Expandable Aircraft Fuel Line Section for Crash Deflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft fuel lines struggle to meet airworthiness standards for deformation and stretching without leakage, particularly in crash environments, as conventional solutions like stretchable flex hoses are expensive and have limited lifespan, and adding slack in fuel line routing is impractical due to space constraints.

Innovation Solution

The development of expandable fuel line sections with sliding inner tube sections within an outer tube channel, allowing for telescopic movement between retracted and extended positions, which can increase length without fuel leakage, using metal tubing for durability and efficient packaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stretchable flex fuel hoses are used to meet deformation requirements, then the fuel line can deform and stretch without leakage, but the cost increases and the weight increases and the useful life is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation without leakageVSAvoidfuel line weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel line is divided into multiple rigid tube sections connected by expansion sections. Each expansion section contains an expandable element that can independently deform, allowing the fuel line to achieve required deformation through coordinated movement of multiple segments rather than using a single flexible hose

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fuel line combines rigid metal tube sections with expandable elements made of flexible materials. This composite structure allows the majority of the fuel line to be made of durable, lightweight metal while only the necessary expansion sections use flexible materials, reducing overall weight compared to using flexible hose throughout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If stretchable flex fuel hoses are used to meet deformation requirements, then the fuel line can deform and stretch without leakage, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation without leakageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel line is divided into multiple rigid tube sections connected by expansion sections. Each expansion section contains an expandable element that can independently deform, allowing the fuel line to achieve required deformation through coordinated movement of multiple segments rather than using a single flexible hose

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable elements are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be manufactured at low cost using conventional materials and processes. While the individual elements have limited life, their simplicity and low manufacturing cost compared to equivalent-length flexible hose provide economic advantage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If slack is added in the fuel line routing to accommodate deflection, then the fuel line can deform during impact, but the package space within the fuselage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation during impactVSAvoidpackage space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The expandable elements are designed to remain compact in normal operation but automatically expand along the longitudinal axis when subjected to impact forces. This dynamic response allows the fuel line to accommodate deformation during crash events without requiring additional package space during normal aircraft operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable elements change their effective length parameter in response to impact forces. During normal operation, they maintain a compact configuration that minimizes package space. During impact, they extend to accommodate the required deflection, effectively changing their dimensional parameters based on operational conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 expandable fuel line sections effectively meet deformation requirements, providing a reasonable degree of deflection without fuel leakage and minimizing the need for replacement during the aircraft's service life, while maintaining efficient packaging within the fuselage.

Implementation Method 1

The first and second inner tube section subassemblies are slidingly disposed in the outer tube channel to move between retracted positions and extended positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11685544B2Fuel line and expandable fuel line section for an aircraft and method for fabricating an expandable fuel line section
Publication Date: 2023.06.27 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP
  • US11685544B2 patent drawing
  • US11685544B2 patent drawing
  • US11685544B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An expandable fuel line section for an aircraft, a fuel line for an aircraft, and a method for fabricating an expandable fuel line section for an aircraft are provided. In one non-limiting example, the expandable fuel line section includes a first inner tube section subassembly. A second inner tube section subassembly is in fluid communication with the first inner tube section subassembly. An outer tube subassembly has an outer tube wall surrounding an outer tube channel. The first and second inner tube section subassemblies are slidingly disposed in the outer tube channel to move between retracted positions and extended positions.