Shrouded Pipe Assembly With Integral Flanges for Coaxial Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shrouded pipe assembly methods for aircraft fuel lines require complex processes like cold bending and splitting, leading to potential structural weaknesses and difficulties in controlling axial positions, especially when manufacturing curved pipes.

Innovation Solution

The method involves forming inner and outer pipe sections with radially projecting flanges that allow for coaxial assembly without modifying the sections, using integral flanges for precise positioning and reducing assembly steps, and joining with circumferential weld seams for leak protection and load distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If cold bending techniques are used to manufacture curved shrouded pipes, then the pipes can be formed into curved shapes, but structural weaknesses are introduced and manufacturing precision is difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved shapeVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe is divided into multiple straight sections that are joined together to form curved configurations. Each section maintains its structural integrity without cold bending, while the overall assembly achieves the desired curved shape through precise joining of segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of bending the pipe in three-dimensional space, the curvature is achieved by arranging straight pipe sections at specific angles relative to each other, transitioning from a bending operation to a spatial arrangement problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the outer pipe section is split along its length to assemble inner and outer pipes, then the pipes can be joined together, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of splitting the outer pipe to insert the inner pipe, the invention inverts the approach by having the inner pipe with outwardly projecting flanges that fit against the inner surface of the outer pipe, eliminating the need to split the outer pipe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The flanges are pre-formed on the inner pipe section before assembly, allowing for direct insertion and positioning within the outer pipe without requiring complex splitting or modification operations during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If spacers are used to ensure coaxial arrangement of pipe sections, then alignment is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoaxial alignmentVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment function previously performed by separate spacer components is merged into the flange structure itself. The outwardly projecting flanges of the inner pipe engage with the inner surface of the outer pipe to simultaneously provide both structural support and coaxial alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flange structure serves multiple functions: structural connection, positioning, and coaxial alignment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated spacer components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Manufacturing precision

If flanges are made integral with pipe sections, then positioning precision is improved and assembly steps are reduced, but manufacturing complexity of individual sections increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsection manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flanges are formed as integral parts of the pipe sections during the manufacturing process, establishing precise geometric relationships before assembly. This preliminary formation of connection features ensures accurate positioning while the modular design keeps individual section manufacturing manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11143349B2Shrouded pipe

Publication Date: 2021.10.12 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

AI summary

A shrouded pipe formed from inner and outer pipe sections, the inner pipe section having an outwardly projecting flange joining the outer pipe section, and the outer pipe section having an inwardly projecting flange joining the inner pipe section, an annular volume between the inner and outer pipe sections providing a secondary fluid path. The flanges control axial position of the inner pipe section. By providing one flange which extends radially outwardly and one which extends radially inwardly, assembly is possible of the shrouded pipe by inserting the inner pipe section into the outer pipe section, without modification of the outer pipe section or inner pipe section. The first and second flanges ensure no unwanted contact between the inner and outer pipe sections and, therefore, prevent damage to the primary fluid path. The first and second flanges ensure good load distribution between the inner and outer pipe sections.