• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
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    • 专利摘要:
    fluid tight mechanical clamping system and associated structural assembly. The present invention relates to a structural assembly comprising a first member with an outer side and an inner side, the first member defining a first member through hole, a second member with an outer side and an inner side, the second member defining a second member through hole aligned with the first member through hole, and a mechanical fastening system including a bushing at least partially housed in the first member through hole, the bushing defining a through bushing hole and including a flange, wherein the flange is positioned in an opening between the inner side of the first member and the outer side of the second member, a nut plate connected to the inner side of the second member, the nut plate defining a clearance hole aligned with the through hole second member and with the bushing through hole, the nut plate including a nut and a bolt extended through the bushing through hole to a threaded fitting with the nut.
    公开号:BR102017013563A2
    申请号:R102017013563-2
    申请日:2017-06-22
    公开日:2018-04-03
    发明作者:P. Walker Steven；E. Plass Christopher；K. Klein Michael；V. Salmi John
    申请人:The Boeing Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    (54) Title: FLUID-SEALED MECHANICAL FIXATION SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY (51) Int. Cl .: F16B 5/02; B64C 3/26; B64C 3/34 (30) Unionist Priority: 24/06/2016 US 15 / 191,819 (73) Holder (s): THE BOEING COMPANY (72) Inventor (s): STEVEN P. WALKER; CHRISTOPHER E. PLASS; MICHAEL K. KLEIN; JOHN V. SALMI (74) Attorney (s): DANNEMANN, SIEMSEN, BIGLER & IPANEMA MOREIRA (57) Abstract: MECHANICAL FIXING SYSTEM FLUID AND ASSOCIATED STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY. The present invention relates to a structural assembly that includes a first member with an outer side and an inner side, the first member defining a through hole of the first member, a second member with an outer side and an inner side, the second member defining a second member through hole aligned with the first member through hole, and a mechanical fastening system that includes a dowel at least partially housed in the first member through bore, the dowel defining a dowel bore and including a flange, the flange being positioned in an opening between the inner side of the first member and the outer side of the second member, a nut plate connected to the inner side of the second member, the nut plate defining a clearance hole aligned with the through hole second member and with the bushing hole, the nut plate including a nut and a screw extended through the bushing hole for one and n threaded fitting with the nut.
    1/23
    Descriptive Report on the Invention Patent for FLUID-SEALED MECHANICAL FIXATION SYSTEM
    STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATE.
    FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to mechanical fasteners and, more particularly, to structural assemblies, such as aircraft wings assembled using mechanical fasteners and, even more particularly, to fluid tight mechanical fastening systems for the assembly of aircraft wings.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The construction of an aircraft's wings is typically done with ribs, stringers and cover panels (for example, a top cover panel and a bottom cover panel). Specifically, the ribs are spaced apart from each other when along the length of the wing. The front ends of the ribs are connected to the front stringer, while the rear ends of the ribs are connected to the rear stringer. The upper cladding panel is connected to the upper portion of each rib, while the lower cladding panel is connected to the lower portion of each rib. In this way, the ribs, side members and cover panels define a closed wing box, which is commonly used as a fuel tank in commercial or passenger aircraft.
    [0003] When aircraft fuel is stored inside the wing box, the connections between the cover panels and the ribs must be fluid tight. Traditionally, the process of attaching cladding panels to the ribs in order to achieve a fluid-tight connection requires personnel to enter and work within the confined space of the wing box. Therefore, several safety precautions must be taken, which increases the
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    2/23 general cost of the aircraft manufacturing process. It will be advantageous to assemble the wing box without having to enter the wing box. [0004] The wings of certain fighter planes are assembled through the external connection of the covering panels to the ribs, thus avoiding the confined space issues associated with personnel entering the wing box. However, to meet the needs of battle damage, fuel in a fighter jet is typically contained within compartmentalized air chambers, rather than in the wing box itself. In this way, fluid tightness is reduced when external cladding panels are attached to the ribs on a fighter jet.
    [0005] As a result, people skilled in the art continue to make research and development efforts in the field of aircraft wing assembly.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] In one embodiment, the mechanical fastening system of the present invention may include a bushing dimensioned and shaped so as to be at least partially housed in a through hole of a first element, the bushing defining a through bushing hole and including a positionable flange between the first element and an opposing second element, a nut plate connectable to the second element, the nut plate including a nut and defining a clearance hole, which may be aligned with a hole through the second element , and a screw configured to pass through the bushing through hole and to fit in a threaded way with the nut.
    [0007] In one embodiment, the structural assembly of the present invention can include a first element having an outer side and an inner side, the first element defining a through hole of first element, a second element having an external side and a
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    3/23 inner side, the second element defining a second element through hole aligned with the first element through hole, and a mechanical fastening system including a bush at least partially housed in the first element through hole, the bush defining a hole bushing through and including a flange, the flange being positioned in an opening between the inner side of the first element and the outer side of the second element, a nut plate connected to the inner side of the second element, the nut plate defining a clearance hole aligned with the second element through hole and with the bushing through hole, the nut plate including a nut and a screw extended through the bushing through hole for a threaded fitting with the nut.
    [0008] In another embodiment, the structural assembly of the present invention can include a first element including an outer side and an inner side, the first element defining a through hole of the first element, a second element including an outer side and an inner side , the second element defining a second element through hole aligned with the first element through hole, and a mechanical fixing system including an external bush at least partially housed in the first element through hole near the outside of the first element, the bush outer sleeve defining an outer sleeve through hole, an inner sleeve at least partially housed in the first element through hole near the inner side of the first element, the inner sleeve defining an inner sleeve through hole and including a flange positioned in an opening between the inner side of the first member and the outer side of the second member, with the flange is in a sealing fit with the outer side of the second member, a sealing thread that seals an interface between the flange and
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    4/23 the inner side of the first member, a nut plate in sealing fit with the inner side of the second member, the nut plate defining a clearance hole and including a nut housed in the clearance hole and a screw extended through the through hole of external bushing and through hole of internal bushing for a threaded fitting with the nut.
    [0009] In one embodiment, an assembly method may include the steps of (1) forming a first member through hole in a first member and a second member through hole in a second member; (2) insert a bushing into the first member through hole, the bushing defining a bushing through hole and including a flange, where the flange juxtaposes to an inner side of the first member; (3) connect a nut plate to an inner side of the second member, where the nut plate defines a clearance hole aligned with the through hole of the second member and includes a nut housed in the clearance hole; (4) align the bushing through hole with the second member through hole; and (5) insert a screw through the bushing through hole and thread the screw to fit with the nut.
    [0010] Other embodiments of the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention and associated structural assembly will become apparent from the detailed description below, the attached drawings and the attached claims.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aircraft wing employing the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention in order to connect the cover panel to the ribs;
    [0012] Figure 2 is a side view in cross section of a modality of the mechanical fixing system of the present invention,
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    5/23 showing the joint connection of the members of a structural set;
    [0013] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the mechanical fastening system of Figure 2;
    [0014] Figures 4A to 4D are lateral views in cross section describing the steps involved in the assembly of a structural assembly using the mechanical fixation system of Figure 2;
    [0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the mechanical fastening system of the present invention;
    [0016] Figure 6 is a flowchart of an aircraft manufacture and service methodology; and [0017] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an aircraft. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0018] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a fluid-tight mechanical fastening system, generally designated with the reference numeral 100, and a structural assembly, generally designated with the numeral of reference 10, which includes a first member 12 connected to a second member 14 using the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100. As = described in more detail herein, the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention invention 100 can facilitate the external connection of the first member 12 to the second member 14 (from the outer side 13 (Figure 2) of the first member 12), while at the same time maintaining the fluid tightness of the first member 12.
    [0019] In a particular application, the structural assembly of the present invention 10 can be the wing of an aircraft, such as a commercial or passenger plane. Therefore, the first member 12 of the structural assembly 10 may include a cladding panel
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    6/23 of aircraft wing 16 and, optionally, stringers 18 connected to the cladding panel 16, while the second member 14 of the structural assembly 10 may include ribs on the stringers 20. However, those skilled in the art may appreciate that several members they may be connected together using the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100, whether for aerospace or non-aerospace applications, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
    [0020] Referring now to Figure 2, the first member 12 of the structural set 10 can define a through hole of first member 22, and the through hole of first member 22 can include a countersink 24. The second member 14 of the structural set 10 you can define a second member through hole 26. The first member through hole 22 may be aligned with the second member through hole 26 along a through hole geometric axis A. The fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 can extend through the first member through hole 22 and the second member through hole 26 to connect the first member 12 to the second member 14.
    [0021] The fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 may include an outer sleeve 102, an inner sleeve 104, a nut plate 106, a nut 108 and a screw 110. Additional components and accessories may be included in the system fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in a particular embodiment, the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 may further include a first seal 112 (for example, a sealing thread) between the first member 12 and the inner sleeve 104, a second seal 114
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    7/23 (for example, an O-ring) between the inner sleeve 104 and the second member 14 and / or a third seal 116 (for example, an O-ring)
    O) between the second member 14 and the nut plate 106.
    [0022] The outer sleeve 102 of the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 may include a body 120 dimensioned and shaped so as to be strictly housed within the through hole of first member 22 of first member 12 of the next structural assembly 10 (on or next to) the outer side 13 of the first member 12. For example, the body 120 of the outer sleeve 102 can be dimensioned and shaped so that it is strictly housed within the countersink 24 of the first member through hole 22 of the first member 12 The body 120 of the outer sleeve 102 can include a first end portion 122 and a second end portion 124 opposite in the axial direction (facing the through hole geometric axis A) to the first end portion 122. Body 120 of the outer sleeve 102 can define an outer sleeve through hole 126 that extends axially from the first end portion 122 to the second end portion 1 24. The external bushing through hole 126 may include a recess 128 near the first end portion 122 of the body 120 of the external bushing 102.
    [0023] The body 120 of the external bushing 102 can be formed of various materials, including combinations of materials, without departing from the scope of application of the present invention. The formation of the body 120 of the outer sleeve 102 from an electrically conductive material may promote a charge dissipation for the first adjacent member 12 in the event of a lightning strike. The strength and rigidity of the material that forms the body 120 of the external bushing 102 may also be considerations to be made, since the screw 110 can directly contact the external bushing 102. In a construction in
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    8/23 in particular, the body 120 of the external bushing 102 can be made of a metallic material (for example, a metal or a metal alloy). As a specific, non-limiting example, the body 120 of the outer sleeve 102 can be formed of a titanium alloy, such as an aerospace grade titanium alloy (for example, Ti-6AI-4V or Ti-5AI-2.5Sn) . However, the use of non-metallic materials, such as polymeric or composite materials (for example, carbon fiber reinforced plastics), is also contemplated.
    [0024] The internal bushing 104 of the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 can include a body 130 dimensioned and shaped so as to be strictly housed within the through hole of first member 22 of first member 12 of the next structural assembly 10 to the inner side 15 of the first member 12. The body 130 of the inner sleeve 104 can include a first end portion 132 and a second end portion 134 axially opposite (facing the through hole axis A) to the first end portion 132. The body 130 of the inner sleeve 104 can define a through hole of the inner sleeve 136 that extends axially from the first end portion 132 to the second end portion 134.
    [0025] Therefore, in the assembled configuration shown in Figure 2, the first end portion 132 of the internal bushing 104 may be juxtaposed with the second end portion 124 of the external bushing 102. In addition, in the assembled configuration, the bushing through hole outer 126 may be axially aligned with the through hole of inner bushing 136, which may be axially aligned with the through hole of second member 26 of the second member 14, thereby defining a hole for the screw housing 138, comprising the through hole with external bushing 126, the internal bushing hole 136, the second bushing
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    9/23 member 26 and the clearance hole 156 of the nut plate 106.
    [0026] A flange 140 can protrude out of the body 130 of the inner sleeve 104 near the second end portion 134 of the body 130. The flange 140 can be positioned in the opening 30 between the first member 12 and the second member 14, and can include a first surface 142 juxtaposed to the inner side 15 of the first member 12 and a second surface 144 juxtaposed to the outer side 17 of the second member 14. The second surface 144 of the flange 140 can be axially opposite (facing the bore axis through A) to the first surface 142, thereby defining a flange thickness T between them. The flange thickness T can be substantially equal to the width W of the opening 30 between the first member 12 and the second member 14, thereby potentially eliminating the need for shims between the first member 12 and the second member 14.
    [0027] The first seal 112 can seal the interface between the inner side 15 of the first member 12 and the flange 140 of the inner sleeve 104, thereby preventing (if not completely avoiding) the passage of fluid through the interface. For example, the first seal 112 may be a sealing thread that extends circumferentially around the flange 140 of the inner bushing 104. For example, the first seal 112 may be of (or may include) a gasket-based sealant material polysulfide. Other techniques may also be used in order to seal the interface between the inner side 15 of the first member 12 and the flange 140 of the inner sleeve 104.
    [0028] The second surface 144 of the flange 140 of the inner sleeve 104 can define a circumferential groove 146. The second seal 114, which can be an O-ring or the like, can be housed in the groove 146. The second seal 114 can seal the interface between the internal bushing 104 and the second member 14 when the second suPetition 870170043154, of 06/22/2017, p. 48/65
    10/23 area 144 of the flange 140 of the inner sleeve 104 overlaps with the outer side 17 of the second member 14. Thus, the flange 140 of the inner sleeve 104 may be in a sealing fit with the outer side 17 of the second member 14.
    [0029] The body 130 of the inner sleeve 104 can be formed of various materials, including combinations of materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention. In a particular construction, the body 130 of the inner sleeve 104 can be formed of a polymeric material. As a specific, non-limiting example, the body 130 of the inner bushing 104 can be formed of a thermoplastic dielectric polymer, such as an ether ketone polyether (PEEK). However, the use of other materials, such as composite materials and metallic materials, is also contemplated.
    [0030] The nut plate 106 of the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 may include a body 150 having a first end portion 152 and a second end portion 154 axially opposite (facing the bore axis through A) to the first end portion 152. The body 150 of the nut plate 106 can define a clearance hole 156 that extends from the first end portion 152 towards (but not entirely through) the second end portion 154. A flange 158 can project out of body 150 of nut plate 106 near the first end portion 152 of body 150.
    [0031] Nut 108 can be housed (for example, snapped) into the clearance hole 156 of nut plate 106 near the first end portion 152 of body 150 of nut plate 106. Nut 108 can be snapped into nut plate 106 such that nut 108 cannot rotate with respect to nut plate 106 about the through-bore axis A. For example, the nut
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    11/23
    108 may have a hexagonal cross-section profile, and the clearance hole 156 of nut plate 106 may have a corresponding hexagonal shape.
    [0032] As shown in Figure 2, nut plate 106 and nut 108 can have two separate components. However, in one variation, nut 108 may be an integral part with nut plate 106 (i.e., nut 108 and nut plate 106 can be formed as a single monolithic body).
    [0033] Nut plate 106 and nut 108 can be the same or different in terms of composition. In a particular construction, nut plate 106 can be formed of a polymeric material, while nut 108 can be formed of a metallic material (for example, a metal or metal alloy). As a specific, non-limiting example, nut plate 106 may be formed of a thermoplastic dielectric polymer, such as a polyether of ketone ether (PEEK), while nut 108 may be made of a titanium alloy, such as a aerospace grade titanium alloy (for example, Ti6AI-4V or Ti-5AI-2.5Sn).
    [0034] The nut plate 106 can be connected to the second member 14 in such a way that the nut 108 and the clearance hole 156 are axially aligned with the external bushing hole 126, with the internal bushing hole 136 and with the through hole of second member 26. Various techniques can be used to connect nut plate 106 to the second member 14. For example, as shown in Figure 3, mechanical fasteners 160 (for example, rivets, screws, bolts or the like ) can be inserted through flange 158 of nut plate 106 to engage with adjacent second member 14 to connect nut plate 106 to second member 14.
    [0035] Referring again to Figure 2, the conjugated surface
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    12/23
    162 of flange 158 of nut plate 106 may define a circumferential groove 164. The third seal 116, which may be an O-ring or the like, may be housed in the groove 164. The third seal 116 may seal the interface between the second member Mea nut plate 106 when the joint surface 162 of flange 158 of nut plate 106 juxtaposes to the inner side 19 of the second member 14. Thus, flange 158 of nut plate 106 can be in a sealing fit with the inner side 19 of the second member 14.
    [0036] The screw 110 of the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 can include a head 170 and a threaded portion 172 disposed at opposite ends 174, 176 of an axis 178. The axis 178 of the screw 110 can extend through the screw housing hole 138 defined by the outer bushing through hole 126, the inner bushing through hole 136, the second member through hole 26 and the clearance hole 156 so that the threaded portion 172 of the screw 110 can be threaded to fit with nut 108. When threaded portion 172 of screw 110 is threaded to fit with nut 108, head 170 of screw 110 may be housed in recess 128 of the through hole of external bushing 126 of external bushing 102 and juxtaposed to the external bushing 102.
    [0037] The screw 110 can be formed of various materials, including combinations of materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Consideration must be given to the formation of screw 110 of the same material as nut 108. In a particular construction, screw 110 may be formed of a metallic material (for example, a metal or metal alloy). As a specific, non-limiting example, screw 110 may be formed of a titanium alloy, such as an aerospace grade titanium alloy (for example,
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    13/23
    Ti-6AI-4V or Ti-5AI-2.5Sn). However, the use of other materials, such as composite materials, is also contemplated.
    [0038] Referring now to Figures 4A to 4D, steps of the method of the present invention are illustrated for the assembly of a structural assembly 10 (Figure 2) using the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 (Figure 2). Other steps, such as a component manufacturing step (for example, outer sleeve 102, inner sleeve 104, nut plate 106, nut 108 and screw 110) of the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100, are also contemplated.
    [0039] As shown in Figure 4A, a first member 12 and a second member 14 can be provided. A first member through hole 22, which may include a countersink 24, can be formed in the first member 12. A second member through hole 26 can be formed in the second member 14. The first member through hole 22 and the through hole of second member 26 can be formed, for example, by machining / drilling the first and second members 12, 14 using an appropriate tool.
    [0040] As shown in Figure 4B, the external sleeve 102 of the fluid tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 100 (Figure 2) can be inserted into the through hole of first member 22 such that the external sleeve 102 is seated on the countersink 24 of the first member through hole 22. In addition, the inner sleeve 104 can be inserted into the first member through hole 22 such that the flange 140 juxtaposes to the inner side 15 of the first member 12. With the outer and inner 102, 104 inserted, the outer bushing through hole 126 may be aligned with the inner bushing through hole 136, and the first end portion 132 of inner bushing 104 may overlap with the
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    14/23 second end portion 124 of outer sleeve 102.
    [0041] Still referring to Figure 4B, the nut plate 106 (including the nut 108 and the third seal 116) can be connected to the inner side 19 of the second member 14 such that the nut 108 and the clearance hole 156 are aligned with the second member 26 through hole defined by the second member 14. As shown in Figure 3, the connection between the nut plate 106 and the second member 14 can be made, for example, with the mechanical fasteners 160 inserted through flange 158 of nut plate 106 to fit with second member 14. The connection between nut plate 106 and second member 14 may compress the third seal 116 between nut plate 106 and the inner side 19 of second member 14 .
    [0042] Still referring to Figure 4B, the thickness T (Figure 2) of the flange 140 of the internal bushing 104 may initially be greater than desired. Therefore, before going to the next step of the assembly method of the present invention, flange 140 may optionally be cut along line L, either with a saw or similar tool, in order to provide flange 140 of the inner sleeve 104 a desired thickness T. The desired thickness T and, therefore, the position of the line L may depend on the magnitude of the opening 30 (Figure 2) between the first member 12 and the second member 14 assembled.
    [0043] As shown in Figure 4C, when the flange 140 of the inner sleeve 104 is optionally trimmed to a size (for example, along the line L shown in Figure 4B), the first seal 112 and the second seal 114 can be introduced . The first seal 112 can be introduced by applying a sealing material, such as a fillet, which extends circumferentially around the flange 140 of the inner sleeve 104 between the inner sleeve 104 and the inner side
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    15/23 of the first member 12. The second seal 114, which can be an O-ring or the like, can be inserted by cutting a groove 146 on the second surface 144 of the flange 140 and by inserting the second seal 114 ( for example, an O-ring) in the cut groove 146.
    [0044] As shown in Figure 4D, with the outer and inner bushings 102, 104 mounted on the first member 12 and the nut plate 106 and nut 108 mounted on the second member 14, the first member 12 may be close to the second member 14 to place the outer bushing through hole 126 and the inner bushing through hole 136 in alignment with the second member through hole 26 and the clearance hole 156, thereby defining the screw housing hole 138.Then, the screw 110 it can be inserted from the outer side 13 of the first member 12, passed through the screw housing hole 138 and, finally (see Figure 2), threaded to fit with the nut 108, thus forming the structural assembly 10 shown in the Figure 2.
    Therefore, when the screw 110 is fully threaded to fit with the nut 108, as shown in Figure 2, the second seal 114 may become compressed between the inner sleeve 104 and the outer side 17 of the second member 14. In this way, the screw housing hole 138 may be insulated against any fluids (e.g. jet fuel) on the inner side 15 of the first member 12.
    [0046] Referring to Figure 5, an alternative embodiment of the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention, generally designated with reference numeral 200, may include a bushing 203, a nut plate 206, a nut 208 and a screw 210. The fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention 200 may also include a first seal 212 (for example,
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    16/23 example, a sealing thread) between the first member 12 'and the bushing
    203, a second seal 214 (for example, an O-ring) between the bushing 203 and the second member 14 'and / or a third seal 216 (for example, an O-ring) between the second member 14' and the plate of nut 206.
    [0047] System 200 can be substantially the same as system 100, with the exception of a single bushing 203 in place of external bushing 102 and internal bushing 104 of system 100.
    [0048] Bushing 203 can be formed from various materials, including combinations of materials, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Flexibility (during insertion of bushing 203 in the first member 12 ') may be a consideration to be made regarding the selection of material. In a particular construction, bushing 203 can be formed from a polymeric material. As a specific, non-limiting example, bushing 203 can be made of a thermoplastic dielectric polymer, such as an ether ketone polyether (PEEK). However, the use of other materials, such as composite materials and metallic materials, is also contemplated.
    [0049] Examples of the present invention can be described in the context of an aircraft manufacturing and service method 400, as shown in Figure 6, and an aircraft 402, as shown in Figure 7. During pre-production, the method aircraft manufacturing and service 400 may include the specification and design 404 for aircraft 402 and the acquisition of material 406. During production, the manufacture of components / subassemblies 408 and systems integration 410 of aircraft 402 takes place. aircraft 402 may undergo certification and dispatch 412 in order to be placed in service 414. While in service by a customer, aircraft 402 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 416, which may also include modification, reconfiguration, restoration or thing of
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    17/23 gender.
    [0050] Each of the 400 method processes can be performed or executed by a systems integrator, a third party, and / or an operator (for example, a customer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers, as well as subcontractors of the main system; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of sellers, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator could be an airline, a rental company, a military entity, a service organization, and so on.
    [0051] As shown in Figure 7, aircraft 402 produced by exemplary method 400 may include a fuselage 418 with a plurality of systems 420 and an interior 422. Examples of the plurality of systems 420 may include one or more among a propulsion system 424 , an electrical system 426, a hydraulic system 428, and an environmental system 430. Any number of other systems may be included.
    [0052] The fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention can be employed during any one or more of the 400 aircraft manufacturing and service method stages. As another example, the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention can be employed during the acquisition of material 406. As another example, components or subassemblies corresponding to the manufacture of components / subassemblies 408, systems integration 410, and / or maintenance and service 416 can be manufactured or produced using the system of fluid tight mechanical fastening of the present invention. As another example, the fuselage 418 and / or the interior 422 can be built using the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present
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    18/23 invention. In addition, one or more device examples, method examples, or a combination thereof may be used or a combination thereof may be used during the manufacture of components / subassemblies 408 and / or the integration of systems 410, for example, by substantially accelerating the assembly of or reducing the cost of an aircraft 402, such as the fuselage 418 and / or the interior 422. Similarly, one or more system examples, method examples, or a combination of they may be used while aircraft 402 is in service, for example, and without limitation, in maintenance and service 416.
    [0053] In addition, the present invention comprises modalities according to the following clauses:
    [0054] Clause 1. Structural set 10, comprising:
    - a first member 12 comprising an outer side 13 and an inner side 15, said first member defining a through hole of first member 22;
    - a second member 14 comprising an outer side 17 and an inner side 19, said second member 14 defining a second member through hole 26 aligned with said first member through hole 22; and
    - a mechanical fixing system 100 comprising:
    - a bushing 104 at least partially housed in said first member through hole 22, said bushing 104 defining a bushing through hole 136 and comprising a flange 140, wherein said flange 140 is positioned in an opening 30 between said side inner 15 of said first member 12 and said outer side 17 of said second member 14;
    - a nut plate 106 connected to said inner side 19 of said second member 14, said nut plate 106 defining
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    19/23 a clearance hole 156 aligned with said second member through hole 26 and said bushing through hole 136, said nut plate 106 comprising a nut 108; and
    - a screw 110 extended through said bushing through hole 136 for a threaded fit with said nut 108. [0055] Clause 2. Structural assembly 10, according to Clause 1, further comprising a first seal 112 that seals an interface between said flange 140 and said inner side 15 of said first member 12.
    [0056] Clause 3. Structural assembly 10, according to Clause 2, in which said first seal 112 comprises a sealing thread.
    [0057] Clause 4. Structural assembly 10, according to Clause 1, further comprising a second seal 114 positioned between said flange 140 and said external outer side 17 of said second member 14.
    [0058] Clause 5. Structural assembly 10, according to Clause 4, wherein said second seal 114 comprises an O-ring, and wherein said O-ring is housed in a groove 146 formed in said bushing 104.
    [0059] Clause 6. Structural assembly 10, in accordance with Clause 1, further comprising a third seal 116 positioned between said nut plate 106 and said inner side 17 of said second member 14.
    [0060] Clause 7. Structural assembly 10, according to Clause 6, in which said third seal 116 comprises an O-ring, and in which said O-ring is housed in a groove 164 formed in said nut plate 106.
    [0061] Clause 8. Structural assembly 10, in accordance with Clause 1, also comprising an external bushing 102 at least
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    20/23 partially housed in said first member through hole 22, said external bushing 102 defining an external bushing through hole 126 aligned with said bushing through hole 136 of said bushing 104.
    [0062] Clause 9. Structural set 10, according to Clause 8, in which said first member through hole 22 comprises a countersink 24, and in which said external bushing 102 is seated in said countersink 24.
    [0063] Clause 10. Structural set 10, in accordance with Clause 8, in which said external bushing 102 is formed of a metallic material.
    [0064] Clause 11. Structural assembly 10, according to Clause 10, in which said bushing 104 and said nut plate 106 are formed of a polymeric material.
    [0065] Clause 12. Structural assembly 10, according to Clause 1, in which said nut 108 is fitted by pressure in said clearance hole 156.
    [0066] Clause 13. Structural assembly 10, in accordance with Clause 1, wherein said nut plate 106 is connected to said inner side 19 of said second member 14 with mechanical fasteners 160.
    [0067] Clause 14. Aircraft, comprising the said structural set of Clause 1.
    [0068] Clause 15. Aircraft, according to Clause 14, in which said first member comprises an aircraft wing cover panel and said second member comprises a rib. [0069] Clause 16. Structural set, comprising:
    - a first member comprising an outer side and an inner side, said first member defining a first member through hole;
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    21/23
    - a second member comprising an outer side and an inner side, said second member defining a second member through hole aligned with said first member through hole; and
    - a mechanical fixing system comprising:
    - an external bushing at least partially housed in said first member through hole close to said external side of said first member, said external bushing defining an external bushing through hole;
    - an internal bushing at least partially housed in said first member through hole close to said internal side of said first member, said internal bushing defining an internal bushing through hole and comprising a flange positioned in an opening between said internal side of the said first member and said external side of said second member, wherein said flange is in a sealing fit with said external side of said second member;
    - a sealing thread that seals an interface between said flange and said inner side of said first member;
    - a sealing fitting nut plate with said inner side of said second member, said nut plate defining a clearance hole and comprising a nut housed in said clearance hole; and
    - a screw extended through said external bushing through hole and said internal bushing through hole for a threaded fitting with said nut.
    [0070] Clause 17. Structural assembly, according to Clause 16, in which said external bushing is formed of a metallic material, and said internal bushing is formed of a polymeric material.
    [0071] Clause 18. Method of assembly of a first member and a second member, comprising:
    Petition 870170043154, of 06/22/2017, p. 60/65
    22/23
    - the formation of a first member through hole in said first member and a second member through hole in said second member;
    - inserting a bushing in said first member through hole, said bushing defining a bushing through hole and comprising a flange, wherein said flange is juxtaposed to an internal side of said first member;
    - the connection of a nut plate to an internal side of said second member, wherein said nut plate defines a gap hole aligned with said through hole of second member and comprises a nut housed in said gap hole;
    - aligning said bushing through hole with said second member through hole; and
    - the insertion of a screw through said hole through the bushing and the threading of said screw to fit with said nut.
    [0072] Clause 19. Method, according to clause 18, also comprising:
    - applying a first seal at an interface between said flange and said inner side of said first member;
    - applying a second seal to said flange in such a way that said second seal seals an interface between said flange and an external side of said second member; and
    - applying a third seal to said nut plate such that said third seal seals an interface between said nut plate and said inner side of said second member. [0073] Clause 20. Method, in accordance with clause 18, further comprising the trimming of said flange before said step of inserting said screw.
    [0074] The fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of prePetition 870170043154, of 06/22/2017, p. 61/65
    23/23 feels invention and associated structural set are described in the context of an aircraft; however, a person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention and associated structural assembly may be used in a variety of vehicles, as well as in non-vehicle applications. For example, implementations of the modalities described here can be implemented in any type of vehicle including, for example, helicopters, passenger ships, automobiles or the like.
    [0075] Although several modalities of the fluid-tight mechanical fastening system of the present invention and the associated structural assembly have been shown and described, modifications may occur to persons skilled in the art after reading this specification. The present application includes such modifications and is limited only by the scope of the claims.
    Petition 870170043154, of 06/22/2017, p. 62/65
    1/2
    权利要求:
    Claims (10)
    [1]
    1. Structural set (10), characterized by the fact that it comprises:
    - a first member (12) comprising an outer side (13) and an inner side (15), said first member defining a through hole of first member (22);
    - a second member (14) comprising an outer side (17) and an inner side (19), said second member (14) defining a second member through hole (26) aligned with said first member through hole (22) ); and
    - a mechanical fixing system (100) comprising:
    - a bushing (104) at least partially housed in said first member through hole (22), said bushing (104) defining a bushing through hole (136) and comprising a flange (140), wherein said flange ( 140) is positioned in an opening (30) between said inner side (15) of said first member (12) and said outer side (17) of said second member (14);
    - a nut plate (106) connected to said inner side (19) of said second member (14), said nut plate (106) defining a clearance hole (156) aligned with said second member through hole ( 26) and said bushing through hole (136), said nut plate (106) comprising a nut (108); and
    - a screw (110) extended through said bushing through hole (136) for a threaded fit with said nut (108).
    [2]
    2. Structural assembly (10), according to claim
    1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a first seal (112) which seals an interface between said flange (140) and said inner side (15) of said first member (12).
    [3]
    3. Structural assembly (10), according to claim
    2, characterized by the fact that said first seal (112) with Petition 870170043154, of 06/22/2017, p. 63/65
    2/2 holds a sealing thread.
    [4]
    Structural assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it also comprises a second seal (114) positioned between said flange (140) and said external side (17) of said second member (14).
    [5]
    5. Structural assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that said second seal (114) comprises an O-ring, and by the fact that said O-ring is housed in a groove (146) ) formed in said bushing (104).
    [6]
    Structural assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it also comprises a third seal (116) positioned between said nut plate (106) and said inner side (17) of the said second member (14).
    [7]
    Structural assembly (10) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said third seal (116) comprises an O-ring, and by the fact that said O-ring is housed in a groove (164 ) formed on said nut plate (106).
    [8]
    Structural assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it also comprises an external bushing (102) at least partially housed in said first member through hole (22), said external bushing (102) defining an external bushing through hole (126) aligned with said bushing through hole (136) of said bushing (104).
    [9]
    9. Structural assembly (10), according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said first member through hole (22) comprises a countersink (24), and by the fact that said external bushing (102) is seated on said countersink (24).
    [10]
    10. Structural assembly (10), according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that said external bushing (102) is made of a metallic material.
    Petition 870170043154, of 06/22/2017, p. 64/65
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CA2968131C|2021-04-13|
    EP3260708B1|2021-06-02|
    CN107539459A|2018-01-05|
    US10329008B2|2019-06-25|
    EP3260708A1|2017-12-27|
    CA2968131A1|2017-12-24|
    US20170369149A1|2017-12-28|
    AU2017203101A1|2018-01-18|
    KR20180001447A|2018-01-04|
    JP2018012491A|2018-01-25|
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    法律状态:
    2018-04-03| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|
    2022-03-03| B06W| Patent application suspended after preliminary examination (for patents with searches from other patent authorities) chapter 6.23 patent gazette]|
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US15/191,819|2016-06-24|
    US15/191,819|US10329008B2|2016-06-24|2016-06-24|Fluid-tight mechanical fastening system and associated structural assembly|
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