Duct Stringer Insert Mounting for Electrostatic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing duct stringers in aircraft wings face challenges in providing a stable and electrostatic charge-minimizing mounting configuration for fluid transporting conduits, which can disrupt fluid flow and are difficult to repair or replace.
Innovation Solution
A duct stringer with a closed cross-section featuring an insert adhered to the duct wall, configured to engage with a fastening member for mounting a fluid transporting conduit, using a co-bonded or secondary bonded joint, and incorporating an insulating cover to isolate the core and minimize electrostatic charge, with a threaded engagement system for easy removal and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mounting configuration is used for fluid transporting conduits on duct stringers, then the mounting may be simpler, but it provides unstable mounting and allows electrostatic charge buildup that disrupts fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the metallic insert and the fluid transporting conduit. This insulating cover prevents electrostatic charge buildup while maintaining the stable mounting connection through the insert and fastening member assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses a composite structure combining a metallic insert (for structural strength and threading) with an insulating cover (for electrostatic protection). This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating both conductive and insulating properties in a single mounting solution.
2Reliability
If a complex fastening system is implemented to ensure stable mounting, then mounting stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides structural reinforcement in the duct wall, creates threaded engagement features, and supports the fastening member. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining mounting stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is adhered directly to the duct wall and provides its own structural support and mounting interface, eliminating the need for additional reinforcement structures or complex attachment mechanisms. The system is self-sufficient and reduces overall complexity.
3Reliability
If permanent bonding is used to mount conduits to ensure stability, then mounting stability improves, but ease of repair and replacement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into separable components: the insert (permanently attached to duct), the fastening member (removable), and the conduit (detachable). This segmentation allows the conduit to be easily removed and replaced by simply detaching the fastening member, while the insert remains permanently bonded to maintain structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic assembly-disassembly system. The insert provides permanent attachment to the duct, while the fastening member and conduit can be dynamically assembled and disassembled for maintenance and repair operations.
4Ease of operation
If protruding mounting features are used to simplify conduit attachment, then ease of operation improves, but flow disruption and electrostatic charge buildup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating cover is nested over the metallic insert, creating a layered structure where the insert provides structural support and threading, while the insulating cover provides electrostatic protection and maintains fluid flow smoothness. This nested arrangement eliminates protruding features that would disrupt flow.
5Strength
If metallic inserts are used for fastening to ensure structural strength, then strength improves, but electrostatic charge buildup occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating cover acts as an intermediary layer between the metallic insert (which provides fastening strength) and the fluid transporting conduit. This intermediary prevents electrostatic charge transfer while allowing the metallic insert to maintain its structural and fastening functions.
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 provides a stable and efficient mounting configuration that minimizes electrostatic charge buildup and flow disruption, allows for easy repair and replacement of fluid conduits, and ensures a sealed fluid flow path while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
An insulating cover may be between the core and the duct wall. The insulating cover may act to isolate the core from the duct wall.
Implementation Method 2
The insert may be adhered in the duct wall by a co-bonded, co-cured or secondary bonded joint.
Data Source
AI summary
A duct stringer is disclosed and forms at least part of a duct with a closed cross-section along which a fluid flows. An aperture is formed through a duct wall of the duct stringer and communicates with the duct. An insert is adhered in the duct stringer and is configured to engage with a fastening member to mount a fluid transporting conduit, such as a pipe, over the aperture.