Threaded Double-Walled Pipe Connection Redundant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threaded connections for double-walled pipes in aircraft fuel installations lack a redundant sealing barrier, leading to potential leakage and require complex, heavy, and space-consuming configurations to comply with international airworthiness regulations.
Innovation Solution
A threaded connection with a redundant barrier system, comprising a flared connection and a sealing ring, utilizing an intermediate piece to press the sealing ring against the connector, providing two independent sealing paths with opposite threading directions, reducing the number of components and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a redundant sealing barrier is implemented in threaded connections for double-walled pipes, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated connector component. The connector incorporates both a flared connection interface and a sealing ring in one piece, merging what would traditionally require separate components into a unified structure that provides redundant sealing barriers without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is nested within the connector structure, specifically positioned in a groove of the connector. This nesting approach allows the sealing ring to be housed within the existing connector geometry, providing an additional sealing barrier without requiring separate mounting space or increasing the overall connection footprint
2Reliability
If dedicated components with flanges, rings and bolted connections are used to comply with double barrier requirement, then sealing reliability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple traditional components (flanges, sealing rings, bolts) into a single integrated connector with threaded connections. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate fastening hardware and reduces the total material required while maintaining the double barrier sealing requirement through the flared connection and nested sealing ring
3Reliability
If dedicated components with flanges, rings and bolted connections are used to comply with double barrier requirement, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated connector component. The connector incorporates both a flared connection interface and a sealing ring in one piece, merging what would traditionally require separate components into a unified structure that provides redundant sealing barriers without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the flared connection interface for the first sealing barrier, houses the sealing ring for the second sealing barrier, and incorporates threaded interfaces for both the inner and outer pipes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components while complying with double barrier requirements
4Reliability
If complex systems of flanges, rings and bolted connections are used, then redundant barrier requirement is met, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated connector component. The connector incorporates both a flared connection interface and a sealing ring in one piece, merging what would traditionally require separate components into a unified structure that provides redundant sealing barriers without increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring is pre-positioned in a groove within the connector during manufacturing, and the threaded interfaces are pre-cut. This preliminary preparation of sealing and threading features eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple separate components, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining redundant barrier compliance
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 ensures a reliable double-sealing barrier, reducing leakage risk, simplifying installation and maintenance, and minimizing weight and space requirements while adhering to airworthiness regulations.
Implementation Method 1
a flared connection, wherein the flared connection is provided at the threaded conical end of the outward projection and mates with a flared connection provided at the threaded conical end of the connector
Implementation Method 2
the threaded conical end of the outward projection having an inner surface with a threaded conical end threaded with a threaded conical end of the connector to provide a first threaded connection
Implementation Method 3
a sealing ring received in an annular groove of the connector, the connector having an annular groove
Implementation Method 4
the intermediate piece having a pressing surface at one end... the pressing surface pressing the sealing ring against the connector
Data Source
AI summary
A threaded connection for double-walled pipes, including an outer pipe, an inner pipe including an outward projection having a threaded conical end, a component connector having a threaded conical end threaded with the outward projection threaded conical end to provide a first threaded connection. The connector having an annular groove and a sealing ring. The threaded connection additionally including an intermediate piece with an inner threaded surface threaded with an outward projection outer threaded surface to provide a second threaded connection configured to turn in an opposite direction with respect to the first threaded connection. The intermediate piece also having a pressing surface that presses the sealing ring against the connector, and a sliding joint engaged with an outer pipe outward projection.