Nested Multi-Walled Pipe Layout for Confined Aircraft Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe arrangements in vehicles, particularly aircraft, face challenges in efficiently handling various fluid and solid media in confined spaces, leading to increased complexity, weight, and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A multi-walled pipe arrangement comprising nested pipe layers that integrate multiple functions such as fluid transport, thermal insulation, heat exchange, and media accommodation, allowing for compact and efficient handling of different media in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate pipes are used for each fluid medium and solid medium, then each medium can be transported independently, but the pipe arrangement becomes too complex and heavy for confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested pipe structure where multiple pipe layers are arranged concentrically, with each pipe layer transporting a different fluid medium or accommodating solid medium. The inner pipe layers are positioned within the hollow cross-section of outer pipe layers, allowing independent medium transport while maintaining a compact overall structure that fits confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The pipe arrangement combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The multi-walled pipe simultaneously performs fluid transport for multiple media, thermal insulation, heat exchange, and structural support functions that would otherwise require separate components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate pipes are used for different media, then each medium can be handled separately, but the weight of the pipe arrangement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate pipe functions into a single multi-walled pipe structure. By combining the transport of multiple fluid media and solid media into one integrated pipe assembly with shared structural components, the overall weight is reduced compared to using multiple independent pipes.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration allows pipe layers to share common structural support and positioning systems. The concentric arrangement enables multiple media to be transported through a single weighted structure rather than multiple separate weighted pipes.
3Reliability
If individual pipes are used for each medium, then transport functionality is adequate, but the pipe arrangement cannot fit in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested pipe configuration where multiple pipe layers with different functions are arranged concentrically within a compact cross-section. This allows the pipe arrangement to fit into confined spaces with limited radial clearance while maintaining separate transport pathways for multiple media through the nested structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a planar arrangement of separate pipes to a three-dimensional nested configuration. By utilizing the radial dimension and arranging pipes concentrically, the system achieves efficient space utilization in confined areas while preserving independent transport functionality for each medium.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the number of pipe layers is increased to accommodate more media, then more functions can be integrated, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions including fluid transport, thermal insulation, heat exchange, and structural support into a unified multi-walled pipe structure. Each pipe layer is designed to perform specific functions while contributing to the overall structural integrity, enabling versatile functionality without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 multi-walled pipe arrangement reduces the overall footprint, weight, and number of parts while enhancing safety and efficiency in media transport and integration, enabling synergistic benefits through additive manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a pipe arrangement (30) configured to transport at least one fluid medium and/or to accommodate at least one solid medium, the pipe arrangement comprising at least one multi-walled pipe section (36) that includes a multi-walled pipe (38) for separately transporting each fluid medium or for separately accommodating each solid medium
Implementation Method 2
each pipe layer (40) is chosen to transport a fluid medium or to accommodate a solid medium... a thermal insulating function
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanging function for exchanging heat between adjacent pipe layers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
In order to allow functional integration in a single structure for fluid transport in vehicles, the invention proposes a pipe arrangement (30) that comprises at least one multi-walled pipe section (36) that includes a multi-walled pipe (38) for separately transporting each fluid medium or for separately accommodating each solid medium. In one solution, the multi-walled pipe section (36) includes at least two nested pipe layers (40) and the multi-walled pipe section (36) is formed in a location of the pipe arrangement (30) that is disposed in a confined space (72) of the vehicle. In another solution, the multi-walled pipe section (36) includes at least three nested pipe layers (40), wherein each pipe layer (40) is chosen to transport a fluid medium or to accommodate a solid medium.