Aircraft Fluid Circuit Fastening Device for Dual Tube Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid transport circuits with two concentric tubes in aircrafts are complex to maintain and require multiple fastening devices, leading to increased weight, risk of leaks, and complicated installation due to the inability of standard fastening devices to support the mechanical forces and weight effectively.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device that maintains constant radial clearance between internal and external tubes, serving as both a hydraulic connection and mechanical support, reducing the number of fastening devices needed by providing a sealed connection and mechanical continuity between circuit portions and the aircraft structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple standard fastening devices are used to support the heavy weight of dual tube fluid transport circuits, then the weight support capability is improved, but the overall weight of the aircraft structure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening devices into a single integrated fastening device that can support both internal and external tubes simultaneously. The device includes a support structure with first and second fastening elements that secure the internal and external tubes respectively, eliminating the need for separate fastening devices for each tube while maintaining adequate weight support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the weight of both internal and external tubes, maintaining radial clearance between the tubes, and providing mechanical support at the junction of two circuit portions. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components needed while achieving the required force support.
2Force
If multiple fastening devices are installed in each portion of the fluid transport circuit, then the weight support is improved, but the complexity of installation and maintenance operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple fastening functions into a single device that handles both internal and external tubes at the junction of two circuit portions. This consolidation reduces the number of installation steps and maintenance operations required compared to using multiple separate fastening devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device is segmented into distinct functional elements: a support structure, first fastening elements for the internal tube, and second fastening elements for the external tube. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while being part of an integrated system that simplifies overall installation and maintenance.
3Force
If multiple fastening devices are used to support dual tube circuits, then the weight bearing capacity is improved, but the risk of tube cutting and leaks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening operations into a single integrated device that secures both tubes simultaneously, reducing the number of times tubes are handled and clamped. This reduces the cumulative risk of tube damage and leaks that would occur with multiple separate fastening devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening device includes a support structure that maintains predetermined radial clearance between the internal and external tubes before installation. This pre-established clearance prevents excessive stress and potential cutting of tubes during operation, thereby reducing the risk of leaks.
4Device complexity
If standard fastening devices are used for dual tube circuits, then the simplicity of device design is maintained, but the ability to maintain constant radial clearance between tubes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates radial clearance maintenance functionality into the standard fastening device structure. The support structure includes features that maintain predetermined radial clearance between tubes as an inherent part of the fastening mechanism, rather than requiring separate adjustment mechanisms, thus maintaining design simplicity while achieving precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastening device (10) is disclosed for attaching a fluid transport circuit to an element of a structure of an aircraft, with the fluid transport circuit containing two portions (23, 42), each of which is made up of an external tube (22, 44) positioned around an internal tube (21, 43). The fastening device (10) is positioned at a connection (40) between the two portions (23, 42) of the fluid transport circuit, and contains a body (26) with a plate (27) to attach the fastening device (10) to an element (61) of the structure of the aircraft. The body (26) provides at least one sealed connection between the external tubes (22, 44) of the two portions (23, 42) and a support system provides a constant radial clearance between the internal tubes (21, 43) and the external tubes (22, 44) of the two portions (23, 42) of the fluid transport circuit.