Double-Walled Fluid Assembly With Segmented Secondary Containment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Fluid assemblies with double containment structures face challenges in maintenance due to the difficulty of performing tasks without interrupting the primary structure's operation, and they are vulnerable to leakage if the secondary structure fails.

Innovation Solution

A fluid assembly design featuring a first conduit housed within a double-walled secondary conduit, with interspaces between the walls that allow for independent maintenance and insulation to prevent leakage, including vacuum or pressurized gas in the interspaces for thermal insulation and secondary containment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a double containment structure is used to prevent leakage, then reliability is improved, but maintenance becomes difficult without interrupting operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The double containment structure is divided into modular sections with detachable connections. The secondary containment can be segmented into multiple parts that can be independently accessed and maintained without disrupting the primary containment and fluid flow, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability through double containment and enabling easy maintenance access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If insulation is added to prevent thermal loss, then energy efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal lossVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation layer is merged with the secondary containment structure, forming an integrated component rather than a separate addition. This combination reduces overall device complexity while maintaining thermal insulation effectiveness, as the insulation becomes part of the containment system itself rather than an additional layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the secondary structure is made robust to prevent leakage, then reliability is improved, but ease of repair worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidcomponent replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary containment structure incorporates dynamic elements such as detachable brackets and removable sections that allow it to transition from a rigid robust structure to a easily disassembled configuration for repairs. This enables robust leakage prevention during operation while facilitating easy component replacement when maintenance is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy and quick replacement of components without disrupting fluid flow or operation, providing robust secondary containment and thermal insulation, reducing leakage risks.

Implementation Method 1

the first interspace contains a vacuum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum insulation: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the second interspace contains a pressurised fluid... The pressurised fluid is an inert gas, preferably Helium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation by pressurized gas: Pressurisation

Data Source

PatentEP4650639A1Fluid assembly
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 AIRBUS OPERATIONS LTD
  • EP4650639A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4650639A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP4650639A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5A

AI summary

A fluid assembly comprising: a first conduit extending in an axial direction and configured to carry a fluid, a double walled outer second conduit extending in the axial direction; the second conduit having an inner wall and outer wall and a first interspace between the inner and outer walls, wherein the first conduit is housed inside the second conduit to form a second interspace between the first conduit and the inner wall of the second conduit.