Partitioned Dry Bay Flame Arrestor Pressure Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equipment dry bays face challenges in managing pressure increases and preventing ignition spread due to fuel leaks and electrical faults, which can lead to costly and heavy structural reinforcements, and venting combustion gases to the exterior may not be feasible or compliant in pressurized environments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a partitioned equipment dry bay with a flame arrestor within the partition that vents combustion gases from one compartment to another, reducing pressure and preventing ignition spread, thereby containing ignitions and minimizing structural material requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the equipment dry bay is designed to withstand high pressures from ignition, then structural strength is improved, but weight and cost increase due to additional structural material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The equipment dry bay is divided into multiple compartments using partitions with flame arrestors. This segmentation contains ignition events to specific compartments, preventing pressure from building up across the entire structure, thereby reducing the overall structural strength requirements and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flame arrestors are introduced as intermediary components within the partitions. These devices allow pressure equalization between compartments while preventing flame propagation, serving as a mediator that reduces pressure buildup without compromising safety, thus lowering structural material requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If foam blocks are used to suppress flame propagation, then ignition spread is reduced, but access to equipment is impeded and the foam itself may be flammable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition suppressionVSAvoidequipment access

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using foam blocks that would obstruct access, the system uses partitions with integrated flame arrestors that create clear pathways for equipment access while maintaining ignition suppression functionality through the arrestor mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flame arrestors serve as intermediary components that provide ignition suppression without the physical obstruction of foam blocks. These devices allow unimpeded access to equipment while performing the flame suppression function through their structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stress or pressure

If pressure is vented to the external environment, then pressure buildup is reduced, but this may not be feasible or compliant in pressurized cabin environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure managementVSAvoidenvironmental compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dry bay is segmented into multiple compartments with flame arrestors that allow pressure equalization between compartments during ignition events. This internal pressure management system eliminates the need to vent to the external environment, making it compatible with pressurized cabin requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flame arrestors act as intermediary pressure equalization devices that allow combustion gases to pass through partitions while preventing flame propagation. This mechanism provides pressure relief internally without requiring external venting, adapting to pressurized environment constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively mitigates pressure increases and contains ignitions within the dry bay, reducing the need for additional structural material and preventing damage to electrical equipment, while maintaining a safe and compliant pressure environment without venting combustion gases to the exterior.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one flame arrestor configured to vent combustion gases in the first compartment into the second compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

at least one flame arrestor positioned within the plate and providing vapor and fluid communication between a first compartment and a second compartment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlame arrestion:

Data Source

PatentUS9850000B2Systems and methods for containing ignition within equipment dry bays

Publication Date: 2017.12.26 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An equipment dry bay is provided. The equipment dry bay includes at least one partition that subdivides the equipment dry bay into a plurality of compartments, wherein the at least one partition includes a plate, and at least one flame arrestor positioned within the plate and providing vapor and fluid communication between a first compartment and a second compartment of the plurality of compartments, the at least one flame arrestor configured to vent combustion gases in the first compartment into the second compartment.