Aircraft Static Port Adapter Using Suction Cup Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pitot static port adapters for aircraft are cumbersome and require additional powered equipment, such as vacuum pumps, making them difficult to install and maintain for effective air data system testing and calibration.
Innovation Solution
A single suction cup adapter with new performance materials creates a sufficient partial vacuum for sealing, eliminating the need for vacuum pumps and reducing equipment size, allowing for easier installation and secure sealing of aircraft static ports using either manual depression or a vacuum device like a syringe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional pitot static port adapters are used, then airtight sealing can be achieved, but the equipment becomes cumbersome and requires additional vacuum pumps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum pump from the adapter system by using the aircraft's existing vacuum suction system. The adapter only retains the essential sealing components (suction cups and fitting) while eliminating the need for separate vacuum generation equipment, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining airtight sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is designed to work with the aircraft's existing vacuum suction system, making it universally compatible with various aircraft types. The same adapter design can be used across different aircraft models by simply connecting to their standard vacuum ports, eliminating the need for aircraft-specific vacuum pump installations
2Reliability
If multiple suction cups are used for sealing, then airtight connection is ensured, but installation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is segmented into multiple independent suction cups that can be individually activated. This allows the installer to secure the adapter to the aircraft skin at multiple points around the static port, ensuring airtight sealing while maintaining flexibility in the installation process. The segmentation of sealing points distributes the sealing load and simplifies the installation sequence
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups are pre-positioned on the adapter body during manufacturing, with their vacuum lines routed to a central connection point. This preliminary arrangement of sealing components eliminates the need for complex field assembly and wiring during installation, allowing technicians to quickly connect the vacuum line and immediately activate all suction cups for secure attachment
3Reliability
If vacuum pumps are included with the adapter, then sufficient vacuum for sealing is achieved, but the equipment size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum generation function is extracted from the adapter and relocated to the aircraft's existing vacuum suction system. This eliminates the need to include a vacuum pump within the adapter assembly, dramatically reducing the equipment volume. The adapter becomes a passive sealing component that leverages the aircraft's onboard vacuum infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The aircraft's vacuum suction system acts as an intermediary between the ambient environment and the adapter sealing system. Instead of carrying its own vacuum pump, the adapter connects to the aircraft's vacuum port, using the aircraft's engine-driven vacuum system as a mediator to provide the necessary suction force for sealing
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 efficient and representative pitot static testing with a compact adapter that ensures airtight connections, simplifying the installation process and maintaining accurate air data system readings without the need for cumbersome multi-suction cup systems or external vacuum pumps.
Implementation Method 1
the downward force created when partially vacuumed is sufficient to ensure proper sealing of the aircraft static port
Implementation Method 2
Using new performance material for a suction cup, the downward force created when partially vacuumed is sufficient to ensure proper sealing
Data Source
AI summary
This application relates to an aircraft static port testing device in which a static leech may fixed to the static port of an aircraft. The static leech may be held in place by a suction cup surrounding the static port and the static port may be connected to an aircraft air data testing unit through a static port fitting. Vacuum may be created in the suction cup through a vacuum syringe or a vacuum pump.