Aircraft Fuel Tank Isolator for Pipe-to-Panel Electrical Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft fuel tanks with irregular shapes and conductive materials pose a risk of electrical current transfer between panels and pipes, potentially leading to static electricity buildup and lightning strikes, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A non-electrically conductive isolator with attachment points and apertures is used to separate conductive internal panels from conductive pipes, featuring a tube configuration and seals to prevent electrical arcs, formed from chemically inert materials to ensure safety and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conductive materials are used for fuel tank panels and pipes, then structural integrity and electrical conductivity are improved, but electrical current transfer and static electricity buildup risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an isolator as an intermediary component between the conductive panel and conductive pipe. This isolator is formed from non-conductive material and includes an aperture through which the pipe passes, while attachment features on the isolator secure it to both the panel and pipe, thereby blocking electrical current transfer while maintaining structural connections
2Ease of manufacture
If pipes pass directly through conductive panels, then installation simplicity is improved, but electrical arc risks and fuel contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator serves as a mediator component that the pipe passes through. It includes an aperture configured to receive the pipe, with attachment features that secure the isolator to both the panel and pipe, creating a non-conductive barrier that prevents electrical arcs while maintaining the pipe's passage through the panel
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator can be implemented as a relatively simple, non-complex component that provides essential electrical isolation functionality. The design uses basic non-conductive material with integrated attachment features, making it a cost-effective solution that can be easily manufactured and installed without complex mechanisms
3Reliability
If an isolator is introduced to separate panel and pipe, then electrical isolation is improved, but device complexity and attachment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides electrical isolation through its non-conductive material, creates an aperture for pipe passage, and incorporates attachment features (such as countersinks or attachment protrusions) that enable securing to both the panel and pipe, thereby reducing the need for separate isolation and attachment components
4Reliability
If non-conductive material is used for isolator, then electrical conductivity isolation is improved, but chemical reactivity with fuel may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the isolator is formed from chemically inert non-conductive material, creating an inert environment that is both electrically isolating and chemically resistant to fuel. This dual property ensures that the isolator provides reliable electrical isolation while remaining chemically stable and non-reactive with the fuel it contacts
Data Source
AI summary
An isolator for an aircraft fuel tank configured to separate an electrically conductive internal panel of the fuel tank from an electrically conductive pipe that passes through the panel. The isolator includes: a plurality of first attachment points for attaching the isolator to the panel, a plurality of second attachment points for attaching the isolator to the pipe, and an aperture defined by an outer wall and extending from a first side of the isolator to a second side of the isolator. The aperture is configured to receive the pipe in use, wherein the isolator is formed of a non-electrically conductive material.