Self-Aligning Duct Manifold Assembly for Tight-Space Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of duct manifolds in aircraft is challenging due to tight spaces and close confines, requiring manual alignment and tightening of sheet metal duct flanges with V-band couplings, which is difficult for a single installer to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A duct manifold system featuring a first duct with an extension and flange support, allowing a second duct flange to rest on the extension, enabling self-alignment and allowing a single installer to place a coupling around the ducts for a secure, air-tight seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and tightening of sheet metal duct flanges is performed in tight spaces, then the duct manifold can be constructed, but the operation becomes difficult for a single installer to manage effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The duct extension is pre-formed on the first duct body before installation, creating a built-in alignment feature that guides the second duct into proper position during installation, eliminating the need for manual alignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The duct extension automatically performs the alignment function through its geometric shape and positioning features, allowing the ducts to self-align during installation without requiring installer intervention for alignment operations
2Productivity
If the installer must align two duct segments while simultaneously placing the coupling, then the installation can be completed, but the difficulty increases significantly for a single installer
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment feature is built into the duct structure during manufacturing, so that during installation the ducts simply need to be brought together and the alignment automatically occurs, separating the alignment operation from the coupling operation
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment function is separated from the coupling function - the duct extension handles alignment while the coupling handles sealing and mechanical connection, allowing these functions to be performed in separate sequential steps rather than simultaneously
3Adaptability or versatility
If tight spaces and close confines are present within the aircraft, then the duct manifold can be installed in the required locations, but it becomes difficult for a second installer to assist with the construction operation
Solution Approach 1:
The duct extension automatically performs the alignment function through its geometric shape and positioning features, allowing the ducts to self-align during installation without requiring installer intervention for alignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment feature is pre-formed on the first duct body before installation, creating a built-in alignment mechanism that works automatically in the confined space without requiring additional tools or assistant operations
Data Source
AI summary
A duct manifold including a first duct, a second duct, and a coupling. The first duct includes a first duct body, a duct extension, and a first duct flange. The duct extension extends from the first duct body. The first duct flange is coupled to the duct extension, and the duct extension extends beyond the first duct flange such that a flange support is defined on an end of the duct extension. The second duct including a second duct body and a second duct flange coupled to the second duct body. The coupling is configured to couple the first duct to the second duct, wherein the second duct flange rests on the flange support when the coupling couples the first duct to the second duct.