Surface sealing system

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9415853-B2
Application number	US-201313754642-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jan 30, 2013
Priority date	Jan 30, 2013
Publication date	Aug 16, 2016
Grant date	Aug 16, 2016

Abstract

A method and apparatus comprising a sealing member, an integral structure associated with the sealing member, and an engagement section extending from the sealing member. The sealing member is configured to be attached to a surface of an object. The sealing member is consolidated with the integral structure. The engagement section is deformable and configured to engage a receiving structure in the object.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus configured to seal a object on an aircraft, the apparatus comprising:
a receiving structure;
a sealing member that comprises a sealing section configured substantially as a planar sheet, an engagement section that extends, substantially perpendicular, away from a length and a first surface of the sealing section, and an attachment section that extends from an end of the length of the sealing section, and an integral structure consolidated between the first surface and a second surface of the sealing member, the first surface being an exterior surface of the sealing member on a side of the sealing member opposite the second surface, and the second surface of the sealing member being an exterior side of the sealing member configured as a continuous surface, common to the sealing section and the attachment section, and configured to face and connect to the object, such that the integral structure comprises at least four layers, comprising fibers, separated from each other and consolidated within a matrix between the first surface and the second surface of the sealing section, such that the sealing member comprises a load carry capacity; and the engagement section comprises thermoplastic material configured such that a perimeter of the engagement section conforms to and engages a shape of the receiving structure and comprises a wear resistant layer that continues beyond the perimeter of the engagement section and becomes the second surface of the sealing member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
the receiving structure, wherein the receiving structure comprises a configuration that retains the engagement section such that the sealing member is held in place via contacting an entirety of the perimeter of the engagement section.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the integral structure extends into the engagement section, and the engagement section comprises urethane.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the engagement section is located on one end of the sealing member and a side of the sealing member that faces the receiving structure.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
a number of layers of material covering at least a portion of the sealing member.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the number of layers is selected from at least one of a conductive layer, a conductive scrim, the wear resistant layer, a paint, a protective coating, a sealant, and an appliqué.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the integral structure a number of materials selected from at least one of: a thermoset material, and a thermoplastic material.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sealing member comprises a thermoset material.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising:
the wear resistant layer comprises at least one of: polyethylene, terephthalate, and terylene.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the integral structure is comprised of at least one of a fabric, a cloth, threads, tows, rods, a reinforcement infused with resin, and a prepreg, and the integral structure is co-cured with the sealing member.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the sealing section comprises a number of materials selected from at least one of a unidirectional material, fiberglass, a para-aramid, carbon, and metal.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising the sealing member configured such that in operation the sealing member provides a seal for a feature selected from one of: a door, a service panel, a cover, an opening, a gap, and an aperture, in the object.

13. A method for sealing at least one of: a door, a service panel, a cover, an opening, a gap, and an aperture, in a surface of an object, the method comprising:
consolidating an integral structure between a first surface and a second surface of a sealing member comprising a sealing section abutting an attachment section configured substantially as a planar sheet, the first surface being an exterior surface of the sealing member on a side of the sealing member opposite the second surface, and the second surface of the sealing member being an exterior side of the sealing member configured as a continuous surface, common to the sealing section and the attachment section, and configured to face and connect to the object;
co-curing the sealing member with the integral structure, the integral structure comprising at least four layers, comprising fibers, separated from each other and consolidated within a matrix between the first surface and the second surface of the sealing section;
deforming an engagement section, via heating the engagement section such that a perimeter of the engagement section conforms to a shape of a receiving structure, and then cooling the engagement section;
enclosing the engagement section within a wear resistant layer that continues beyond the perimeter of the engagement section, thus forming the second surface of the sealing member;
engaging the engagement section with the receiving structure; and
attaching the sealing member to a surface of a structure on the object.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising:
the integral structure extending into the engagement section; and
attaching the receiving structure to the object prior to the engagement section engaging the receiving structure.

15. The method of claim 13 , further comprising:
the sealing member comprising a number of layers; and
the integral structure providing a load carrying capacity to the sealing member.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:
the engagement section comprising urethane; and
adding the number of layers to at least a portion of the sealing member after engaging the engagement section.

17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising:
spraying a coating on the sealing member after attaching the sealing member and engaging the engagement section.

18. The method of claim 13 further comprising:
disengaging the engagement section from the receiving structure; and
bending the sealing member such that a portion of the structure is accessible.

19. The method of claim 13 further comprising:
the wear resistant layer comprising at least one of: polyethylene, terephthalate, and terylene; and
engaging the engagement section with the receiving structure such that the sealing member seals the structure when access to the structure is no longer needed.

Assignees

• Boeing Co

Inventors

• Gleason Michael P
• Pulcher Daniel Eugene
• Roberts Anthony C
• Keyes William John
• Arrowsmith Michael Allan
• Kauffman Elizabeth Kay
• Lambrecht Amoret Margaret
• Tegeler Alan F
• Gipperich Robert A
• Coffman Mathew Albert

Classifications

• B64C1/14 Primary

  Windows; Doors; Hatch covers or access panels; Surrounding frame structures; Canopies; Windscreens {accessories therefor, e.g. pressure sensors, water deflectors, hinges, seals, handles, latches, windscreen wipers}(fairings movable in conjunction with undercarriage elements B64C25/16; bomb doors B64D1/06) · CPC title

• F16J15/062

  characterised by the geometry of the seat · CPC title

• F16J15/061

  with positioning means (F16J15/0831 takes precedence) · CPC title

• B64C7/00

  Structures or fairings not otherwise provided for · CPC title