Flexible Tube Connection Device for Aircraft Leakage Containment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connection devices in aircraft require immobilization on the ground for repair in case of leakage or oozing, leading to inefficiencies and increased on-board mass due to the need for rigid outer ducts.

Innovation Solution

A connection device featuring a flexible tube with clamping systems at both ends, a filling indicator, and a drainage system, allowing for liquid collection and containment without immobilizing the aircraft, while reducing mass by eliminating rigid outer ducts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid outer ducts are used for liquid collection and drainage, then liquid containment is ensured, but on-board mass increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid containmentVSAvoidon-board mass

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid outer ducts with a flexible tube that can be clamped around the connection device. This flexible tube serves as a thin-film containment structure that collects and drains liquids without requiring heavy rigid construction, thereby reducing on-board mass while maintaining liquid containment reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible tube acts as an intermediary element between the connection device and the liquid collection system. It provides a lightweight mediation layer that contains and directs liquid flow without requiring direct integration of heavy rigid ducts, thus resolving the contradiction between containment reliability and mass reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If rigid outer ducts are installed for leakage collection, then liquid spread is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid spread preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tube provides a simple yet effective barrier that prevents liquid spread while maintaining structural simplicity. Unlike rigid outer ducts that require complex integration, the flexible tube can be easily clamped around the connection device, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining liquid spread prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The solution segments the liquid containment function from the main connection device structure. The flexible tube is a separate, modular component that can be independently installed and removed, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining the liquid spread prevention function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If connection devices are sealed tightly, then liquid leakage is prevented, but detection and repair capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidleakage detection and repair

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible tube serves as an intermediary containment layer that does not interfere with the sealing function of the connection device while enabling leakage detection. Liquid that penetrates the seal is collected by the flexible tube, allowing detection and repair without compromising the original sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible tube provides a preliminary containment barrier that cushions against the consequences of seal failure. By collecting liquid before it can cause damage or require immediate immobilization, it enables planned maintenance while preserving the tight sealing design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 dynamic movement of ducts, prevents liquid spread, and allows for in-flight detection and management of leaks, reducing maintenance downtime and mass while protecting sensitive areas from impurities.

Implementation Method 1

a deformable circular wall which closes the first orifice, the deformable circular wall being mobile between an inactive position, in which the deformable circular wall is accommodated inside the flexible tube, and an active position, in which the deformable circular wall is deployed on the exterior of the flexible tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a first clamping system configured to clamp the first end of the flexible tube around the first duct; a second clamping system configured to clamp the second end of the flexible tube around the second duct

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10415737B2Connection device comprising a flexible tube for collection of a liquid in the event of leakage or oozing

Publication Date: 2019.09.17 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

A connection comprising a first duct, a second duct, a flexible tube which comprises a first end configured to cover part of the first duct, and a second end configured to cover part of the second duct, a first clamping system configured to clamp the first end of the flexible tube around the first duct, and a second clamping system configured to clamp the second end of the flexible tube around the second duct.