External Wing Fluid Pipe Assembly Across Multiple Ribs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of installing fluid conduits, such as fuel lines, in aircraft wing boxes is time-consuming and complex due to the need to form apertures in ribs and connect multiple pipe sections across multiple rib bays, which complicates assembly and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A wing assembly where a continuous fluid pipe is attached to each rib externally, using a retainer and fastening members, allowing the pipe to extend through multiple rib planes without being split into sections, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing the number of components and steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pipe sections are joined between connectors on adjacent ribs to form the fluid conduit, then the fluid conduit can be installed through multiple ribs, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid conduit is divided into multiple sections, with each section spanning between adjacent ribs. Connectors are mounted on either side of each rib to join these sections, allowing the conduit to pass through multiple ribs while maintaining structural integrity and enabling modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
Apertures are pre-formed in the ribs and connectors are pre-mounted on either side of each aperture before the actual pipe installation. This preliminary preparation of mounting locations and connectors streamlines the subsequent pipe section joining process
2Reliability
If apertures are formed in ribs and connectors are mounted to install fluid conduits, then the fluid conduit can be securely attached, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid conduit assembly is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently prepared and then joined between pre-mounted connectors on adjacent ribs, allowing for parallel preparation and reducing overall assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
Connectors are pre-mounted on either side of apertures in the ribs before the pipe sections are installed. This preliminary action allows the actual pipe joining to be performed more efficiently once the connectors are in place
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present application relates to a wing assembly with at least two ribs (114). Each rib (114) defines a rib plane and has a peripheral edge (115). A fluid pipe (120) extends through each rib plane and is disposed external to the peripheral edge (115) of each rib (114). The fluid pipe (120) is coupled to each rib (114).