Composite Pipe Assembly With Impact-Indicator Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite pipes, such as aircraft fuel pipes, face challenges in detecting impact damage, particularly Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID), which can lead to catastrophic failures, and current solutions like additional layers or textures increase size, weight, and cost without effectively addressing the issue.
Innovation Solution
A thin, brittle sleeve is placed around the composite pipe, spaced from the pipe body, to provide a visual indication of impact damage by cracking or changing appearance, thereby alerting inspectors before the inner pipe is affected, and potentially protecting it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional layers of composite fibres are provided in the component to detect BVID, then damage detection capability is improved, but size, weight and cost of the component increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The damage detection function is segmented from the main pipe structure. Instead of adding detection layers throughout the entire pipe wall, a separate indicator sleeve is used that can be visually inspected. This segmentation allows detection capability without significantly increasing the weight of the primary structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
An indicator sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the impactor and the pipe body. This mediator absorbs or indicates impact forces through visible changes (cracking, color change, deformation) without requiring the main pipe structure to bear the detection function, thus avoiding weight penalties on the critical fuel-carrying component.
2Reliability
If additional layers of composite fibres are provided in the component to detect BVID, then damage detection capability is improved, but cost of the component increases considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is separated into a distinct indicator sleeve component rather than being integrated into the expensive composite pipe structure. This allows the indicator to be manufactured separately using simpler, more cost-effective materials and processes, reducing overall component cost while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator sleeve functions as a sacrificial or disposable element that provides detection service and can be replaced if damaged. This approach is more economical than making the entire pipe structure more robust for detection purposes, as only the indicator needs to be replaced rather than the entire expensive pipe assembly.
3Reliability
If a sleeve is placed around the pipe body, then impact damage detection is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator sleeve utilizes visual changes (cracking, color change, deformation) to indicate impact damage. This passive visual indication system is simpler than active sensing systems requiring electronics, power sources, or complex signal processing. The damage detection is achieved through straightforward material response that can be inspected by eye or simple optical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator sleeve performs self-diagnosis by automatically showing impact damage through its own physical changes. It does not require external sensors, power sources, or complex monitoring systems. The sleeve itself serves as both the indicator and the detection mechanism, eliminating the need for additional complex detection equipment.
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
This solution allows for early and reliable detection of impact damage without significantly increasing the pipe's size, weight, or cost, while providing a protective function for the inner pipe.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeve is configured to provide a visual indication indicative of an impact that has acted on the sleeve even if the impact did not reach the pipe body
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~8B
AI summary
A pipe assembly comprising a composite pipe, and end connector provided at an end of the pipe, and means for providing a visual indication of impact damage to the pipe, the means for providing a visual indication of impact damage (30) to the pipe comprising a thin sleeve (20) mounted around, but spaced from, a pipe body (10) of the composite pipe, whereby at each end of the pipe body (10), the pipe body (10), the sleeve (20) and the end connector are preferably sealingly fitted together, and wherein the sleeve (20) is configured to provide a visual indication indicative of an impact acting on the sleeve (20) even if the impact does not reach the pipe body (10).