Honeycomb Composite Insert Vent Channel for Flat Overlay Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trapped air within composite structure assemblies, such as those with honeycomb core panels, causes pressure imbalances that lead to deformation and distortion of overlays during flight, posing hazards and obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A fastener assembly with a receptacle and base that includes a channel and vent opening, allowing air to escape and equalize pressure, comprising a base with a bore and a receptacle with a sidewall defining a channel and vent opening, connected to the base, and a fastener with a head and shaft that forms a flow path through the vent opening, channel, and bore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hole is sealed air tight with the fastener bracket and overlay during installation, then the composite structure assembly is securely installed and sealed, but air pressure imbalance causes overlay deformation and bulging during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The hole is divided into two separate sealed regions: an inner sealed hole portion containing the fastener bracket, and an outer sealed region covered by the overlay. The vent channel is positioned between these two regions, allowing the inner region to be sealed while providing a pressure equalization path that prevents the overlay from deforming.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent channel acts as an intermediary element between the inner sealed hole portion and the outer sealed region. It provides a controlled pressure equalization path that mediates the pressure imbalance, allowing the overlay to remain flat while maintaining the seal integrity of both regions.
2Reliability
If the overlay is adhered to seal closed the hole, then air pressure equalization is achieved, but the overlay becomes distorted by pressure differences during altitude changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed space is segmented into an inner sealed hole portion and an outer sealed region. The vent channel connects these segments, allowing pressure equalization while maintaining the seal closure function of the overlay.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent channel serves as an intermediary pressure equalization path between the inner sealed hole portion and the outer sealed region, eliminating the harmful pressure differential that would otherwise cause overlay distortion while preserving the seal closure.
3Reliability
If the fastener bracket creates an air tight seal, then the installation is secure and sealed, but trapped air causes bubbling phenomenon during flight
Solution Approach 1:
The hole is segmented into an inner sealed hole portion (secured by the fastener bracket) and an outer sealed region (covered by the overlay). The vent channel is positioned between these segments, allowing the inner portion to be securely sealed while providing a pressure relief path that prevents the bubbling phenomenon.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent channel acts as an intermediary pressure equalization path between the inner sealed hole portion and the outer sealed region, eliminating the pressure differential that causes the bubbling phenomenon while maintaining the installation security provided by the fastener bracket seal.
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 solution effectively balances air pressure within the composite structure assembly, preventing deformation and distortion of overlays, maintaining a flattened position during flight by allowing trapped air to escape and equalizing external pressure.
Implementation Method 1
As the aircraft gains altitude in flight, for example, the air pressure exerted against the overlay from outside of the composite structure assembly is reduced relative to the air pressure that is trapped within the air tight sealed hole. The relatively higher air pressure within the hole causes the overlay to be deformed and bulge or bubble
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener assembly includes a base which defines a bore which extends through the base. The fastener assembly further includes a receptacle wherein the receptacle includes a sidewall wherein the sidewall defines a channel which extends through the receptacle. The channel extends from a first opening defined by the sidewall to a second opening defined by the sidewall and the sidewall is connected to the base wherein the second opening aligns with the bore of the base. The sidewall of the receptacle defines a vent opening which extends through the sidewall. The receptacle and the base define a flow path through the vent opening of the sidewall, through the channel of the receptacle, through the second opening of the sidewall of the receptacle and through the bore of the base.