Aircraft Fuel Tank Isolator for Pipe-to-Panel Electrical Isolation
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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 isolation methods fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An isolator system comprising non-electrically conductive materials, such as nylon, with strategically positioned attachment points and grooves for seals to prevent electrical conductivity between panels and pipes, using electrically conductive and non-conductive fasteners with insulating sealants to ensure electrical isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conductive panels and pipes are used in fuel tanks, then structural strength 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 comprises a non-conductive material that physically connects the panel and pipe while preventing electrical current transfer, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and preventing harmful electrical current transfer.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pipes pass through panels to connect equipment, then hydraulic fluid transport is enabled, but electrical conductivity between panel and pipe occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator serves as a mediator that enables the pipe to pass through the panel for hydraulic fluid transport while simultaneously preventing electrical conductivity. The non-conductive material of the isolator breaks the electrical path between the conductive panel and conductive pipe, allowing equipment connectivity without harmful electrical conductivity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conductive materials are used for panels and pipes, then structural integrity is maintained, but static electricity buildup and lightning strike risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator acts as a non-conductive intermediary between conductive panels and pipes, maintaining the structural integrity provided by conductive materials while preventing the formation of continuous electrical paths that lead to static electricity buildup and lightning strike risks.
4Reliability
If existing isolation methods are used, then some electrical isolation is achieved, but adequate protection against electrical arcs and fuel leakage is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator provides robust electrical isolation through its non-conductive material, preventing electrical arcs between panels and pipes. Additionally, it provides mechanical sealing that prevents fuel leakage, thereby achieving adequate protection against both electrical arcs and fuel leakage that existing isolation methods failed to provide.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an isolator for an aircraft fuel tank, the isolator configured to separate an electrically conductive internal panel of the fuel tank from an electrically conductive pipe that passes through the panel. The isolator comprises: 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 configured to receive the pipe in use, wherein the isolator comprises a non-electrically conductive material. Also disclosed is an isolation system, an aircraft and a method of isolating an electrically conductive internal panel or an aircraft fuel tank from an electrically conductive pipe that passes through the panel.