Pitot Test Adapter Clamping for Easier Inlet Alignment and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pitot test adapters are inefficient, difficult to install, and require complex alignment and sealing processes, making them cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A pitot test adapter with a clamping mechanism featuring adjustable clamping screws and nozzles, allowing independent alignment and sealing of inlets, and an adjustable clamping screw mechanism that can be positioned from the back, simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ram inlet nozzle is fixed to the frame and requires simultaneous alignment and clamping, then the sealing of inlets can be achieved, but the installation process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism is divided into separate functional components: positioning screws for alignment and clamping screws for sealing. This segmentation allows the user to first position the nozzle using positioning screws, then separately secure and seal it using clamping screws, eliminating the need for simultaneous alignment and clamping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning screws are used to pre-align the nozzle with the inlet before the clamping screws are engaged. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the clamping screws are tightened, the nozzle is already in the correct position, making the sealing process straightforward and reliable.
2Manufacturing precision
If the entire apparatus weight must be lifted and held for alignment, then the nozzle can be aligned with the inlet, but the operation becomes physically demanding and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping and positioning functions are segmented into separate screws, allowing the lightweight positioning screws to handle alignment without requiring the user to support the entire apparatus weight. The positioning screws can be adjusted independently while the apparatus remains stable on its support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The design uses a symmetric frame structure with equivalent positioning and clamping mechanisms on both sides, allowing the user to work on one side independently without needing to balance or support the entire apparatus. The symmetric design distributes the operational effort evenly.
3Reliability
If multiple screws are required for static inlet alignment and sealing, then the inlet can be properly sealed, but the number of adjustment steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning and clamping functions are merged into a coordinated two-step process using paired screws on each side of the frame. The positioning screw and clamping screw work together in sequence, reducing the overall complexity compared to having multiple independent adjustment mechanisms for each inlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning screws perform the preliminary alignment function before the clamping screws are engaged. This sequence ensures that the nozzle is correctly positioned before sealing, eliminating the need for multiple trial adjustments and reducing the total number of steps required.
4Manufacturing precision
If the frame design prevents viewing from sides and back, then the front alignment can be maintained, but the ability to verify and adjust from multiple angles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with asymmetric opening patterns: the front remains solid for structural integrity and alignment reference, while the sides and back incorporate strategic openings. This asymmetric design allows visibility and access from rear and sides without compromising the front alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame includes rear openings that provide access to the nozzle-inlet interface from the back dimension, allowing the user to verify and adjust the connection without needing to view from the front. This multi-dimensional access approach eliminates the limitation of single-direction visibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved version of pitot test adapters to allow a user to clamp a pitot in an adapter, seal a drain inlet, properly couple a ram and static inlets with independent, simple and efficient steps by moving clamping screws and a separate clamper. The possibility to individually move, align, screw, position, clamp, seal and/or adjust the various components allows for a more efficient and an easier mounting of an adapter onto a pitot tube mounting. The apparatus allows to correctly and more efficiently perform the various testing and calibration of a pitot and associated system of an aircraft.