18518143. AIRCRAFT PIPEWORK ASSEMBLY simplified abstract (AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED)

AIRCRAFT PIPEWORK ASSEMBLY

Organization Name

AIRBUS OPERATIONS LIMITED

Inventor(s)

Anthony Bryant of Bristol (GB)

Callum Johnson of Bristol (GB)

AIRCRAFT PIPEWORK ASSEMBLY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18518143 titled 'AIRCRAFT PIPEWORK ASSEMBLY

Simplified Explanation

The aircraft pipework assembly described in the patent application includes a fixture arrangement with a spherical bearing, tie rods connecting the pipework to the aircraft structure, and tie rod bearings for secure attachment. The fixture arrangement allows for translation of the pipework in an axial direction aligned with its longitudinal axis.

• Spherical bearing fixture arrangement:

   * The spherical bearing consists of a ball mounted to the pipework and a housing coupled to the aircraft structure.
   * The ball has a convex spherical bearing surface, while the housing has a concave spherical bearing surface that mates with the ball.
   * This configuration enables the pipework to translate relative to the ball in an axial direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the pipework.

Potential Applications: - Aerospace industry for aircraft pipework systems - Industrial machinery for secure pipe connections

Problems Solved: - Secure attachment of pipework to aircraft structure - Translation capability for pipework in axial direction

Benefits: - Increased stability and safety of pipework assembly - Enhanced flexibility for pipework movement

Potential Commercial Applications in Aerospace Industry: - Aircraft manufacturing companies - Maintenance and repair facilities

Possible Prior Art: - Similar spherical bearing fixture arrangements used in automotive industry for engine components

Unanswered Questions: 1. How does the spherical bearing fixture arrangement improve the overall performance of the aircraft pipework assembly? 2. Are there any specific regulations or standards in the aerospace industry that this innovation complies with?

Original Abstract Submitted

An aircraft pipework assembly is disclosed including an aircraft structure; pipework; a fixture arrangement between the pipework and the aircraft structure; a tie rod connecting the pipework to the aircraft structure; a first tie rod bearing which connects the tie rod to the pipework; and a second tie rod bearing which connects the tie rod to the aircraft structure. The fixture arrangement includes a spherical bearing, the spherical bearing comprising a ball mounted to the pipework, and a housing coupled to the aircraft structure. The ball includes a convex spherical bearing surface; and the housing comprises a concave spherical bearing surface which mates with the convex spherical bearing surface of the ball. The fixture arrangement is configured to enable the pipework to translate relative to the ball in an axial direction aligned with a longitudinal axis of the pipework.