Slotted Fuel Cell Fitting for Leak-Tight Load Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fittings for flexible fuel cell volumes, whether using nylon fiber bundles or pressed metallic rings, face issues such as high manual assembly time, potential leakage, reduced usable fuel volume, and stress-induced leaks during aircraft folding and unfolding, necessitating a more efficient and leak-tight solution.
Innovation Solution
A single-piece slotted metal fitting with fabric strips and elastomeric collars that distribute loads uniformly and provide a fluid-tight seal, eliminating the need for additional adhesives and simplifying the manufacturing process by integrating the fitting into the fuel cell construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If nylon fiber bundles are used to anchor the fitting, then load transfer capability is improved, but assembly time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting is divided into modular components: a rigid fitting body, separate fabric strips, and elastomeric collars. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled systematically, reducing overall assembly complexity and time while maintaining load transfer capability through the structured arrangement of fabric strips.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric collars are pre-installed on the fitting body before integration with the fuel cell. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and pre-tensioning of the sealing interface, facilitating faster final assembly and reducing the need for adjustments during installation.
2Strength
If multiple metallic rings are used to encapsulate the fuel cell, then load distribution is improved, but leakage risk and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting combines rigid metal components with flexible fabric strips and elastomeric collars to create a composite structure. This composite approach distributes loads effectively through the rigid fitting body while the fabric strips and elastomeric materials provide flexibility and sealing, eliminating leakage risks associated with pure metallic constructions.
3Ease of manufacture
If pressed fit fittings are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but seal reliability and fuel volume efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric collars are designed to undergo parameter changes through elastic deformation. During assembly, the collars are compressed to secure the fitting, and during fuel cell folding/unfolding, they elastically expand and contract to maintain seal integrity. This parameter change capability ensures reliable sealing without complex manufacturing processes.
4Volume of moving object
If the fitting interface is made flush with fuel cell surface, then usable fuel volume is improved, but structural strength and seal reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric collars are nested within the fitting structure, with the fabric strips passing through the fitting body and being secured by the collars. This nested arrangement allows the fitting interface to remain relatively flush with the fuel cell surface while the nested collars provide the necessary structural strength and sealing capability without protruding significantly.
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 reduces manufacturing time, minimizes weight, and ensures a consistent, leak-proof interface that maintains seal integrity during flight and crash conditions, enhancing the overall efficiency and reliability of flexible fuel cell systems.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric collars on the inner and outer sides of the fitting to provide a fluid tight seal and provide adequate elongation during installation, removal and use to maintain this seal throughout the life of the flexible fuel cell
Implementation Method 2
one or more adhesives may couple the fabric strips to the fuel cell
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system provide a fitting system for a flexible fuel cell of an aircraft. The fitting system may include a flexible fuel cell and a fitting. The fitting may have a peripheral flange with a series of slots spaced about the flange. A series of fabric strips may be threaded into the slots of the fitting and one or more adhesives may couple the fabric strips to the fuel cell. The fabric strips may extend out around the periphery of the fitting to provide a uniform contact surface area with the fuel cell. The fabric strips may be separated by fuel cell material. The fabric strips may be made from one or more materials for enclosing or holding fuel. The fitting may further include threaded holes wherein the threaded holes may receive fasteners to couple the fitting to the fuel equipment of an aircraft.