Funnel Support Member for Aircraft Rib Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of fuel pipework in aircraft wings require accessing rib bays through manholes, which increases weight, complexity, and limits design freedom due to the need for reinforcement and restricted access.
Innovation Solution
The use of support members with funnel parts attached to aircraft ribs allows for the installation and support of longitudinal structures like fuel pipes within apertures, eliminating the need for manholes by providing a coaxial funnel system that guides and secures the pipes, enabling easier access and reduced weight through a kit of parts with unique diameters and collars for interference fits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manholes are provided in aircraft ribs for accessing rib bays, then installation and maintenance of pipework is enabled, but the structure becomes heavier and more complex due to reinforcement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure is segmented by introducing discrete apertures at specific locations, allowing targeted access to the rib bay interior without compromising the overall structural integrity. This enables localized installation and maintenance operations while maintaining the strength of the remaining rib structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The access function is extracted from the traditional manhole concept and implemented through simpler apertures with support members. This removes the need for complex reinforcement structures around large manhole openings, reducing weight and structural complexity while preserving access capability.
2Ease of operation
If manholes are provided in aircraft ribs for accessing rib bays, then installation and maintenance of pipework is enabled, but the structure becomes more complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into simpler steps: standard ribs are manufactured with pre-positioned support members, and apertures are created at defined locations. This modular approach eliminates the need for complex post-manufacturing modifications and simplifies the overall manufacturing workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
Support members are pre-installed in the ribs during the rib manufacturing process, before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and alignment, eliminating the need for complex field adjustments and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manholes are provided in aircraft ribs for accessing rib bays, then installation and maintenance of pipework is enabled, but design freedom is limited due to reinforcement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The rib structure is divided into standardized sections with apertures at predetermined locations. This segmentation allows different rib configurations and aperture placements to be used across various wing designs, providing flexibility and adaptability without requiring custom reinforcement solutions for each design variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member with aperture configuration serves multiple functions: structural support, access provision, and alignment guidance for longitudinal structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, enhancing design freedom and versatility.
4Ease of operation
If support members with funnel parts are used to support longitudinal structures in apertures, then installation and removal is facilitated without manholes, but the support member design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel part acts as an intermediary element between the aperture and the longitudinal structure. It provides a tapered transition zone that guides the longitudinal structure into proper alignment and facilitates easy insertion and removal, while the overall support member design remains relatively simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel geometry utilizes parameter changes in cross-sectional diameter along its length, transitioning from a larger opening at the aperture side to a smaller opening at the longitudinal structure interface. This gradual parameter change enables smooth guidance and reduces friction during installation and removal operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A support member configured to support a first structure within an aperture of a second structure is disclosed. The support member comprises a bracket for attaching the support member to the second structure; and a funnel part. The diameter of the base of the funnel is less than or equal to the diameter of the aperture, and is substantially equal to the diameter of a part of the first structure to be supported by the support member.