Eccentric Adjustable Fittings for Aircraft Fuel Conduit Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fittings for attaching support members to fluid conduits, such as those in aircraft fuel systems, often fail to withstand surge and pressure loads, and require multiple manufacturing variations to account for component tolerances, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of adjustable fittings with eccentrically offset attachment features that allow for secure coupling and rotation to accommodate manufacturing tolerances, enabling a single type of support member to be used universally across different installations, and facilitating easy installation and removal with common tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional fittings are used to attach support members to fluid conduits, then the structure is simple, but the fittings cannot withstand the imposed surge and pressure loads
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into multiple functional segments: an body portion that attaches to the fluid conduit, a support member interface portion, and an adjustable mechanism portion. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing the required load withstanding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows dynamic adaptation to manufacturing tolerances and installation variations. The adjustable feature enables the fitting to maintain proper alignment and load distribution despite variations in component dimensions, thereby withstanding imposed loads effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fittings are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but multiple different support members and fittings have to be manufactured for particular installations to account for manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various support members and fluid conduit configurations. The adjustable mechanism allows a single fitting design to compensate for manufacturing tolerances across different installations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fitting variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting incorporates adjustable parameters such as positioning features and alignment mechanisms that can be modified during installation to account for manufacturing tolerances. This allows the same fitting design to adapt to different dimensional variations without requiring multiple manufacturing variants.
3Ease of operation
If conventional fittings are used, then the design is simple, but installation and removal require specialized procedures and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting incorporates self-aligning features and self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically compensate for minor misalignments during installation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures and specialized installation tools, allowing standard hand tools to suffice.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting includes pre-configured alignment features and positioning elements that are built into the design before installation. These preliminary actions ensure proper alignment and attachment without requiring complex adjustment procedures during installation, simplifying the installation process.
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 adjustable fittings effectively distribute and transfer loads, reduce manufacturing complexity and costs by allowing a single support member type to be used across various installations, and simplify the installation process, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of fluid conduit support systems.
Implementation Method 1
The second attachment feature has a center point eccentrically offset from a center point of the fitting. After initial installation, the adjustable fitting is rotatable with respect to the first attachment feature to secure the fitting in place against the support member and the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
Adjustable fittings for attaching support members to fluid conduits, including aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed herein. An aircraft system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fluid conduit carried by an aircraft and a housing fixedly attached to the fluid conduit. The housing can include a first attachment feature having one of a projection extending outwardly from the housing or an aperture extending at least partially through the housing. The system further includes a support member having an attachment portion positioned proximate to the attachment feature. The attachment portion includes a support member aperture positioned over at least a portion of the first attachment feature. An adjustable fitting couples the support member to the housing. The adjustable fitting can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and an engagement portion at the second side positioned within at least a portion of the support member aperture. The fitting can also include a second attachment feature mated with the first attachment feature. The second attachment feature includes the other one of the projection or the aperture. The second attachment feature has a center point eccentrically offset from a center point of the fitting.