Aircraft Wing Box Junction Sealing with External Compression

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technique for sealing the junction between an aircraft's wing box and central fuselage is ergonomically challenging due to the need for operators to inject sealant from within the wing box, which is cramped and difficult to access, and is expected to become increasingly complex as wing heights decrease.

Innovation Solution

A sealing device comprising deformable elements, rigid end elements, and clamping means that allows for easy installation from outside the aircraft, featuring a nut and screw mechanism to compress the deformable elements against the fuselage walls, ensuring tightness while accommodating various junction shapes with a sealant that seals spaces between the elements and the walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sealant is injected from inside the wing box using traditional methods, then the junction can be sealed, but the operation becomes ergonomically challenging and increasingly complex as wing heights decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidoperator ergonomics

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional sealing approach by moving the sealant injection point from inside the wing box to the external junction area. The sealing device is positioned outside the wing box, with the deformable element expanding into the junction to create the seal, allowing operators to work from accessible external positions rather than confined internal spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable element acts as an intermediary between the externally applied sealant and the junction interior. It is inserted through the junction and expands to fill and seal the opening from the outside, mediating the sealing action without requiring direct internal access for sealant application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional sealant injection methods are used, then the junction can be sealed, but the device complexity increases due to multiple components (blocking elements, adhesive inlet elements, injection guns)

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of sealing components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple traditional sealing components into a single integrated sealing device. The device combines the sealant delivery mechanism, the deformable sealing element, and the positioning structure into one unified assembly that is inserted and operated as a single unit, eliminating the need for separate blocking elements, adhesive inlet elements, and injection guns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing device is designed as a multi-functional tool that performs multiple sealing operations through a single insertion. The deformable element can adapt to different junction configurations, and the device handles both positioning and sealant delivery functions that traditionally required separate components and steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the wing box height is decreased to improve aircraft performance, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but the accessibility for sealant injection from inside the wing box becomes increasingly difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaircraft performanceVSAvoidaccessibility for sealing operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the sealing approach to work from the outside in, rather than from the inside out. This allows sealing operations to be performed independently of the wing box internal height, as the sealing device is positioned externally and the deformable element expands into the junction area, making the operation accessible regardless of reduced wing box dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Facilitates simple and effective sealing of the junction from outside the aircraft, reducing ergonomic challenges and adapting to different forms, ensuring reliable and durable sealing of the fuel tank junction.

Implementation Method 1

at least one deformable element having a first bore... intended to be disposed in said junction... clamping means... clamp the first rigid end element and the second rigid end element towards each other by deforming said at least one deformable element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4484277A1Sealing device for a junction between a wing box and a central fuselage of an aircraft, sealing methods and corresponding aircraft

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for sealing a joint (93) located between a wall (911) of a wing box (91) and a wall (921) of a central fuselage (92) of an aircraft, said device comprising at least one deformable element (11) clamped between a first and a second rigid end element (13, 15). The device further comprises clamping means (17) for bringing the first and second rigid end elements closer together so as to deform, by compression, the at least one deformable element until it is pressed against the walls of the joint. Such a device makes it possible to ensure the sealing of a joint while allowing for simple and easy installation from outside the aircraft. Such a device is easily adaptable to different shapes of joints to be sealed.