Retractable Seal Assembly for Wing Aperture Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aperture in the wing leading edge of aircraft, revealed when the slat is deployed, causes undesirable flow characteristics due to leakage flow from high pressure to low pressure surfaces, which affects high-lift performance, especially during take-off and landing configurations.
Innovation Solution
A retractable seal assembly with a flexible substrate and rods connected to a track, biased to an extended position, which self-deploys to close the aperture by unfolding and is maintained by potential energy stored in the elastomer substrate or mechanical springs, ensuring the seal conforms to the aerodynamic surface profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the slat is deployed to increase lift, then high-lift performance is improved, but an aperture is revealed causing leakage flow from high pressure to low pressure surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A seal assembly acts as an intermediary element between the slat and the wing leading edge. The seal includes a flexible substrate with rods that run in tracks, creating a movable barrier that blocks the aperture while allowing the slat to deploy for high-lift operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The flexible substrate allows the seal to move between extended and retracted positions, enabling it to adapt to different slat configurations while maintaining the seal to prevent leakage flow.
2Loss of energy
If the aperture is sealed to prevent leakage flow, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but the seal mechanism adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is designed to be self-actuating through the movement of the slat itself. As the slat deploys or retracts, it automatically drives the seal to move between extended and retracted positions through the track mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal uses a flexible substrate that can bend and deform to conform to the wing leading edge profile and to accommodate the movement between extended and retracted positions. This flexibility simplifies the mechanism compared to rigid sealing solutions.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the seal is extended to close the aperture, then leakage flow is reduced, but the seal must be retracted to accommodate slat movement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed as a dynamic component that can transition between extended and retracted states. The flexible substrate with rods running in tracks enables the seal to adapt its position based on slat movement requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is segmented into multiple components including the flexible substrate, rods, and tracks. This segmentation allows independent movement of each component, enabling the seal to retract to accommodate slat motion while maintaining structural integrity and sealing capability.
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
Significantly reduces leakage flow between the wing surfaces, improving high-lift performance by effectively sealing the aperture during slat deployment, thereby enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing undesirable flow characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
The seal substrate is preferably an elastomer that stores potential energy when the seal is folded and releases that potential energy by unfolding the seal to its extended position.
Implementation Method 2
The seal may further include a mechanical spring for biasing the seal to the extended position.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal assembly for closing an aperture in an aerodynamic surface of a structure, the seal assembly comprising: a track for attachment to the structure; and a retractable seal including a flexible substrate and a plurality of rods connected to the substrate, wherein at least one of the rods is mounted for running movement along the track, and the seal is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position by moving the at least one rod along the track accompanied by folding/unfolding of the seal substrate, and wherein the seal is biased to its extended position.