Insulating Hydraulic Junction Body With Printed Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems in aircraft face challenges in ensuring leak tightness and electrical insulation while withstanding mechanical and thermal stresses, as well as dissipating electrical charges from lightning, which can lead to inflammation risks due to the conductive nature of metal fittings.
Innovation Solution
A central body made of electrically insulating material with a printed conductive circuit is used to connect hydraulic circuits, featuring a ceramic substrate and resistive ink for controlled electrical resistance, along with annular seals and a tubular junction element to ensure leak tightness and dissipate electrical charges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal fittings are used to withstand mechanical and thermal stresses, then mechanical strength is improved, but electrical insulation deteriorates because metal fittings are conductive
Solution Approach 1:
The central body is made of a composite structure combining a polymer frame (providing electrical insulation) with a printed conductive circuit (controlling electrical resistance). This composite approach allows the fitting to simultaneously achieve mechanical strength, electrical insulation, and controlled electrical resistance for lightning protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical resistance of the central body is precisely controlled by modifying the printed circuit's geometric parameters (track width, spacing, pattern) and material properties (conductive ink composition). This allows tuning the electrical resistance within a specific range to dissipate lightning energy while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a polymer central body is used to ensure electrical insulation, then electrical insulation is improved, but mechanical strength deteriorates under load transfers from metal parts
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer frame is reinforced with a printed conductive circuit that provides both mechanical reinforcement and controlled electrical resistance. The circuit traces act as structural reinforcement elements while simultaneously managing electrical energy dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit is strategically positioned in high-stress areas of the polymer frame, providing localized reinforcement where mechanical loads are transferred from metal fittings. The circuit density and thickness are varied locally to match the stress distribution pattern.
3Reliability
If electrical resistance is increased to dissipate lightning charges, then electrical safety is improved, but the risk of inflammation increases due to energy accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical resistance is optimized within a specific range by adjusting the printed circuit's geometric and material parameters. This controlled resistance value allows gradual dissipation of lightning energy as heat without creating excessive temperature rise that could cause inflammation of surrounding materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The potentially harmful lightning energy is converted into a controlled heat dissipation process through the printed circuit. The circuit transforms the dangerous electrical impulse into manageable thermal energy that is gradually dissipated, protecting the aircraft structure from both electrical damage and thermal inflammation.
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 solution provides enhanced leak tightness and electrical insulation, effectively dissipating electrical charges and reducing the risk of inflammation, while maintaining mechanical strength and facilitating maintenance by separating mechanical and electrical functions.
Implementation Method 1
the central body comprising a printed conductive circuit in order to conduct a part of the electrical charges flowing between the upstream hydraulic circuit and the downstream hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 2
the conductive circuit is made from a resistive ink
Implementation Method 3
said frame being made of an electrically insulating material
Data Source
AI summary
A central body for a hydraulic system for fluid, including a frame having a first tubular end for connecting an upstream hydraulic circuit including a first fitting, and a second tubular end for connecting a downstream hydraulic circuit including a second fitting, the central body including a passage passing through the frame in order to convey the fluid coming from the upstream hydraulic circuit to the downstream hydraulic circuit, the frame being produced from an electrically insulating material, the central body including a printed circuit having controlled electrical properties in order to conduct a part of the electrical charges flowing in the upstream hydraulic circuit and the downstream hydraulic circuit.