Aircraft Fuel Pump Bell Fastening via Intermediary Metal Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastening systems for aircraft fuel pumps to tank panels are sensitive to panel surface quality and structural deformations, leading to potential leaks and pump breakage, especially when the panel is made of composite material, where temperature changes affect the material characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A metal support is interposed between the fuel pump bell and the tank panel, creating two interfaces that are easier to manage and absorb deformations, ensuring reliable sealing and heat dissipation, while the motor is fastened to the panel via the bell to avoid positioning issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the bell is fastened directly to the panel, then the fastening structure is simple, but the sealing quality becomes sensitive to panel surface defects and deformations
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the bell and the panel. This support serves as a mediator that decouples the direct interface, allowing the bell to be fastened to the support while the support fastens to the panel. This intermediary structure eliminates the sensitivity to panel surface defects and deformations, as the support provides a stable mounting surface for the bell regardless of panel imperfections.
2Strength
If screws pass through the panel to fasten the bell, then the fastening is secure, but the bell becomes sensitive to panel deformations and may break
Solution Approach 1:
The support acts as an intermediary that absorbs panel deformations. The screws fasten the bell to the support, and the support fastens to the panel, creating a decoupled system where panel deformations do not directly transmit forces to the bell. This protects the bell from breaking while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves as a cushioning element that anticipates and absorbs the effects of panel deformations before they can reach the bell. By positioning the support between the panel and the bell, it pre-absorbs mechanical stresses and deformations, protecting the bell from breakage.
3Weight of moving object
If the panel is made of composite material, then weight is reduced, but heat from the pump modifies the material characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure serves as a thermal intermediary between the pump and the composite panel. It provides a thermal barrier that reduces heat transmission from the pump to the panel, protecting the composite material from temperature-induced characteristic changes while maintaining the weight advantages of composite construction.
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
This solution enhances sealing reliability, reduces the risk of pump breakage, and maintains composite panel characteristics by dissipating heat and accommodating structural deformations, ensuring compatibility with both metal and composite panels.
Implementation Method 1
the support serves to dissipate any heat that might come from the pump such that the characteristics of the panel, if it is made of composite material, remain unaffected by a rise in the temperature of the pump
Data Source
AI summary
The aircraft includes:a fuel tank panel;a fuel pump bell, the bell being fastened to the panel; anda metal support arranged so that the bell is fastened to the panel entirely via the support.