Aircraft Slat Seal Door Monolithic Locking Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aero-restoration seal doors for aircraft slats are complex and heavy, increasing the weight and complexity of aircraft, which affects aerodynamic performance and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A seal system comprising a monolithic seal panel with a resilient seal locking mechanism that moves between unbowed and bowed positions under actuator impetus, reducing part count and weight by using additive manufacturing for a lightweight, cost-effective solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional aero-restoration seal doors with torsion springs, crank arms, and guide tracks are used, then the seal door can effectively seal the slat track opening, but the weight and complexity of the aircraft increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the seal door, locking mechanism, and spring into a single integrated assembly that moves as one unit. The seal door includes a door panel, locking members, and a coil spring assembled together, eliminating the need for separate crank arms, guide tracks, and multiple discrete components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal door assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the slat track opening, locks into position using the locking members, and is actuated by the coil spring. The door panel itself serves as both the sealing surface and the mounting structure for the locking mechanism, reducing the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional aero-restoration seal doors with multiple parts are used, then the seal door can effectively seal the slat track opening, but the aircraft weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidseal mechanism weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the seal door, locking mechanism, and spring into a single integrated assembly that moves as one unit. The seal door includes a door panel, locking members, and a coil spring assembled together, eliminating the need for separate crank arms, guide tracks, and multiple discrete components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal door panel is designed as a thin, flexible structure that can bend and conform to the slat track opening. The door panel includes a leading edge, trailing edge, and lateral sides that can flex to engage with the slat track, providing an effective seal with minimal material and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If torsion springs with crank arms and guide tracks are used to actuate the seal door, then the seal door can be reliably positioned, but the manufacturing cost and part count increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the seal door, locking mechanism, and spring into a single integrated assembly that moves as one unit. The seal door includes a door panel, locking members, and a coil spring assembled together, eliminating the need for separate crank arms, guide tracks, and multiple discrete components. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the sealing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of crank arms and guide tracks with a simpler direct-actuation mechanism. The coil spring is directly coupled to the seal door assembly, providing actuation force without requiring intermediate mechanical linkages. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining positioning reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 seal system effectively seals the slat track opening, enhancing aerodynamic performance, reducing aircraft weight and cost, and improving fuel economy by simplifying the seal mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

the seal locking mechanism being configured to resiliently move, under impetus of an actuator, between an unbowed position and a bowed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11312473B2Aircraft slat aero-restoration seal door and method therefor

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A seal is provided. The seal includes a seal panel having lateral sides. The seal also includes a seal locking mechanism coupled to the seal panel. The seal locking mechanism is configured to resiliently move, under impetus of an actuator, between an unbowed position of the seal locking mechanism and a bowed position of the seal locking mechanism.