Fire Extinguishing Tank Assembly for Quick Mast Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fire-fighting systems in aircraft require larger tanks of new extinguishing fluids to match the extinguishing power of halon, leading to increased mass and complexity in mounting these tanks within cluttered engine nacelle masts, making installation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A modular assembly comprising a structure with a tank containing extinguishing fluid, where the tank is easily removable and installable due to a design featuring a window in the mast for insertion along a transverse direction, supported by fixing and damping systems that facilitate alignment and securement, allowing for efficient mounting of large tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger tanks are used to contain new extinguishing fluids to match the extinguishing power of halon, then the extinguishing effectiveness is maintained, but the tank size and mass increase making installation difficult in cluttered mast spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The fire-fighting system is divided into modular assemblies, each comprising a tank (102) mounted on a dedicated structure (152). This segmentation allows each module to be independently handled and installed, simplifying the installation process despite the increased size of individual tanks.
Solution Approach 2:
A dedicated mounting structure (152) acts as an intermediary between the large tank (102) and the mast (12). This intermediate structure provides standardized mounting points and facilitates the integration of large tanks into the confined mast space without requiring complex custom installations.
2Reliability
If larger tanks are used to contain new extinguishing fluids, then the extinguishing power is maintained, but the device complexity increases due to larger components and mounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure (152) is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different tank sizes and configurations. It incorporates standardized features such as fixing lugs (602), support lugs (604), and interlocking systems (158) that provide multi-functional support for various tank configurations, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into independent functional modules: the tank (102), mounting structure (152), fixing system, and damping system. Each module can be designed, manufactured, and installed independently, reducing the complexity of integration despite the large size of components.
3Reliability
If tanks are mounted inside the mast which is a cluttered place, then the fire protection is provided, but the mounting difficulty increases due to limited space and clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure (152) is pre-assembled with all necessary fixing and alignment features before installation into the mast (12). Fixing lugs (602), support lugs (604), and guides (164) are pre-positioned to facilitate straightforward installation, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly in the cluttered mast environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure (152) serves as an intermediary component that interfaces between the tank (102) and the mast (12). It incorporates guides (164) and alignment features that navigate the tank through the cluttered mast space, making installation easier despite the confined and obstructed environment.
4Reliability
If fixing systems are used to secure the tank to the structure, then the tank is securely mounted, but the installation time increases due to alignment and securing operations
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment guides (164) and pre-positioned fixing lugs (602) are incorporated into the mounting structure (152) to enable quick alignment and securing of the tank (102). The guides automatically align the tank with the mounting structure during insertion, eliminating time-consuming manual alignment operations while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of aligning the tank with the mounting structure through complex adjustment operations, the mounting structure incorporates active alignment features (guides 164, lugs 602) that automatically guide and align the tank during installation. This inverts the traditional approach by having the mounting structure do the aligning rather than requiring precise manual positioning.
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
Enables simple and quick installation and removal of the tank, effectively managing the increased size and weight of new extinguishing fluids while minimizing vibration transfer and ensuring secure mounting within the mast.
Implementation Method 1
a damping system which reduces the transfer of vibrations from the structure to the tank
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly (150) comprising a frame (154), two supports (156) with a plate and a guide, a snap-fit system (158) with a bore, a reservoir (102) containing a fire extinguishing fluid and with two mounting tabs, two support tabs, and a stud (160), and fastening means. The reservoir (102) is translationally movable between a pre-assembly position in which each mounting tab and support tab rests on a plate and each guide guides the mounting tabs and support tabs to align the stud (160) and the bore, and an assembly position in which each mounting tab rests on the plate, the stud (160) is inserted into the bore, the support tabs no longer rest on the plates, and the fastening means secure each mounting tab to the plate. Such an assembly allows for quick and easy removal and installation of the reservoir.