Fuel Pipe Connector Retainer for Wing Flex Connection Security

Solution Overview

Problem

The use of longer fuel pipes in aircraft fuel pipe assemblies reduces the number of connectors and fasteners, but the flexing motion of the wing during flight causes relative movement between pipe sections and connectors, leading to less secure connections.

Innovation Solution

A retainer system comprising first and second parts forming a collar to retain the pipe, with a channel to capture a lug arrangement on the connector, providing a bayonet fitting mechanism that reinforces the connection and includes anti-rotation means for secure installation without additional fasteners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is inserted inside the connector and engages with the pipe from the interior, creating a nested structure where the retainer is captured by the connector while simultaneously securing the pipe. This nested arrangement allows the retainer to reinforce the connection without adding external complexity or requiring additional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer incorporates a bayonet fitting mechanism with anti-rotation means that provides dynamic engagement - the retainer can be inserted and rotated into a locked position, creating a secure connection that accommodates movement while maintaining reliability. The bayonet mechanism allows for quick installation and removal while ensuring positive engagement during flight conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If longer fuel pipes are used to reduce the number of connectors, then the number of fasteners is reduced and cost is lowered, but the connection security deteriorates due to relative movement during flight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of fastenersVSAvoidconnection security

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is inserted inside the connector and engages with the pipe from the interior, creating a nested structure where the retainer is captured by the connector while simultaneously securing the pipe. This nested arrangement allows the retainer to reinforce the connection without adding external complexity or requiring additional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer design allows it to be self-installing within the connector structure - once inserted and rotated into the bayonet engagement position, the anti-rotation means automatically lock the retainer in place without requiring separate fastening operations. The structure serves its own securing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a retainer system with bayonet fitting is used to reinforce connections, then connection security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is inserted inside the connector and engages with the pipe from the interior, creating a nested structure where the retainer is captured by the connector while simultaneously securing the pipe. This nested arrangement allows the retainer to reinforce the connection without adding external complexity or requiring additional fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer performs multiple functions within a single component: it captures the pipe, engages with the connector via bayonet fitting, provides anti-rotation through engagement with lugs, and prevents longitudinal movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12097966B2Fuel pipe assembly

Publication Date: 2024.09.24 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD

AI summary

A fuel pipe assembly is disclosed including a connector having a socket and a lug arrangement extending from the socket, a pipe having a first end portion adapted to fit within the socket, and a retainer having first and second parts which together form a collar configured to retain a pipe. The retainer has an open condition in which a pipe is insertable, and a closed condition. The retainer also has a channel arranged, in the closed condition, to capture the lug arrangement.