Aircraft Pipe Support Collar for Faster Secure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting aircraft hydraulic pipes and fluid conduits through structural members are complex and time-consuming, requiring multiple fasteners and leading to inefficient assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support system comprising a first and second part that form a collar around the pipe, with fasteners passing through both parts to secure them to a structural member, allowing simultaneous clamping and fixing, and featuring inclined abutment faces to ensure correct orientation and minimize fastener usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pipe supports with separate clamping and fastening components are used, then the pipe can be securely mounted to the structural member, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support integrates the clamping function and fastening function into a single unified component. The support block includes a collar that clamps around the pipe and mounting features that attach to the structural member, eliminating the need for separate clamping devices and fasteners. This merging of functions reduces assembly complexity while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the pipe, clamps the pipe securely, and attaches to the structural member. The single component performs what traditionally required multiple separate parts, simplifying the overall assembly while ensuring reliable mounting.
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners are used to clamp and fasten the pipe support, then the connection is more secure, but the number of fasteners increases leading to inefficient assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe support block combines clamping and fastening operations into a single assembly action. By integrating both functions into one component, the number of fasteners required is reduced, directly improving assembly efficiency while maintaining connection security through the unified design.
3Productivity
If the pipe support components are designed to be easily assembled, then assembly efficiency improves, but the structural integrity and clamping force may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pipe support block maintains structural integrity by combining clamping and mounting features in a single robust component. The unified design ensures that clamping force is distributed effectively while allowing straightforward assembly, achieving both ease of assembly and mechanical strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a pipe support block for an aircraft fluid system. The pipe support block is arranged to support a pipe on a structural member, such as a bracket. The pipe support has a first part and a second part which together form a collar. The collar has a pipe receiving bore and is configured to support a fluid pipe on the structural member. First and second fastener holes extend through both the first part and the second part. The first and second fastener holes are each arranged to receive a fastener to fasten the first and second parts to each other and to the structural member.