Aircraft Pipe Angular Coded Connection Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and costly process of connecting bent pipes in aircraft fluid circuits requires custom wedging devices and multiple manipulation steps, leading to high investment and assembly time, with risks of damage and disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
A method involving angular coded mechanisms on connection fittings and pipes allows for flexible manufacturing and assembly without wedging jigs, using a bending machine to precisely bend pipes according to their future connection orientation, enabling quick and tool-free assembly with standardized fittings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom wedging devices are used to connect bent pipes, then connection precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and investment cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by replacing multiple custom wedging devices with a single universal bending machine that can bend pipes into any required configuration. The bending machine serves multiple functions: positioning pipes, bending them to precise angles, and enabling connection without custom jigs. This eliminates the need for separate wedging devices for each pipe configuration while maintaining connection reliability through the angular coded mechanism that ensures proper orientation during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical wedging device system with a bending machine system combined with angular coded mechanisms. Instead of using complex mechanical jigs to hold and position bent pipes during connection, the invention uses coded angular positions embedded during the bending process to automatically guide proper alignment and connection, replacing the need for custom mechanical positioning devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom wedging devices are manufactured for each connection type, then assembly precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by embedding the angular position information and connection geometry directly into the pipe during the bending process. The bending machine positions and bends the pipe to its final configuration before assembly, and the angular coded mechanism records this orientation. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for custom wedging devices to be manufactured later, as the pipe itself carries the positioning information needed for precise connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of pipe configuration from fixed pre-bent shapes requiring custom jigs to dynamically bendable shapes using a universal bending machine. By changing the bending parameters (angle, radius, orientation) programmatically in the bending machine, the system can adapt to any connection requirement without manufacturing new physical devices, thus improving ease of manufacture while maintaining precision through controlled parameter adjustment.
3Reliability
If multiple manipulation steps are used for connection, then connection reliability is improved, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the angular coded mechanism that automatically guides the connection process. The coded angular position on the pipe or fitting self-aligns with the corresponding receiver, automatically indicating the correct orientation and position for connection. This eliminates the need for operators to perform multiple manual manipulation steps to align and position components, as the system self-guides the connection while maintaining reliability through the coded positioning system.
4Ease of manufacture
If standardized connection fittings are used, then cost is reduced, but adaptability to different pipe configurations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the pipe configuration flexible through the bending machine while keeping the connection fittings standardized and static. The pipe can be dynamically bent to any required angle and shape using the programmable bending machine, and the angular coded mechanism records this configuration. This allows standardized fittings to connect to pipes of any configuration, combining the cost advantage of standardization with the adaptability of dynamic pipe shaping.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a pipe is described, wherein the method comprises a step of fastening a second mechanical quick connection member to a rectilinear hollow tubular body, a step of positioning the rectilinear hollow tubular body in a bending machine so that the angular coding mechanism of the second mechanical quick connection member is in a reference angular position with respect to said bending machine, and a step of bending the rectilinear hollow tubular body as a function of said angular reference position.