Aircraft Rib Seal Plate Alignment for Stringer Recess Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of seal plates over stringer-receiving recesses in aircraft fuel tanks is difficult and time-consuming due to the confined space, requiring manual measurement and selection of appropriately sized seal plates to ensure a tight seal.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a holder and biasing arrangement to self-align and fix seal member arrangements over stringer-receiving recesses, simplifying the assembly process by aligning and retaining seal plates in the correct position, and a sealing kit including this tool and curable sealant for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If seal plates are manually installed from inside the fuel tank after assembly, then the seal plate can be selected and fitted to cover the cut-out, but the installation becomes difficult and time-consuming due to confined space and the need for manual measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal plate is pre-assembled with the holder and positioning elements before insertion into the fuel tank. The tool is configured to self-align the seal plate with the stringer and cut-out, eliminating the need for manual measurement and selection during the confined space installation. The biasing arrangement pre-positions the seal plate in the correct location.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the installation of the seal plate. It provides a structured approach to positioning and aligning the seal plate with the stringer and cut-out, making the installation process easier and faster by removing the need for manual measurement and adjustment in the confined space.
2Reliability
If manual measurement and selection of seal plate size is performed, then the appropriate seal plate can be selected to ensure a tight seal, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is configured to self-align the seal plate with the stringer and cut-out through the biasing arrangement and positioning elements. The system automatically positions the seal plate in the correct location without requiring manual measurement and selection, thereby maintaining sealing reliability while simplifying the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal plate and holder are pre-configured with positioning elements that ensure proper alignment with the stringer and cut-out before insertion. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex measurement and selection procedures during installation, reducing both complexity and time while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If access to the fuel tank is required for seal plate installation, then the seal plate can be positioned and sealed, but the confined space makes the operation difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The holder serves as an intermediary device that simplifies the installation operation in confined space. It provides structured positioning and alignment features that guide the seal plate into the correct position, making the operation easier while maintaining access requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal plate is pre-assembled with the holder and positioning elements before insertion into the fuel tank. This preliminary configuration ensures proper alignment and positioning is already established, reducing the complexity of the operation in the confined space while maintaining sealing quality.
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 tool significantly reduces assembly time and improves the sealing efficiency by simplifying the alignment and retention of seal plates, ensuring a reliable fuel-tight seal without the need for manual measurement and access to the fuel tank.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing arrangement configured to act on the holder to bias the seal member arrangement into an aligned position with a stringer received in the recess
Data Source
AI summary
Seal member arrangements having at least one seal plate are disposed over stringer receiving recesses in ribs of an aircraft. A tool for locating a seal member arrangement over a stringer-receiving recess in a rib of an aircraft assembly. The tool system has a holder configured to hold the seal member arrangement over the recess. A biasing arrangement is configured to act on the holder to bias the seal member arrangement into an aligned position with a stringer received in the recess. A fixing arrangement is configured to act on the seal member arrangement to fix the seal member arrangement in the aligned position. A sealing kit, an aircraft assembly, a method of fixing a seal member arrangement over a stringer-receiving recess in a rib of an aircraft are also disclosed.