External Wing Rib Fluid Pipe Layout for Simpler Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing assembly process for fluid conduits in aircraft wing boxes is time-consuming and complex, requiring multiple sections of pipe to be joined across ribs, which complicates the manufacturing and assembly process.
Innovation Solution
A wing assembly design where a continuous fluid pipe is attached to each rib externally, extending through the rib plane without needing to pass through the main rib body, allowing for easier installation and reduction in assembly components and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid conduits are installed by forming apertures in ribs and joining individual pipe sections between connectors on adjacent ribs, then the fluid conduit can be installed within the wing box structure, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex with multiple manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wing box assembly process into distinct phases: first assembling the ribs and fluid pipe externally, then adding the skin covers. This segmentation allows the fluid pipe to be installed in one continuous piece outside the rib structure, avoiding the need to form apertures in each rib and join multiple pipe sections. The segmentation of the assembly process resolves the contradiction by simplifying the fluid conduit installation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid pipe is prepared and attached to the ribs before the skin covers are installed. This preliminary action allows the continuous fluid pipe to be positioned and secured externally to the rib assembly, eliminating the need for complex aperture formation and pipe section joining operations that would be required if the pipe were installed after skin closure. The preliminary preparation of the fluid conduit resolves the assembly complexity issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual pipe sections are joined between connectors on adjacent ribs, then the fluid conduit can navigate through multiple rib bays, but the number of assembly components and manufacturing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual pipe sections and connectors into a single continuous fluid pipe that extends through multiple rib bays. By attaching this continuous pipe externally to the ribs using brackets or straps, the need for multiple connection points and joining operations is eliminated. This merging of components maintains the adaptability to route through multiple rib bays while dramatically reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the fluid pipe from a three-dimensional path through apertures in the rib bodies to an external attachment along the outer surface of the rib assembly. This dimensional change allows the pipe to navigate multiple rib bays by following the external contour of the wing box, avoiding the need to pass through rib structures. The external routing maintains routing flexibility while simplifying installation to a single continuous attachment process.
3Reliability
If apertures are formed in ribs and connectors mounted on either side of apertures, then fluid conduits can be securely installed, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid pipe installation from the internal rib structure by attaching it externally to the rib assembly. Instead of forming apertures in each rib and mounting connectors on both sides, the continuous pipe is secured externally using brackets or straps that wrap around or attach to the outer surface of the ribs. This extraction maintains securement reliability while eliminating the time-consuming aperture formation and multi-side connector installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces brackets or straps as intermediary components that facilitate the attachment of the continuous fluid pipe to the rib assembly. These intermediaries provide a simple external attachment mechanism that secures the pipe reliably without requiring apertures in the ribs or complex connector assemblies. The use of intermediary attachment components resolves the contradiction by maintaining securement while dramatically reducing assembly time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A wing assembly with at least two ribs is disclosed. Each rib defines a rib plane and has a peripheral edge. A fluid pipe extends through each rib plane and is disposed external to the peripheral edge of each rib. The fluid pipe is coupled to each rib.