Clamshell Pipe Support Using Rib Openings for Fastener-Free Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for supporting fluid conduits in aircraft wing boxes, such as fuel conduits, are complex and time-consuming, often requiring multiple fasteners and additional openings, which increase complexity and tolerance issues.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support system comprising a collapsible collar with a clamshell arrangement, hinged parts, and bayonet fittings that utilize the existing openings in the structural members to securely hold the pipe in place without the need for additional fasteners, allowing for one-handed assembly and reduced abrasive contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded fasteners are used to attach conduit supports to structural supports, then the pipe support is secure, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes threaded fasteners from the assembly process entirely. The pipe support uses a simple collar that fits over the pipe and engages with the structural support through friction and geometry, eliminating the need for nuts, bolts, or any threaded fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe support assembly is self-securing through its geometric design. The collar's shape and the interaction with the structural support create inherent mechanical retention without requiring additional fastening components or operations.
2Strength
If multiple fasteners are used to secure the pipe support, then the connection is strong, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the pipe support collar and the mounting function into a single integrated component. The collar itself provides both structural support and retention mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, washers, or mounting brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the pipe, secures it to the structural member, provides electrical continuity, and maintains positioning—all without requiring additional specialized components for each function.
3Reliability
If additional openings are created in structural members for fasteners, then the pipe support can be secured, but the structural member integrity is compromised and tolerance issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The existing opening in the structural support, originally designed for pipe passage, is repurposed to also serve as the mounting interface. The collar engages with this existing opening through friction and geometric interference, eliminating the need for separate fastener holes and associated tolerance stacks.
Solution Approach 2:
The collar uses the existing opening geometry to secure itself without requiring additional machining or fabrication of mounting features. The design leverages the already-present opening to provide both pipe passage and structural retention functions.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The present application relates to a pipe support (40), such as a pipe support for supporting a pipe (22) of an aircraft fuel system. The pipe support (40) has first and second parts (41, 42) which together form a collar (50) to retain the pipe (22). The first and second parts (41, 42) of the pipe support (40) are able to be moved relative to each other between an open condition, in which the pipe (22) is insertable between the first and second parts (41, 42), and a closed condition, in which the first and second parts (41, 42) are brought together to retain the pipe (22). The collar (50) is locatable in an opening (17) in a structural member (14), such as a wing rib. When the collar (50) is located in the opening (17) in the wing rib, the pipe support (40) is restricted from moving from the closed condition.