Aircraft Fuel Pipe Joining Device with Conductive PEEK End Pieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft fuel pipes with composite structures face challenges in protecting against lightning due to low conductivity, leading to potential deterioration and the need for insulating or highly resistive materials that limit piping length, while existing solutions require complex geometry junction pieces and multiple materials.
Innovation Solution
The use of thermoplastic materials like polyetheretherketone (PEEK) with conductive fibers and epoxy/silver glue for end pieces that provide both insulation and electrical conductivity, along with metallization lugs for grounding, to create adaptable and sealable connections that prevent lightning current passage and electrostatic charge accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If insulating or highly resistive materials are used in pipes to limit lightning current passage, then lightning protection is improved, but electrostatic charge evacuation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe system uses sections with different electrical properties: highly resistive sections (insulating or semi-insulating) are placed where lightning current protection is needed, while conductive sections (metallic or carbon-fiber reinforced) are placed where electrostatic charge evacuation is required. This local differentiation of material properties allows simultaneous achievement of both protection goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite pipe structures combining materials with different electrical characteristics, such as carbon-fiber reinforced polymers or hybrid metal-polymer constructions. These composite materials provide intermediate electrical properties that can simultaneously limit lightning current while maintaining electrostatic discharge capability.
2Reliability
If metal pipes are used to evacuate electrostatic charges, then electrostatic charge evacuation is improved, but lightning current protection deteriorates due to insufficient resistivity
Solution Approach 1:
Metallic sections are used specifically in locations where electrostatic charge accumulation is a concern, such as in fuel tank environments, while highly resistive sections are used in areas more exposed to lightning strikes. This spatial distribution of material properties optimizes both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical resistivity parameter of the pipe material is varied along the pipe length or at specific sections to match the local requirements for either electrostatic evacuation or lightning protection, rather than using a uniform material throughout.
3Reliability
If complex geometry junction pieces and multiple materials are used to meet electrical requirements, then electrical performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention develops universal coupling systems that can connect different pipe types (conductive and insulating) using standardized interfaces. The coupling itself can provide the necessary electrical transition, eliminating the need for complex geometry-specific junction pieces for each material combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device merges multiple functions into a single component: mechanical connection, electrical transition, and sealing. This integration eliminates the need for separate complex junction pieces and reduces the number of different material types required.
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 solution effectively protects against lightning currents and evacuates electrostatic charges, reducing the need for welding and machining, and is adaptable to various aircraft environments, offering a cost-effective and productive alternative to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive fibers are fibers of a few nanometers to 5 mm... the conductive fibers are carbon fibers... the gluing of the end pieces on the tubes and fittings is a gluing using a glue adapted to evacuate the electrostatic charges
Implementation Method 2
the present invention proposes an aircraft fuel pipe joining device according to the characteristics of claim 1... the insulating material is a thermoplastic material, in particular polyetheretherketone (PEEK)... providing electrical contact between the end pieces and the tubes and fittings
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
The object of the invention is an aircraft fuel piping joining device which includes male/female ends (3, 4) made of highly resistive material adapted to be glued to the ends of pipe tubes (1) and/or pipe fittings (2).