Aircraft Cable Retainer Fairing for Fuel-Safe Wing Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Routing cables from antennas on 'wet wings' of aircraft poses challenges due to FAA regulations requiring testing to prevent ignition sources near fuel tanks, necessitating alternative methods that do not induce fuel vapor or liquid ignition risks.
Innovation Solution
A cable retainer apparatus with a cable channel and fairing system that securely retains cables away from fuel tanks, using a combination of interference fits and a low-profile aerodynamic design to minimize drag and prevent exposure to fuel components, while allowing the cable to be routed safely past the fuel boundary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is routed through the interior structure portion of the wing adjacent to the fuel tank, then the cable can be connected to the antenna on the wet wing, but the cable may come into contact with fuel components creating an ignition hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing path is segmented into distinct zones: a first portion that contacts the fuel tank and a second portion that is separated from the fuel tank. This segmentation allows the cable to be routed through the wing structure while maintaining safety by isolating the non-fuel-contacting portion from the fuel components.
2Reliability
If the cable is routed away from the fuel tank through the wing structure, then safety is improved, but the structural integrity and aerodynamic properties of the wing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing transitions from a two-dimensional surface path to a three-dimensional path through the wing structure. The cable enters through a first surface, travels through the wing thickness, and exits through an opposite surface, utilizing the third dimension to achieve safe separation from fuel components while preserving wing integrity.
3Reliability
If a cable retainer apparatus is installed to retain the cable, then the cable is securely positioned away from fuel, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable retainer apparatus merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The retainer simultaneously secures the cable, maintains its positioned away from fuel, and interfaces with the wing structure, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 routes cables without additional testing, ensuring safety by maintaining a sealed fit and minimizing the risk of ignition, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency and compliance with FAA regulations.
Implementation Method 1
the cable retainer and fairing are cooperatively configured such that when the fairing is coupled to the aircraft, a first interference fit is defined between the cable retainer and the fairing, and a second interference fit is defined between the cable and the cable retainer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Cable retainer apparatuses for retaining a cable, and aircraft and methods including such apparatuses are provided. In one example, a cable retainer for retaining a cable proximate a surface of an aircraft includes a cable retainer. The cable retainer is configured to retain the cable. A fairing is disposed about the cable retainer and is configured to couple to the aircraft to support the cable retainer adjacent to the surface of the aircraft.