Aircraft Wing Tip Seal Assembly for Aerodynamic Gap Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional tension-type joint used to attach wing tip devices to aircraft wings faces challenges in distributing increased aerodynamic loads and handling the weight of larger devices, while also risking damage during installation due to insufficient clearance and inadequate sealing of the gap between the wing and wing tip device.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly with a bridging portion and a seal portion is used to aerodynamically seal the gap between the wing and wing tip device, featuring a retaining portion for self-retention and increased stiffness, and a flexible seal portion made from materials like rubber, ensuring effective load transfer and minimizing damage during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a larger gap is provided between the wing and wing tip device for clearance during installation, then ease of operation is improved, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates due to the larger sealed area required
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into three distinct segments: a bridging portion that spans the gap internally, a seal portion that fills the gap, and a retaining portion that secures the assembly externally. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively solving the contradiction between gap size and aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing solution extends into the third dimension by using a bridging portion that projects into the interior side of the gap and a retaining portion that extends across the exterior side. This multi-dimensional approach allows the seal to maintain effectiveness while accommodating larger gap dimensions for installation clearance.
2Device complexity
If traditional tension type joint is used to attach wing tip device, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inadequate load distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple functional components: the tension type joint for basic attachment, the bridging portion for internal gap spanning, the seal portion for gap filling, and the retaining portion for external securing. This segmentation distributes aerodynamic loads across multiple elements rather than concentrating them at a single joint, improving reliability while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly combines multiple materials with different properties: a rigid or semi-rigid bridging portion for structural support, a flexible seal portion for gap sealing, and a retaining portion for mechanical retention. This composite approach enhances load distribution and system reliability.
3Strength
If wing tip device weight is increased to handle higher aerodynamic loads, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to handling difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The wing tip device is segmented into the main device structure and the separate seal assembly (comprising bridging, seal, and retaining portions). This segmentation allows the main device to be optimized for strength while the seal assembly can be designed for ease of installation and removal, improving overall ease of operation without compromising load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly is designed as a dynamic, removable component that can be installed and removed independently of the main wing tip device. This dynamic approach allows the heavy main device to remain fixed and structurally optimized, while the lighter seal assembly facilitates ease of operation during maintenance and assembly.
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 seals larger gaps, enhances the structural integrity of the seal, and allows for easy installation and removal of the wing tip device without damaging the aerodynamic surface, while maintaining a flush aerodynamic profile.
Implementation Method 1
a seal assembly for aerodynamically sealing the gap, wherein the seal assembly includes a bridging portion extending across an interior side of the gap to bridge the gap, and a seal portion which projects from the bridging portion to fill the gap
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft wing assembly including: a wing having a wing box structure with an upper wing cover and a lower wing cover, and a wing tip device attached to the outboard end of the wing, the wing tip device including an upper cover and a lower cover, wherein a gap between opposing edges of the wing tip device lower cover and the lower wing cover is at least 5 mm, a seal assembly aerodynamically seals the gap, wherein the seal assembly includes a bridging component on an interior side of the gap, and a seal which fills the gap and is supported by the bridging component.