Aircraft Pipe Coupling Locking Washer Double Lock
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft pipe joints, particularly in fuel systems, face leakage issues due to the use of wire locking, which can damage the aircraft and fail to meet safety regulations, and existing solutions do not provide a reliable double locking mechanism without fragmenting wire into the fuel system.
Innovation Solution
A locking washer with deformable tabs is introduced, which can be pre-deformed to easily engage with pipe ends, providing a secondary locking mechanism that eliminates the need for wire locking by securing the pipe ends with a metal material and primary locking mechanism, such as a nut, to prevent leakage and ensure secure connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wire locking is used to provide secondary lock on pipe joints, then double locking requirement is met, but wire fragments may enter the fuel filter system and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful wire locking mechanism is extracted and replaced with a tab-based locking washer system. The tabs are formed from the washer body itself and engage with the pipe end features, eliminating wire fragments while maintaining the secondary locking function required by safety regulations
Solution Approach 2:
The locking washer acts as an intermediary component between the pipe ends, providing the secondary locking mechanism through its tabs rather than using wire. This mediator approach allows double locking compliance without the harmful effects of wire locking
2Ease of operation
If tabs are made deformable for engagement with pipe ends, then installation ease is improved, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The washer is designed with non-uniform properties: the tabs have reduced thickness or material density in specific regions to enable deformation during installation, while the main body and engagement surfaces maintain full strength. This local quality differentiation allows easy installation without compromising overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are pre-formed or pre-positioned on the washer body before installation, allowing them to be easily deformed into the locked position during assembly. This preliminary configuration enables simple installation while the final deformed state provides secure engagement
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 locking washer effectively prevents leakage and ensures secure connections by providing a reliable double locking mechanism without the risks associated with wire locking, enhancing aircraft safety and compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a first tab and a second tab disposed at the edge of the main body, the first tab and/or second tab being arranged to be deformable, to allow engagement of the first tab with a first pipe end and the second tab with a second pipe end
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft pipe coupling including a first pipe end and a second pipe end, and a locking washer disposed between the first pipe end and second pipe end. The locking washer including a first tab in engagement with the first pipe end, and a second tab in engagement with the second pipe end.