Eccentric Ring Pipe Support for Aircraft Connector Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing pipe support systems in aircraft fluid circuits often result in misalignment of the pipe axis with the connectors, leading to stress and wear at the joints due to angular errors and axial movements, despite efforts to compensate for these issues.
Innovation Solution
A pipe support system comprising a body with an orifice and two eccentric rings that can be nested and adjusted radially to align the pipe axis, featuring flanges for handling and pivoting, and a retaining system to secure the rings in place, allowing for radial adjustment to minimize stress on connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed collar support is used to support the pipe, then the pipe is supported and load transfer is limited, but misalignment between the collar axis and connector centers produces stresses in the joints causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a fixed collar to a dynamic adjustable structure with two eccentric rings that can be rotated relative to each other, allowing the support axis to be repositioned to align with the connector centers and eliminate misalignment stresses
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the support axis is adjusted by changing the rotational parameter of the second ring relative to the first ring, enabling the axis to be repositioned within an eccentricity distance to achieve alignment with the connector centers
2Stress or pressure
If the collar axis is aligned with the connector centers, then no stress is produced in the joints, but manufacturing and mounting precision requirements become extremely high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring high manufacturing precision for a fixed alignment, the invention provides a post-installation adjustment mechanism through rotatable eccentric rings, allowing alignment to be achieved after mounting without stringent manufacturing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is pre-configured with eccentric rings that enable subsequent adjustment of the axis position, preparing the system in advance to accommodate alignment requirements without compromising manufacturing precision
3Stress or pressure
If the support structure is made adjustable to correct misalignment, then stress on connectors is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses nested concentric rings where the second ring is positioned inside the first ring, both sharing a common axis, which provides adjustability while maintaining a compact and relatively simple structural form
Solution Approach 2:
The eccentric ring structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables axis repositioning, and allows alignment adjustment, reducing the need for additional separate adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A support for a pipe which comprises a body which comprises a through-orifice for the pipe. The through-orifice has a diameter which is greater than an external diameter of the pipe. At least one base of the support is configured so as to be in contact with and connected to a fixing surface. A first ring and a second ring each have an eccentric orifice and are configured so as to be fitted one into the other in the orifice of the body about the pipe when the support is put in position. By rotating at least one of the first and second rings, the position of the axis of the pipe may be adjusted radially relative to the support.