Aircraft Duct Coupling With Rigid Ring for Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct coupling systems in aircrafts face issues with vibration and noise transmission due to turbulent exterior air, which can cause unintended movement of outflow valves and affect cabin pressure control, and current rubber couplers provide inadequate support and vibration attenuation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed duct coupling system uses a resilient design with a rigid ring and vibration attenuating system, such as a flexible gasket, to create a strong union between ducts without direct contact, effectively attenuating vibrations and noise while supporting outflow valves, using a v-band clamp or threaded fasteners to secure the rigid ring and compress the gasket for a tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid ducting is used to couple aircraft exterior to outflow valve, then structural strength is improved, but vibration and noise transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
A rubber coupler is introduced as an intermediary component between the rigid ducting sections. The coupler includes a rubber cylinder with duct clamps at each end, creating a flexible connection that mediates between the rigid ducts. This intermediary absorbs vibrations and attenuates noise while maintaining the structural integrity of the ducting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The duct coupling system combines different materials with complementary properties: rigid ducting material (metal or hard plastic) for structural strength and rubber/elastomeric material for vibration damping and noise attenuation. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve strength and vibration reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rubber duct couplers are used to attenuate vibrations, then vibration and noise transmission is reduced, but structural support for ducting decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler combines rubber material for vibration attenuation with rigid duct clamps made of metal or hard plastic for structural support. The rigid clamps grip the ducting securely while the rubber cylinder between them provides flexibility and vibration damping, achieving both vibration reduction and structural support simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the coupler have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions: the rubber cylinder portion provides flexibility and vibration damping, while the rigid duct clamps at each end provide secure structural support and attachment. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between vibration attenuation and structural support.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible rubber couplers are used to reduce noise, then vibration attenuation is improved, but unintended movement between ducts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler design localizes flexibility to the rubber cylinder portion while maintaining rigidity at the attachment points through rigid duct clamps. This ensures that movement is absorbed locally in the rubber section rather than allowing unintended movement between the ducts themselves, maintaining duct alignment stability while achieving vibration attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rubber coupler is designed as a cylindrical element that can flex and deform in controlled ways to absorb vibrations. The curved, flexible geometry allows the coupler to dampen vibrations through elastic deformation while the rigid clamps at each end maintain secure, stable connections to the ducting, preventing unintended movement.
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 significantly reduces vibrations and noise transmission, maintains cabin pressure stability, and provides structural support to outflow valves, enhancing the functionality and comfort of aircraft cabins by minimizing unwanted movements and noise.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration attenuating system, such as a flexible gasket, to create a strong union between ducts without direct contact, effectively attenuating vibrations and noise
Implementation Method 2
using a v-band clamp or threaded fasteners to secure the rigid ring and compress the gasket for a tight seal
Data Source
AI summary
A duct coupling system includes a first and second duct, a vibration attenuation system, a rigid ring, and a fastening system. The first duct has a first flange aligned with a second flange of the second duct. The vibration attenuating system abuts a first side and a second side of the first flange and abuts a first side of the second flange. A portion of the vibration attenuating system encircles the first duct. The vibration attenuating system is configured to attenuate vibrations passing between the first and second ducts. The rigid ring encircles the first duct and abuts the vibration attenuation system. The fastening system couples the first duct to the second duct and compresses the vibration attenuating system. The rigid ring does not contact the first duct and the first duct does not contact the second duct.