Aircraft Fuel Pipe Retainer for Secure Long-Pipe Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of longer fuel pipes in aircraft fuel pipe assemblies leads to relative movement between pipe sections and connectors due to wing flexing during flight, resulting in less secure connections and increased weight, cost, and installation complexity.
Innovation Solution
A retainer system comprising semi-circular parts joined by a hinge, with a channel to capture a lug arrangement on the connector, and anti-rotation means to secure the retainer in place, allowing for easy installation without additional fasteners and ensuring secure connections between pipe sections and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If longer fuel pipes are used to reduce the number of connectors and fasteners, then cost and weight are reduced and installation time is saved, but the connection security deteriorates due to relative movement between pipe sections and connectors caused by wing flexing
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into two semi-circular parts that can be separated to allow pipe insertion and then joined together to secure the pipe. This segmentation enables easy installation while providing secure retention of the pipe section to the connector, resolving the contradiction between quick installation and connection security.
2Quantity of substance
If longer fuel pipes are used to reduce the number of connectors, then the number of fasteners is reduced and cost is lowered, but device complexity increases due to the need for secure retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer combines multiple functions into a single component: it provides mechanical retention of the pipe, prevents rotation through the channel-lug bayonet fitting, and eliminates the need for separate fasteners. This merging reduces the overall number of parts while maintaining security, resolving the contradiction between reduced fastener quantity and device complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used to secure pipe connectors, then connection security is maintained, but installation time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer parts are pre-configured with the channel and lug arrangement that automatically engages in a bayonet fitting manner during installation. This preliminary design of the engagement mechanism allows for rapid secure attachment without requiring complex fastening procedures, resolving the contradiction between connection security and installation time.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5a
AI summary
It is proposed to use longer fuel pipes in an aircraft fuel pipe assembly in order to reduce the number of connectors, and hence the number of fasteners, required. The invention provides a fuel pipe assembly comprising: a connector 23 having a socket and a lug arrangement 32 extending from the socket 24; a pipe 22 having a first end portion adapted to fit within the socket; and a retainer 25 comprising first and second parts 25a, 25b which together form a collar configured to retain a pipe; the retainer having an open condition in which a pipe is insertable, and a closed condition; the retainer also having a channel arranged, in the closed condition, to capture the lug arrangement 32. The provision of a pipe retainer arranged to capture a lug arrangement on the connector reinforces the connection between each pipe and its respective connector. The retainer is easy and quick to install, without the need for other fasteners.