Nested Hydraulic Hose Assembly with Internal Support Legs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft hydraulic systems require separate pressurized supply and return lines, which occupy extra space, increase weight, and are prone to damage due to their thickness and lack of protection, posing challenges in limited aircraft environments.
Innovation Solution
A fluid distribution system is manufactured using additive manufacturing, integrating a pressure supply line within a return line with internal support members brazed to both lines, reducing the need for separate components and enhancing structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pressure and return lines are used, then the hydraulic system can function properly, but the system occupies extra space and increases weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate pressure and return lines into a single integrated hose assembly with a split construction. The pressure line and return line are merged into one physical assembly that contains both fluid pathways, eliminating the need for separate hoses and reducing overall system weight while maintaining proper hydraulic function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the pressure line is positioned inside the return line within the same hose assembly. This nested arrangement allows both lines to occupy the same physical space, reducing the overall footprint and weight of the hydraulic system while maintaining separate fluid pathways for pressure and return.
2Stress or pressure
If pressure lines are made thicker to withstand pressure differentials, then the lines can handle higher pressures, but the lines become heavier and occupy more space
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pressure line and return line into a single integrated assembly with shared structural components, the patent reduces the total material required. The common wall and reinforcement layers serve both lines simultaneously, allowing the pressure line to withstand high pressure differentials without requiring excessive thickness, thereby reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite construction with multiple layers including inner hoses, common walls, and reinforcement layers with different material properties. This composite structure optimizes strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the pressure line to withstand high pressure differentials while minimizing weight through strategic material placement and selection.
3Reliability
If separate pressure and return lines are used, then the hydraulic system can operate, but extra hardware and installation time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate pressure and return lines into a single pre-assembled hose assembly that includes all necessary components integrated together. This reduces the number of separate installation steps, eliminates the need for additional connectors and mounting hardware, and allows for faster installation while maintaining proper hydraulic system operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary assembly by pre-integrating the pressure line, return line, and all necessary support structures into a single hose assembly before installation. This preliminary action reduces on-site installation time and complexity, as the entire assembly can be installed as one unit rather than assembling multiple separate components during installation.
4Ease of manufacture
If pressure lines are unprotected, then the lines are simpler to manufacture, but the lines are susceptible to damage during handling and installation
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pressure line with the return line into a single integrated assembly with a common outer structure, the patent provides inherent protection for the pressure line. The return line and common wall act as a protective barrier during handling and installation, reducing susceptibility to damage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested construction where the pressure line is positioned inside the return line assembly provides natural protection. The outer return line structure shields the inner pressure line from physical damage during handling and installation, while the integrated manufacturing process maintains ease of production through a unified assembly approach.
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 integration reduces the size and weight of the system, protects the pressure supply line, and decreases installation time and costs by allowing thinner walls and reduced hardware, while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
heating the at least one internal support member to braze the at least one internal support member to the first distribution line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and an assembly for manufacturing a fluid distribution system are provided herein. The method includes providing a first distribution line (204) configured to channel a fluid in a first direction and coupling at least one internal support member (208) to an outer surface of the first distribution line. The at least one internal support member includes a plurality of support legs extending radially outward therefrom. The method also includes aligning a second distribution line (202) concentrically with and circumscribing the first distribution line. The second distribution line is configured to channel the fluid in an opposite second direction. The method further includes coupling the plurality of support legs to an inner surface of the second distribution line.