Aircraft Wing Coupling Sensor Housing Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft refueling devices require structural modifications to integrate sensors for measuring fuel flow parameters, which is costly and time-consuming, and poses risks due to strict usage authorization tests.
Innovation Solution
A refueling device with a wing coupling that houses a sensor and battery in two removable half-shells, allowing for retrofitting without altering the mechanical or fluid properties of the wing coupling, enabling reliable and cost-effective installation of measurement functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If structural modifications are made to integrate sensors into the wing coupling, then measurement functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wing coupling is divided into a body and a separate sensor housing assembly. The sensor housing contains the sensor and battery as distinct modules that can be manufactured separately and then assembled onto the wing coupling body, avoiding the need to modify the original wing coupling structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor and battery are extracted from the wing coupling body and placed in a separate housing. This externalization allows the wing coupling to maintain its original structure while still achieving measurement functionality through the attached sensor module.
2Measurement precision
If structural modifications are made to integrate sensors into the wing coupling, then measurement functionality is achieved, but the time required for testing and authorization increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sensor system into a separate housing that attaches to the wing coupling body, the modification becomes a modular addition rather than a structural change. This reduces the scope of required testing and authorization since the original wing coupling structure remains unchanged.
3Measurement precision
If structural modifications are made to integrate sensors into the wing coupling, then measurement functionality is achieved, but the risk to structural integrity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into a separate housing that attaches to the wing coupling body through non-invasive means. This avoids drilling, welding, or other modifications that could compromise the structural integrity of the wing coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor and battery are extracted from the wing coupling body and placed in an external housing. This extraction eliminates the need to embed sensors within the structural components, thereby preserving the original structural integrity while still enabling measurement functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing refueling devices are retrofitted with sensors, then measurement functionality is added, but the complexity of integration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into modular components (sensor, battery, housing) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modularity simplifies the retrofit process as each component can be handled and installed separately on existing refueling devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing is designed as a universal module that can be attached to various wing coupling types. The standardized interface and mounting mechanism allow the same sensor assembly to be retrofitted onto different refueling devices without custom integration for each model.
Data Source
AI summary
Aircraft refuelling device including a fuel circulation pipe of which the downstream end is equipped with a wing coupling for connecting it to an inlet orifice of a fuel tank of the aircraft. The wing coupling includes a body which defines a fuel circulation duct at the end of the pipe, a sensor for measuring the value of a parameter indicative of a flow of fuel passing through the wing coupling, and at least one battery electrically powering the sensor. The sensor and the electrical power supply battery are housed in two half-shells mounted together around the body of the wing coupling.