Frangible P-Clamp Attachment for Aircraft Fuel Line Crash Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft fuel line installations are prone to premature failure under normal environmental and operational loads, and existing frangible connections may not adequately ensure fuel line safety during survivable crash events, as they can fail prematurely or not deform sufficiently to prevent fuel line impact with surrounding structures.
Innovation Solution
A frangible attachment system using a P-clamp configured in an inverted upright position, with a connecting section that yields and deforms under a predetermined load threshold, allowing controlled deformation and failure to prevent fuel line impact, while withstanding static loads during normal flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the P-clamp is designed to deform under crash loads, then controlled deformation is achieved, but the clamp may fail to withstand static loads during normal flight
Solution Approach 1:
The P-clamp employs local quality differentiation where the connecting section has reduced thickness and strength compared to the clamp body and mounting base. This localized weakness is strategically positioned to yield first under excessive loads, while the rest of the structure maintains sufficient strength to withstand normal operational and static loads. The inverted upright configuration further enhances this by positioning the mounting base underneath to provide stable support during normal conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the connecting section is made thinner to enable deformation, then controlled failure is achieved, but the structural integrity under normal loads may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The P-clamp is segmented into distinct functional zones: the clamp body for securing the fuel line, the mounting base for attachment to the support structure, and the connecting section for controlled deformation. The connecting section is specifically designed with reduced thickness to create a predetermined failure threshold, while the clamp body and mounting base maintain sufficient thickness and strength to withstand normal operational loads. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromising overall system performance.
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 solution ensures compliance with airworthiness standards by allowing controlled deformation and release of the fuel line during crash events, preventing impact with surrounding structures and maintaining structural integrity under normal operational loads, thus enhancing fuel line safety and reducing the risk of post-crash fires.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting section is configured to bend and elastically deform as the load force applied to the clamp body increases, and plastically deform when the load force reaches a predetermined applied load force threshold
Implementation Method 2
the connecting section is configured to bend and elastically deform as the load force applied to the clamp body increases
Data Source
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AI summary
A support assembly may include a support structure and a P-clamp attached to the support structure. The P-clamp may include a clamp body defining an opening, a mounting base structured and arranged to engage the support structure, and a connecting section interconnecting the clamp body and the mounting base. The P-clamp may be arranged in an inverted upright position where the mounting base is attached to the support structure underneath the clamp body relative to a direction of gravity. The P-clamp may yield at the connecting section upon an application of a load for to the clamp body that is equal to or greater than a predetermined applied load force threshold. The support assembly may be useful in an aircraft fuel line installation for supporting a fuel line from the support structure.