Longitudinal Translatable Seal for Laser Paint Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for surface treatment of aircrafts, such as paint removal, are inefficient due to the difficulty in removing exterior paint coatings, which can lead to chemical deterioration and safety risks if not properly maintained.

Innovation Solution

A longitudinal translatable seal system comprising inflatable compartments and a carriage with a port, allowing for constant pressure maintenance in laser and effluent channels, enabling the transport of surface treatment elements on large structures while preventing external particle contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual chemical solutions or sanding are used to remove paint, then paint removal can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepaint removal efficiencyVSAvoidsurface treatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical sanding and chemical application with an automated laser-based paint removal system. The laser beam is directed through a beam assembly that can be precisely positioned and controlled, automatically removing paint without manual intervention, thereby significantly improving productivity and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses laser parameters (intensity, duration, wavelength) to selectively remove paint based on its chemical composition. By adjusting laser parameters, the system can efficiently remove different types of paint coatings without affecting the underlying substrate, achieving faster and more controlled paint removal compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the beam assembly is made accessible for element transport, then maintenance and operation are easier, but maintaining constant pressure in laser and effluent channels becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam assembly accessibilityVSAvoidpressure constancy in channels

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The beam assembly is divided into separate accessible components that can be independently maintained while the seal remains intact. The seal itself is segmented into inflatable compartments that can be individually monitored and adjusted, allowing maintenance access without compromising the overall sealing integrity or pressure constancy in the laser and effluent channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inflatable seal acts as an intermediary between the accessible beam assembly components and the pressure-sensitive internal channels. It provides a flexible barrier that allows for component access and maintenance while maintaining the constant pressure environment required for laser and effluent flow through the channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stress or pressure

If a rigid seal structure is used to maintain pressure, then pressure constancy is achieved, but the seal cannot accommodate movement and translation of components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure constancyVSAvoidaccommodation of component movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seal transitions from a rigid structure to a dynamic inflatable structure that can adapt its shape and position. The inflatable compartments can expand and contract to accommodate the movement and translation of beam assembly components while maintaining the constant pressure environment within the sealed channels, providing both pressure stability and mechanical flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible inflatable membrane structures to create the seal. These flexible shells can deform and move with the beam assembly components while maintaining the pressure differential across the seal, allowing component adaptability without compromising pressure constancy in the laser and effluent channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 system ensures effective and safe surface treatment by maintaining constant pressure and preventing dust and water ingress, ensuring optimal performance and safety during the treatment process.

Implementation Method 1

a first inflatable compartment extending in a longitudinal direction; a second inflatable compartment extending in the longitudinal direction forming a sealing surface with the first inflatable compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10744657B2Seal

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 SOUTHWEST RES INST

AI summary

A longitudinal translatable seal includes a first inflatable compartment extending in a longitudinal direction; a second inflatable compartment extending in the longitudinal direction forming a sealing surface with the first inflatable compartment; and a carriage translatable longitudinally with respect to the sealing surface, and a port in the carriage to fluidly connect a first side of the seal with a second side of the seal.