Aircraft Fuel Tank Isolator for Lightning-Safe Pipe Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft fuel tanks with irregular shapes and conductive materials, there is a risk of electrical current transfer between conductive panels and pipes, potentially leading to static electricity buildup and lightning strikes, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A non-electrically conductive isolator with attachment points and apertures is used to separate conductive internal panels from conductive pipes, featuring a tube-like aperture and flange configuration for secure attachment, along with non-conductive seals to prevent electrical arcs and fuel leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conductive panels and pipes are used in fuel tanks, then structural integrity and electrical conductivity are improved, but electrical current transfer and static electricity buildup occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an isolator as an intermediary component between the conductive panel and conductive pipe. This isolator is formed from non-conductive material and includes an aperture through which the pipe passes, while attachment points secure both the panel and pipe to the isolator. This mediator prevents electrical current transfer while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between needing conductive materials and preventing electrical hazards.
2Ease of operation
If pipes pass through fuel tank panels, then hydraulic fluid transport is enabled, but electrical contact between conductive panel and pipe occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator serves as a mediator that allows the pipe to pass through the panel aperture while preventing electrical contact. The non-conductive material of the isolator ensures electrical isolation, while the aperture configuration enables hydraulic fluid transport. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining both operational functionality and electrical reliability.
3Strength
If conductive materials are used for panels and pipes, then structural strength and conductivity are improved, but lightning strike risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive isolator acts as a mediator that breaks the continuous conductive path between conductive panel and pipe. This prevents lightning-induced electrical currents from traveling along the hydraulic lines, while the structural strength of the conductive panel and pipe is preserved. The isolator thus mitigates lightning strike risk without sacrificing structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An isolator for an aircraft fuel tank configured to separate an electrically conductive internal panel of the fuel tank from an electrically conductive pipe that passes through the panel. The isolator includes: a plurality of first attachment points for attaching the isolator to the panel, a plurality of second attachment points for attaching the isolator to the pipe, and an aperture defined by an outer wall and extending from a first side of the isolator to a second side of the isolator. The aperture is configured to receive the pipe in use, wherein the isolator is formed of a non-electrically conductive material.