Airbus Operations Gmbh

Jeremy Bradley

Colin John West

David Alistair Sutton

Guy Tothill

Andrew Withers

A method of producing a sealed structural joint between two components () and such a sealed joint are provided. The method includes the steps of applying a layer of sealant () to the first component (), applying liquid shim () to the second component (), inserting an intermediate layer () between the sealant () and the liquid shim (), the intermediate layer () having a series of raised structural features () to engage the first component (). The features () are positioned to allow the sealant () to extend across the joint between the raised features () to form a continuous seal. The joint is then closed and cure of the liquid shim () and sealant () takes place to solidify the shim () to the desired thickness within the joint.

Sealing and shimming of structural joints

A fiber-reinforced composite structure includes a cut edge; an elastomeric cap covering the cut edge; and an adhesive sealant bonding the elastomeric cap to the cut edge. The fiber-reinforced composite structure is joined to a component and the elastomeric cap includes a generally Z or L-shaped cap with a web bonded to the cut edge of the fiber-reinforced structure and a flange bonded to the component and extending away from the fiber-reinforced structure.

Edge seal for fibre-reinforced composite structure

A sealing unit for sealing a gap between a pair of surfaces, the apparatus comprising a nozzle for injecting sealant into the gap; two or more rollers; an endless track which passes round the rollers; and a curing device for directing energy into the gap to initiate cure of the sealant. The sealing unit is moved along the length of the gap. A sealant is injected into the gap from the nozzle and the track is rotated around the rollers as they are moved along the length of the gap. The track is pressed onto the first and second surfaces so the sealant in the gap is constrained by the track to lie substantially flush with the first and second surfaces. Energy is directed into the sealant with the curing device, the curing energy initiating cure of the sealant. The sealing unit is moved along the length of the gap at a rate such that the sealant becomes sufficiently cured when it is in contact with the track so that the track can be peeled away from the sealant as the track rotates round the second roller.

Method of sealing a gap

A sealing unit for sealing a gap between a pair of surfaces includes a nozzle for injecting sealant into the gap, rollers, an endless track round the rollers, and a curing device. The sealing unit is moved along the length of the gap. A sealant is injected into the gap from the nozzle and the track is rotated around the rollers as they are moved along the length of the gap. The track is pressed onto first and second surfaces so the sealant in the gap is constrained by the track to lie substantially flush with the first and second surfaces. The sealing unit is moved along the length of the gap at a rate such that the sealant becomes sufficiently cured when it is in contact with the track so that the track can be peeled away from the sealant as the track rotates round the second roller.

An injection nozzle having a nozzle body defining an injection cavity and at least one curing device integrally formed within the nozzle body.

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Bristol, United Kingdom

Jeremy Bradley