Removable Canister System for Aircraft Air Separation Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional air separation modules in aircraft require the entire frame assembly to be removed for canister installation or replacement, making the process difficult and time-consuming due to the heavy and bulky nature of the frames.
Innovation Solution
A removable canister system with a separate engagement mechanism that allows for easy installation and removal, eliminating the need to remove the entire frame assembly by using a transfer tube and collar system that enables the canister to be mounted and dismounted independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the canister is integrally connected with the frame assembly, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the entire frame assembly must be removed for canister installation or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The air separation module is divided into separable components: the frame assembly, the canister, and an engagement mechanism. The canister can be independently removed from the frame assembly through the engagement mechanism, eliminating the need to remove the entire frame assembly while maintaining structural integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The canister is nested within the frame assembly through the engagement mechanism, allowing it to be securely held during operation yet easily extracted when needed. The engagement mechanism acts as an intermediary structure that enables the canister to be both integrated and separable.
2Strength
If the frame assembly is heavy and bulky, then the strength and support are improved, but the productivity deteriorates due to the time-consuming removal and installation process
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the canister from the frame assembly through the engagement mechanism, the maintenance process is streamlined to only require removal of the canister itself rather than the entire heavy frame assembly, significantly improving maintenance efficiency while preserving frame strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The canister is extracted as a separate removable component from the frame assembly. This extraction is enabled by the engagement mechanism that provides secure attachment during operation but allows for quick removal during maintenance, improving productivity without compromising frame strength.
3Reliability
If the canister is permanently mounted in the frame assembly, then the reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates as the canister cannot be easily replaced or changed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into the frame assembly, engagement mechanism, and canister. This segmentation allows the canister to be reliably mounted through the engagement mechanism during operation while enabling easy replacement when needed, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement mechanism provides dynamic mounting characteristics: it creates a secure, reliable connection during normal operation but allows for quick disengagement and replacement. This dynamic behavior enables the system to switch between reliable mounting and easy replaceability as needed.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An air separation module including a canister (116) defining an interior chamber (217) and having a first port at a first end (148) and a second port at a second end (150), the canister (116) configured to permit fluid to pass from the first port to the second port through the interior chamber (217), a first end cap (112) located proximal to the first end of the canister (116) and configured to releasably retain the first end of the canister (116), a second end cap (120) located proximal to the second end (150) of the canister (116) and configured to releasably retain the second end (150) of the canister (116), and a collar (152) movably configured on the second end (150) of the canister (116) and configured to move from a first position to a second position, wherein the first position defines an engagement between the collar (152) and the second end cap (120), and the second position defines a disengagement between the collar (152) and the second end cap (120).