Replaceable Fluid Line Termination Fittings for Aircraft Generators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid line termination systems for sealed fluid systems, such as those in aircraft generators, lack effective solutions for secure and replaceable connections that prevent housing damage and rework costs due to manufacturing errors or foreign object debris.
Innovation Solution
A fluid line termination fitting with a distal body portion for insertion into a generator housing, a radial extension to limit insertion, and an angled sealing face for flush mating with a male connector, along with a channel structure and seal channel for secure sealing, allowing for a metal-to-metal seal and potential replacement without scrapping the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid line termination systems are used, then the system can maintain sealed fluid connections, but the housing cannot be protected from damage and rework costs due to manufacturing errors or foreign object debris
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid line termination system is divided into separate components: a removable fitting with sealing elements and the housing. This segmentation allows the fitting to be replaced independently without damaging or reworking the housing, thereby maintaining sealed connection reliability while reducing housing repair costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is designed as a replaceable, relatively simple component that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to the housing. When manufacturing errors or debris compromise the sealing surface, the entire fitting can be replaced rather than reworking the expensive housing, effectively protecting the housing from damage and rework costs.
2Ease of manufacture
If a replaceable fitting design is implemented, then housing damage and rework costs are mitigated, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like radial extensions and channel structures
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the single fitting component: the radial extension provides both structural support and limits insertion depth, the channel structure defines fluid flow paths, and the sealing face creates the sealed connection. This integration reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the replaceable design that protects the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing, defines fluid flow channels, limits insertion through radial extensions, and can be replaced without housing rework. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating multiple protective and operational features into one replaceable unit.
3Ease of operation
If a radial extension is added to limit insertion, then the fitting can be securely positioned, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase for proper alignment and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The radial extension is designed to contact the housing at a predetermined position that prevents over-insertion before the sealing face can be compromised. This preliminary mechanical stop protects the sealing interface by limiting insertion depth, reducing the need for extremely tight manufacturing tolerances while ensuring proper alignment and sealing.
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 solution provides a secure, replaceable, and cost-effective sealed termination that mitigates housing damage and rework costs by enabling easy replacement of fittings, maintaining system integrity and reducing manufacturing errors and debris-related issues.
Implementation Method 1
The angled sealing face can be configured to flushly mate with a complimentary angled surface on the male fluid connector to provide a sealed relationship
Implementation Method 2
The radial extension can extend radially outwardly relative to the distal portion and proximal portion to limit insertion of the distal body portion into the opening of the tail cone generator housing
Implementation Method 3
The fitting can include a threaded section in the proximal channel portion and configured to thread to the male fluid connector
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid line termination fitting for a tail cone generator can include a distal body portion configured to insert into a fluid circuit opening of a tail cone generator housing and a proximal body portion configured to receive a male fluid connector. The fitting can include a radial extension disposed axially between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The radial extension can extend radially outwardly relative to the distal portion and proximal portion to limit insertion of the distal body portion into the opening of the tail cone generator housing. The fitting can include a channel structure defining a flow channel through the distal body portion and the proximal body portion. The channel structure can include a proximal channel portion in fluid communication with a proximal opening and a distal channel portion in fluid communication with a distal opening. The fitting can include a threaded section in the proximal channel portion and configured to thread to the male fluid connector and an angled sealing face distal of the threaded section and extending radially inward between the proximal channel portion and the distal channel portion. The angled sealing face can be configured to flushly mate with a complimentary angled surface on the male fluid connector.