Abstract:
Embodiments of a cabin outflow valve having one or more laterally-tapered sealing surfaces are provided, as are cabin pressure controls system including cabin outflow valves. In one embodiment, the cabin outflow valve includes a frame and a first door, which is pivotally coupled to the frame and which is rotated by an actuator between open and closed positions. The first door includes, in turn, a torque input point at which the actuator applies a closing force when rotating the first door into a closed position. A laterally-tapered sealing surface extends along a lateral axis of the cabin outflow valve and has a profile height decreasing with increasing proximity to the torque input point. The laterally-tapered sealing surface helps to ensure the formation of a complete lateral seal when in the first door is rotated into the closed position to significantly reduce or eliminate leakage through the cabin outflow valve.
Abstract:
A component mounting assembly includes a non-metallic frame, a nut plate, and a grounding strap. The non-metallic frame is adapted for mounting to an aircraft fuselage. The non-metallic frame includes an outer peripheral portion having one or more fastener openings formed therein, and extends to a first height above the outer peripheral portion. The nut plate is coupled to the outer peripheral portion and extends therefrom to a second height that is at least 50% of the first height. The grounding strap is coupled, via a threaded fastener, to the nut plate.
Abstract:
Lightning-dissipative A/C assemblies are provided, as are valve frames utilized within lightning-dissipative A/C assemblies. In embodiments, the lightning-dissipative A/C assembly includes a base dielectric component having a mount interface, a strike-susceptible metallic component coupled to the base dielectric component, and mounting hardware configured to engage the mount interface to attach the base dielectric component to an A/C. An electrically-conductive coating overlies or is formed over at least a portion of the base dielectric component to complete a lightning strike dissipation path. The lightning strike dissipation path extends from the strike-susceptible metallic component, through the electrically-conductive coating, through the mounting hardware, and to an A/C electrical ground plane when the lightning-dissipative A/C assembly is installed on the A/C. In one implementation, the base dielectric component assumes the form of a valve frame, while the strike-susceptible metallic component assumes the form of a valve door movably mounted to the valve frame.
Abstract:
Lightning-dissipative A/C assemblies are provided, as are valve frames utilized within lightning-dissipative A/C assemblies. In embodiments, the lightning-dissipative A/C assembly includes a base dielectric component having a mount interface, a strike-susceptible metallic component coupled to the base dielectric component, and mounting hardware configured to engage the mount interface to attach the base dielectric component to an A/C. An electrically-conductive coating overlies or is formed over at least a portion of the base dielectric component to complete a lightning strike dissipation path. The lightning strike dissipation path extends from the strike-susceptible metallic component, through the electrically-conductive coating, through the mounting hardware, and to an A/C electrical ground plane when the lightning-dissipative A/C assembly is installed on the A/C. In one implementation, the base dielectric component assumes the form of a valve frame, while the strike-susceptible metallic component assumes the form of a valve door movably mounted to the valve frame.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a cabin outflow valve having one or more laterally-tapered sealing surfaces are provided, as are cabin pressure controls system including cabin outflow valves. In one embodiment, the cabin outflow valve includes a frame and a first door, which is pivotally coupled to the frame and which is rotated by an actuator between open and closed positions. The first door includes, in turn, a torque input point at which the actuator applies a closing force when rotating the first door into a closed position. A laterally-tapered sealing surface extends along a lateral axis of the cabin outflow valve and has a profile height decreasing with increasing proximity to the torque input point. The laterally-tapered sealing surface helps to ensure the formation of a complete lateral seal when in the first door is rotated into the closed position to significantly reduce or eliminate leakage through the cabin outflow valve.
Abstract:
Outflow valve (OFV) assemblies including non-metallic frames and enhanced attachment features are provided. In embodiments, the OFV assembly includes a non-metallic frame to which at least one valve door is pivotally mounted. The non-metallic frame may, in turn, include a generally rectangular frame body, a central opening through the frame body, an outer peripheral flange extending around at least a portion of the frame body. Frame attachment interfaces are distributed or spaced around the outer peripheral flange of the non-metallic frame. The frame attachment interfaces include fastener openings and elevated platform regions, which project from an inboard side of the outer peripheral flange and through which the fastener openings extend. Base plates seat against the elevated platform regions. Fasteners engage the base plates and extend through the fastener openings to an outboard side of the outer peripheral flange to attach the OFV assembly to an aircraft fuselage.
Abstract:
Outflow valve (OFV) assemblies including non-metallic frames and enhanced attachment features are provided. In embodiments, the OFV assembly includes a non-metallic frame to which at least one valve door is pivotally mounted. The non-metallic frame may, in turn, include a generally rectangular frame body, a central opening through the frame body, an outer peripheral flange extending around at least a portion of the frame body. Frame attachment interfaces are distributed or spaced around the outer peripheral flange of the non-metallic frame. The frame attachment interfaces include fastener openings and elevated platform regions, which project from an inboard side of the outer peripheral flange and through which the fastener openings extend. Base plates seat against the elevated platform regions. Fasteners engage the base plates and extend through the fastener openings to an outboard side of the outer peripheral flange to attach the OFV assembly to an aircraft fuselage.