Frangible P-Clamp Attachment for Crash-Survivable Fuel Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft fuel line installations are prone to premature failure under normal environmental and operational loads, and fail to meet airworthiness standards for survivable crash events, as they do not adequately prevent fuel line rupture and subsequent fire.
Innovation Solution
A frangible attachment system using a P-clamp with a connecting section that deforms and fails at a predetermined load threshold, allowing controlled deformation of fuel lines without impacting surrounding structures, while withstanding static loads during normal flight conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the P-clamp is designed to withstand static loads during normal flight, then connection stability is improved, but the ability to deform and fail at predetermined load threshold during crashes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The P-clamp transitions from a static, rigid structure during normal operation to a dynamic, deformable structure under high impact loads. The design allows the clamp to maintain its shape and strength under static conditions while enabling controlled deformation and failure modes when subjected to dynamic crash loads exceeding the predetermined threshold.
Solution Approach 2:
The P-clamp is effectively segmented into two functional zones: a strong mounting base section that anchors to the aircraft structure and withstands static loads, and a weaker connecting section that is designed to deform and fail under high impact. This segmentation allows different parts to have different strength characteristics.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the connecting section is made thinner to enable controlled deformation, then deformability is improved, but the connection becomes weaker and more susceptible to premature failure
Solution Approach 1:
The non-uniform thickness distribution creates a localized weak point only where controlled failure is desired, while the rest of the P-clamp maintains sufficient thickness and strength. The thin connecting section is strategically positioned between the mounting base and clamp body, ensuring that reduced strength is confined to the failure zone rather than compromising the entire connection.
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 fuel lines to flex and deform without impacting surrounding structures during crashes, reducing the risk of fire and leakage, and can be retrofitted into existing installations without significant cost or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The P-clamp is configured to yield at the connecting section upon an application of a load force to the clamp body
Implementation Method 2
The frangible attachment may be configured to distort, deform, and/or yield to ensure designed failure under a predetermined loading profile
Data Source
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 three threshold. The support assembly may be useful in an aircraft fuel line installation for supporting a fuel line from the support structure.