Fuel Stringer Duct Connector With Internal O-Ring Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for fuel stringer ducts in aircraft are prone to damage and have difficulty forming a reliable seal due to manufacturing tolerances and the need for post-cure machining to ensure a fluid-tight connection.
Innovation Solution
A connector design featuring a flange with an o-ring sealing member that forms a seal between the flange and the internal surface of a hole in the fuel stringer duct, allowing for consistent sizing and reduced sensitivity to manufacturing variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connector is bonded to the fuel stringer duct using adhesion or co-curing, then the connection strength is improved, but the connector cannot be easily removed and replaced when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a removable body and a flange that remains with the fuel stringer duct. The flange is permanently attached to the duct while the body can be detached and replaced, allowing the permanent attachment feature to provide strength while the separable feature enables easy repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is inserted into a hole formed in the wall of the fuel stringer duct, creating a nested structure where the flange is contained within the duct wall. This nested arrangement provides a secure permanent attachment for the flange while allowing the outer body to be removed and replaced independently.
2Ease of operation
If a connector sits proud of the fuel stringer duct to allow connection, then the connection function is improved, but the connector becomes liable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into a removable body and a fixed flange, the protruding body can be removed when not in use or when damaged, while the low-profile flange remains integrated with the duct and is less susceptible to damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable body acts as a replaceable component that can be easily replaced if damaged, while the critical flange portion remains permanently attached to the duct. This allows the vulnerable protruding part to be replaced without replacing the entire connector assembly.
3Reliability
If a seal is provided between the external surface of the fuel stringer duct and the connector, then the fluid-tight seal is improved, but post-cure machining is required to ensure perfect mating
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a seal between the external surface of the duct and the connector, the sealing interface is inverted to be between the internal surface of the hole and the outer surface of the flange. This internal sealing location eliminates the need for post-cure machining of the external duct surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange is nested within the hole in the duct wall, creating an internal sealing interface. This nested configuration allows the seal to form between the flange outer surface and the internal surface of the hole, eliminating the need for external surface machining while maintaining fluid-tight sealing.
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 connector achieves a reliable fluid-tight seal with reduced sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances of the fuel stringer duct, eliminating the need for post-cure machining and enhancing durability by allowing for easier installation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
an outer surface of the flange is provided with a first sealing member that surrounds the flange, the first sealing member being configured to form a seal between the outer surface of the flange and an internal surface of the hole formed in a wall of the fuel stringer duct
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for connecting a fluid flow duct to a fuel stringer duct. The connector comprises a body having an internal channel for fluid passage between a first opening and a second opening of the body. A flange surrounds the first opening, the flange configured for insertion into a hole formed in a wall of the fuel stringer duct. An outer surface of the flange is provided with a first sealing member that surrounds the flange, the first sealing member configured to form a seal between the outer surface of the flange and an internal surface of the hole formed in the wall of the fuel stringer duct.