Aircraft Wing Aperture Sealing With Resilient Contact Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing devices for aircraft wing apertures are not mechanically simple, reliable, or maintenance-free, and they can be heavy, which affects aerodynamic performance due to leakage flows and require modifications to the wing part.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device comprising an interface section for attachment, a connecting section for resilient holding, and a cover section with a contact portion to maintain contact with actuation elements, allowing for elastic deformation compensation and minimizing leakage, manufactured as a single part from sheet metal or fiber-reinforced plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing sealing devices are used to cover apertures in wing parts, then the apertures are sealed, but the sealing devices are mechanically complex, heavy, and require modifications to the wing part
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into three functional sections: an interface section for mounting to the wing part, a connecting section with resilient elements for absorption of deformations, and a cover section for covering the aperture. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting section incorporates resilient elements (springs or elastic components) that allow the sealing device to dynamically adapt to elastic deformations of the wing part and actuation elements during operation. This dynamic capability maintains sealing effectiveness without requiring a complex rigid structure.
2Reliability
If existing sealing devices are used to cover apertures in wing parts, then the apertures are sealed, but the sealing devices are heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The cover section is designed as a thin-walled structure that can be made from lightweight materials such as sheet metal or fiber-reinforced plastic. This flexible shell approach provides adequate sealing while minimizing weight compared to rigid heavy-duty sealing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device can be manufactured from composite materials such as fiber-reinforced plastics that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, achieving reliable sealing performance with minimal weight. The interface section, connecting section, and cover section can all utilize composite construction.
3Reliability
If existing sealing devices are used to cover apertures in wing parts, then the apertures are sealed, but modifications to the wing part are required
Solution Approach 1:
The interface section is designed as a separate mounting component that attaches to the wing part without requiring structural modifications. It can be mounted using existing attachment points or surface mounting techniques, preserving the integrity of the wing part while achieving reliable sealing.
4Device complexity
If a simple sealing device is used, then the device is lightweight and simple, but it cannot compensate for elastic deformations
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting section incorporates resilient elements (springs or elastic components) that allow the sealing device to dynamically adapt to elastic deformations of the wing part and actuation elements during operation. This dynamic capability maintains sealing effectiveness without requiring a complex rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient elements in the connecting section change their physical parameters (length, force) in response to deformations, allowing the sealing device to maintain contact and sealing effectiveness under varying operational conditions while keeping the overall structure simple.
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 provides a lightweight, maintenance-free sealing device that effectively covers apertures, compensates for elastic deformations, and reduces aerodynamic interference, maintaining a closed surface without requiring significant modifications to the wing part.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting section is adapted to resiliently hold the cover section in a predetermined orientation relative to the interface section
Implementation Method 2
the cover section comprises a contact portion for contacting a surface of an actuation element that protrudes through the aperture
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing device for covering an aperture in a wing part of an aircraft is proposed, the sealing device comprising an interface section for fixedly mounting the sealing device to a surface of the wing part adjacent the aperture, a connecting section, and a cover section for covering at least a part of the aperture, wherein the connecting section is arranged between the interface section and the cover section and connects the interface section and the cover section, wherein the connecting section is adapted to resiliently hold the cover section in a predetermined orientation relative to the interface section to cover at least a part of the aperture, and wherein the cover section comprises a contact portion for contacting a surface of an actuation element that protrudes through the aperture.