Curved Sensor Clamp Fixture for Aircraft Engine Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire and overheat detection systems in aircraft engines face challenges in maintaining sensor circuits in high-temperature and high-vibration environments due to the lack of robust mounting fixtures that can withstand these conditions.
Innovation Solution
A clamp fixture with a hub and curved legs that distribute vibrational forces, connected to a rail via curved portions, reducing stress concentrations and maintaining sensor circuit position in high-vibration environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mounting fixtures are used to hold sensor circuits, then the fixtures can be simple in structure, but they cannot withstand high operating temperatures and high vibration levels in aircraft engines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the legs of the mounting fixture, transforming straight legs into curved legs that extend around a rail. This curvature allows the fixture to better distribute vibrational forces and conform to the rail geometry, improving reliability in high-vibration environments while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mounting fixture by introducing curved portions in the legs and forming loops with specific configurations. These parameter changes enable the fixture to withstand higher vibration levels and temperatures while maintaining structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid mounting fixtures are used to secure sensor circuits, then the fixtures provide stable positioning, but they create stress concentrations in high-vibration environments
Solution Approach 1:
The curved legs of the mounting fixture distribute vibrational forces along their length rather than concentrating stress at single points. The curvature allows the fixture to flex slightly and accommodate vibrations while maintaining stable sensor positioning, reducing stress concentrations in high-vibration environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting fixture incorporates dynamic characteristics through its curved leg design, allowing it to adapt to vibrational forces rather than rigidly resisting them. This dynamic response maintains sensor stability while reducing stress concentrations compared to completely rigid fixtures.
3Ease of manufacture
If straight legs are used in the mounting fixture, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but they cannot effectively distribute vibrational forces
Solution Approach 1:
While curved legs are slightly more complex to manufacture than straight legs, the curvature is achieved through standard forming processes. The curved design significantly improves vibrational force distribution by allowing forces to be distributed along the curved path, enhancing reliability without requiring complex manufacturing processes.
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 clamp fixture effectively reduces stress concentrations and maintains sensor circuit positioning by distributing vibrational forces, ensuring reliable operation in high-temperature and high-vibration conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The curvature of the legs distributes vibrational forces transmitted between the legs and the rail during operation of the aircraft engine
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A clamp fixture includes a hub (20) extending between a first end (E1) and a second end (E2). A first leg (22) extends in a first direction from the first end of the hub, and a second leg (24) extends in the first direction from the second end of the hub. At least a portion (38) of the first leg curves away from the second leg, and at least a portion (40) of the second leg curves away from the first leg. The clamp fixture also includes a loop (16) with a first half and a second half. The first half includes a first jaw (26) extending from the hub. The second half includes a flange (32) and a second jaw (28) extending from the flange. A fastener (25) connects the flange to the hub such that the first jaw and the second jaw join to close the loop.