Wire Bundle Fitting Leak Test Apparatus for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing fluid tightness in aircraft connectors and wire bundle fittings are time-consuming and costly, often requiring disassembly of aircraft components and are subject to inspector interpretation, leading to production delays and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A leak test apparatus comprising a sleeve member and retaining devices that surround and pressurize the fittings with a leak detection medium, allowing for immediate leak detection after installation, reducing the need for extensive disassembly and providing a clear pass/fail criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fuselage pressure test is used to test connectors and wire bundle fittings, then fluid tightness can be detected, but production scheduling is delayed and mechanic idle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing leak testing on connectors and wire bundle fittings immediately after installation using a portable testing apparatus before the fuselage pressure test. This allows defects to be identified and corrected early in the assembly process, eliminating the need to delay production for fuselage pressure testing and reducing mechanic idle time while maintaining reliability through early defect detection
2Reliability
If fuselage pressure test is performed, then leaks can be detected, but disassembly and reassembly of floors and furnishings is required which may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the leak testing function from the fuselage pressure test by using a portable testing apparatus that can be applied directly to individual connectors and wire bundle fittings. This removes the need to disassemble floors and furnishings for testing, eliminating the harmful effect of potential damage to these components while maintaining the ability to detect leaks through direct application of the testing device
3Productivity
If visual inspection is used for connectors and wire bundle fittings, then inspection can be performed quickly, but inspector interpretation variability affects accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the subjective visual inspection process with an objective mechanical/testing-based detection system. The portable apparatus uses pressure differential testing to provide definitive pass/fail results, eliminating inspector interpretation variability and improving measurement precision while maintaining quick inspection capability through direct application to the connectors
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 accurate leak testing of hard-to-reach areas, reducing production delays and costs by allowing for pre-installation rework and eliminating interpretation-based errors, while minimizing damage to aircraft components.
Implementation Method 1
the sleeve member is configured to contain a leak detection medium and effect a pressurization of the boundary fitting with the leak detection medium
Data Source
AI summary
A leak test apparatus including a sleeve member having a first end and a second end and being configured to surround a portion of a transmission medium, a first retaining device configured to couple the first end of the sleeve member to a boundary fitting to which the transmission medium is coupled, and where the sleeve member is configured to contain a leak detection medium and effect a pressurization of the boundary fitting with the leak detection medium.