Krueger flap assembly systems and methods
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsHuw James Salmon, Roberto J. Gomez
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods according to one or more embodiments are provided for a Krueger flap assembly with dual Krueger seal assemblies. In certain embodiments, the dual Krueger seal assemblies may seal a space between a Krueger flap main body and an aircraft engine. Further seals may be provided to seal any gaps between the dual Krueger seal assemblies. In certain embodiments, one or both of the dual Krueger seal assemblies may include centrally grounded springs. The dual Krueger seal assemblies may include a plurality of springs supporting each Krueger seal assembly.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a Krueger flap main body configured to be movably coupled to a leading edge of an aircraft wing;
- a first Krueger seal assembly hinged to the Krueger flap main body, the first Krueger seal assembly comprising a first seal assembly body and one or more first seal assembly springs, the first seal assembly springs configured to bias the first Krueger seal assembly away from the Krueger flap main body;
- a second Krueger seal assembly hinged to the Krueger flap main body adjacent to the first Krueger seal assembly, the second Krueger seal assembly comprising a second seal assembly body and one or more second seal assembly springs, the second seal assembly springs configured to bias the second Krueger seal assembly away from the Krueger flap main body;
- and
- a seal member coupled to at least one of the first or second Krueger seal assemblies and configured to seal, at least partly, a gap between the first Krueger seal assembly and the second Krueger seal assembly.
A method comprising:
- rotating a Krueger flap main body in front of a leading edge of an aircraft wing;
- biasing a first Krueger seal assembly away from the Krueger flap main body;
- biasing a second Krueger seal assembly away from the Krueger flap main body;
- substantially sealing, with the first and second Krueger seal assemblies, a gap between the Krueger flap main body and a nacelle of an engine;
- and
- substantially sealing a gap between the first Krueger seal assembly and the second Krueger seal assembly.
A method comprising:
- receiving a Krueger flap assembly comprising:
- a Krueger flap main body,
- a flap hinge with a first end mechanically connected to the Krueger flap main body and a second end,
- a first Krueger seal assembly hinged to the Krueger flap main body,
- a second Krueger seal assembly hinged to the Krueger flap main body adjacent to the first Krueger seal assembly, and
- a seal member coupled to at least one of the first or second Krueger seal assemblies;
- attaching the second end of the flap hinge to a wing hinge located on a leading edge of an aircraft wing;
- attaching a first end of an actuator to the aircraft wing;
- and
- attaching a second end of the actuator to the Krueger flap main body.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.