Aircraft Tank Drain Plug With Pressure Equalization for Easy Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft wastewater tank draining devices face challenges due to wear and tear of drain valves leading to slight leaks, and operators struggle to open the cap during draining operations.
Innovation Solution
A draining device equipped with a plug and a pressure balancing system, featuring a plug with inner and outer faces connected by a through orifice and a balancing valve that equalizes pressure on both sides, facilitating easy opening and sealing of the downstream end of the drain pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is used to seal the downstream end of the drain conduit to prevent leaks, then the reliability of the draining device is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because operators struggle to open the cap during draining operations
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalization chamber is introduced as an intermediary space between the plug's inner and outer faces. This chamber allows pressure to be equalized on both sides of the plug through a control valve, eliminating the pressure differential that makes the plug difficult to open. The chamber acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between maintaining a tight seal and enabling easy opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure parameter on the inner or outer face of the plug is changed by controlling the pressure equalization chamber. By adjusting the pressure differential across the plug through the control valve, the force required to open the plug is reduced. This parameter change transforms the plug from a difficult-to-open component into an easily operable one while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the plug seals the downstream end tightly to prevent wastewater leaks, then the reliability is improved, but the force required to open the plug increases due to pressure differential
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization chamber serves as a mediator that distributes and equalizes pressure forces acting on the plug. By providing a controlled pathway for pressure equalization through the control valve, the chamber reduces the net force differential across the plug, making it easier to open while maintaining reliable sealing when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization chamber creates a counterbalancing pressure force that opposes the pressure differential force trying to keep the plug closed. By equalizing pressures on both sides of the plug, the system effectively counterweights the force required to open the plug, reducing the operational force needed while maintaining sealing integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pressure balancing system ensures easy operation of the plug by equalizing pressures, preventing leaks and simplifying the opening process, thereby enhancing the functionality and reliability of the draining device.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure balancing system having at least one through orifice connecting the inner and outer faces of the plug
Implementation Method 2
at least one balancing valve supported by the plug and configured to occupy an open state in which the balancing valve allows the inner and outer zones to communicate with each other via the through orifice(s)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a draining device for an aircraft fuel tank comprising: - a drain line (18) having an upstream end, configured to open into the tank, and a downstream end (18.1), - a drain valve (20) positioned between the upstream and downstream ends of the drain line (18), - a plug (22) configured to occupy a closed position in which it seals the downstream end (18.1) of the drain line (18), - a pressure equalization system (28) configured to equalize the pressures on either side of the plug (22) when the latter is in the closed position. Equalizing the pressures on either side of the plug (22) facilitates its opening. The invention also relates to an aircraft comprising at least one such draining device.