Aircraft Stringer Duct Connector for Non-Intrusive Fuel Breather Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connectors for attaching pipes to aircraft stringer ducts are prone to damage, difficult to remove and replace, and can disrupt fluid flow due to intrusion into the duct, leading to pressure losses and electrostatic risks.
Innovation Solution
A connector design that bridges over the stringer duct without penetrating it, featuring flanges for attachment, an aperture for fluid passage, and a flow controller connector, allowing for easy removal and replacement, and minimizing fluid flow disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a connector is bonded to the FSD, then the connection is secure, but the connector cannot be easily removed and replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into a permanent base portion bonded to the FSD and a removable connector portion that can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the permanent part to provide secure attachment while the removable part enables easy maintenance and replacement without damaging the bonded connection.
2Ease of operation
If the connector sits proud of the FSD, then it is easy to attach, but it is liable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The connector portion is received within a recess in the FSD, creating a nested arrangement where the connector sits flush with or below the FSD surface. This eliminates the protruding portion that would be susceptible to damage while maintaining ease of attachment through the recess structure.
3Strength
If the connector intrudes into the duct, then it can be attached securely, but it disrupts fluid flow and causes pressure losses
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed to attach to the exterior surface of the FSD rather than intruding into the internal fluid passage. By extracting the attachment function from the internal duct space and placing it on the external surface, the design eliminates flow disruption and pressure losses while maintaining secure attachment.
4Ease of repair
If fasteners are used to attach the connector, then it can be easily removed, but they may intrude into the duct and cause electrostatic discharge
Solution Approach 1:
A non-conductive grommet or intermediary element is used between the fastener and the FSD to prevent electrostatic discharge. This intermediary component allows the fastener to secure the connector while blocking the conductive path that would enable harmful electrostatic discharge into the fuel-filled duct.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector, a connector assembly, an aircraft fuel breather system and an aircraft wing are disclosed. The connector connects a breather pipe or float valve to a hat section stringer duct attached to an aircraft panel. The connecter has a bridge to bridge over the duct and to cover an aperture in a wall of the duct. The bridge has a flange on either side for attachment of the connector to the panel. The connector has a seal to seal the bridge to the duct, an aperture defined in the bridge and a flow controller connector to connect and provide fluid connection between the connector and pipe or float valve. The assembly comprises the connector, the duct and aircraft panel and the fuel breather system includes one or more fuel tanks, a breather pipe and a vent to atmosphere.