Aircraft Wing Seal Assembly for Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft wing aerodynamic performance is compromised due to gaps between the fixed wing structure and flight control surfaces, particularly when spoilers and flaps are deployed, as packaging constraints often require cutting back the wing structure, leading to inefficient lift management during cruise and high-lift configurations.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly comprising a first rigid seal member fixed to the fixed wing portion and a second resilient seal member attached to the trailing edge flap, where the first seal member's distal portion presses against the second seal member's distal portion to cover the gap, ensuring partial sealing as the control surface moves relative to the fixed aerofoil portion, and the seal members are designed to maintain contact during variable camber wing movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the fixed wing structure is cut back to avoid clashing with flight control surfaces, then packaging constraints are satisfied, but gaps are opened up between the fixed wing structure and control surfaces degrading aerodynamic performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible seal members (first and second seal members) that function as thin film structures to close the gap between the fixed wing structure and the movable control surfaces. These flexible seals can deform and maintain contact as the control surfaces move, providing continuous aerodynamic sealing without rigid structural interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly acts as an intermediary element between the fixed wing structure and the movable control surfaces. It mediates the gap created by the cut-back wing structure, allowing the control surfaces to move freely while maintaining aerodynamic continuity through the flexible seal members that bridge the gap.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If seal members are added to close the gap between fixed wing structure and control surfaces, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: a first seal member attached to the fixed wing structure, a second seal member attached to the control surface, and an edge portion that interacts between them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while collectively providing effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly incorporates dynamic elements where the flexible seal members can deform and adjust their shape as the control surfaces move through their range of motion. The edge portion of the first seal member presses against the second seal member in a dynamic manner, maintaining sealing contact throughout the movement cycle without requiring complex actuation mechanisms.
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 assembly effectively maintains aerodynamic performance by sealing gaps between the fixed wing and control surfaces, preventing drag penalties and ensuring smooth operation of spoilers and flaps across various deployment angles, while avoiding interference with normal deployment mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the edge of the first distal portion is configured to press against the second distal portion and deflect the second distal portion so as to at least partially cover the gap between the fixed aerofoil portion and the control surface
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing has a fixed wing portion and a trailing edge flap movable with respect to the fixed wing portion to define a gap between the fixed wing and the flap. A seal assembly has a first rigid seal member fixed to the fixed wing portion and a second resilient seal member fixed to an upper surface leading edge portion of the flap. The trailing edge flap is deployable between a first flap position in which the trailing edge flap conforms to a profile of the fixed wing portion, a second flap position in which the trailing edge flap is deflected upwardly from the first flap position, and a third flap position in which the trailing edge flap is deflected downwardly from the first flap position. In the first flap position the first seal member contacts the second seal member to at least partially seal the gap, and in the second flap position the first seal member presses against the second seal member and deflects the second seal member to at least partially seal the gap.