Resistive Fuel Tube with Segmented Conductivity for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel pipes in airplane wings face challenges in dissipating electrostatic charges and avoiding short-circuits during lightning strikes due to their high weight and cost, particularly with existing designs using epoxy resin filled with fiberglass and carbon black, which are not optimal for weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
A fluid transport device with an electrically resistive tube having a central section with low resistance and conductive endpieces, where the central section is made of thermoplastic or elastomer materials with conductive fillers for mechanical reinforcement and conductivity, and the end sections are made of fiberglass and conductive particles, connected by conductive elements to ensure effective resistance and weight reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If epoxy resin filled with fiberglass and carbon black is used for the central section, then electrostatic charge discharge and lightning protection functions are achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is divided into three distinct sections: a central section made of lightweight elastomer with conductive fillers for electrostatic discharge, and two end sections made of fiberglass-reinforced material with higher resistance for lightning protection. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while using appropriate materials, reducing overall weight compared to using heavy epoxy resin throughout the entire tube.
Solution Approach 2:
Different material properties are assigned to different parts of the tube: the central section uses elastomer with conductive fillers (carbon black, graphite, or metal particles) to provide low resistance for electrostatic discharge, while the end sections use fiberglass-reinforced material with higher resistance (100-500 kΩ) for lightning protection. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both weight and functional performance.
2Reliability
If epoxy resin filled with fiberglass and carbon black is used, then required resistance levels are achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive epoxy resin with more cost-effective materials: elastomer for the central section and fiberglass-reinforced material for the end sections. These alternative materials achieve the required electrical resistance levels and mechanical properties at lower cost, making the overall tube manufacturing more economical while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube uses composite materials strategically: elastomer combined with conductive fillers (carbon black, graphite, or metal particles) for the central section, and fiberglass-reinforced material for the end sections. These composite structures provide the necessary electrical and mechanical properties more economically than solid epoxy resin, reducing material costs while maintaining performance.
3Weight of moving object
If material thickness is reduced for weight reduction, then weight decreases, but mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer material in the central section can be formulated with appropriate porosity or filler distribution to maintain mechanical strength while reducing density and weight. The conductive fillers (carbon black, graphite, or metal particles) create a network that provides both electrical conductivity and structural reinforcement, allowing thinner walls without compromising strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomer with conductive fillers and fiberglass-reinforced materials provides high strength-to-weight ratios. The fiberglass reinforcement in the end sections and the conductive filler network in the elastomer central section maintain mechanical integrity even with reduced material thickness, enabling weight reduction without sacrificing strength.
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 effectively reduces the weight and cost of the fuel transport system while ensuring safe discharge of electrostatic charges and preventing short-circuits during lightning strikes by achieving the required resistance levels and mechanical properties with reduced material thickness.
Implementation Method 1
The material constituting the central section is an epoxy resin filled with fiberglass and carbon black, thus implying relatively high weight
Implementation Method 2
two end sections, at least one of which presents effective resistance lying in the range 100 kiloohms (kΩ) to 500 kΩ
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fluid transport device for incorporating in a structure that is not electrically insulating, in particular being made of a composite and including an electrically resistive tube, with conductive end pieces including means for fastening to said structure, wherein the tube comprises a central section having resistance of less than 10*4Ω per meter of length and two end sections, at least one of which presents effective resistance lying in the range of 10 Ωk to 500 Ωk and terminating in an end coupling; at least one conductive end piece and an end section having a said effective resistance lying in the range of 100 Ωk to 500 Ωk, said effective resistance being defined as the value of the resistance of the end section between the central section and the conductive element.