly. This intermediary allows the panel to be decoupled from the sealant, enabling panel replacement without compromising the sealing system.
2Reliability
If panels are present during polymerization of joint beads, then sealing is formed, but accessibility for other assembly operations is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The joint bead is applied and polymerized in advance before the panel is installed. This preliminary action allows the sealant to cure and achieve full sealing properties before the panel is positioned. The flexible blade is then added as a separate assembly step, allowing other assembly operations to be performed on the panel without interfering with the already-cured sealant.
3Ease of repair
If Teflon or liquid release agent is integrated into panels to limit seal adhesion, then panel removal is facilitated, but the sealing system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted from the panel and transferred to the flexible blade. The flexible blade is made of a material that naturally provides release properties, eliminating the need to modify the panel with Teflon or liquid release agents. This simplifies the overall system by concentrating the release function in a single replaceable component rather than requiring modifications to multiple elements.
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 solution allows for easy panel replacement without re-sealing, reduces the risk of screw element seizing, and enhances accessibility during assembly by allowing polymerization without panel presence, ensuring consistent waterproofing and compensating for panel deformations and manufacturing irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
each edge of the flexible blade which is parallel to the contact line carries an elastomer cord
Implementation Method 2
a polymerization step during which the joint cords thus compressed are polymerized
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (280) comprising a structure (202), two panels (204a-b) joined along a contact line (50) which extends along the structure (202), a flexible blade (285) attached to the structure (202) where at least one edge extends opposite one of the panels (204a-b), and an elastomeric cord (253a-b) attached to the flexible blade (285) or to the panel (204a-b) opposite said at least one edge, where the panels (204a-b) are attached to the structure (202) by sandwiching the flexible blade (285) and where said elastomeric cord (253a-b) is sandwiched between the flexible blade (285) and an inner surface of the panel (204a-b) opposite. Such an assembly can be easily implemented and even if a panel needs to be replaced, it is not necessary to redo the sealing.