Pipe joints or couplings – With casing – lining or protector – Insulated
Patent
1995-12-15
1997-09-09
Melius, Terry Lee
Pipe joints or couplings
With casing, lining or protector
Insulated
285405, 285423, 28514824, 174 51, F16L 2502
Patent
active
056648090
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to connectors and more particularly to connectors that are selectively conductive to reduce the possibility of spark ignition of fuel or other flammable liquids that may pass along pipes supported and joined by the connector.
There is a requirement to support pipework within aircraft structures. This support is given by connectors mounted to the aircraft structure. Typically, the pipework will transfer fuel from fuel tanks to aircraft engines. The fuel is under considerable pressure. However, these connectors must be able to accommodate for thermal expansion/contraction within the pipework. Furthermore, the connector must dissipate any static electricity built up along the pipeline. The working or environmental temperature of the connector may be up to 150.degree. C.
Previously, these connectors have been made of aluminium castings in order to ensure mechanical performance and weight optimisation. However, aluminium does have disadvantages and is not an ideal material. Furthermore, a connector made solely of aluminium will be electrically conductive throughout the entire structure. However, in certain circumstances it may be advantageous to have selective electrical conductivity in determined areas of the connector. An example of such a situation is where the non-conductivity would prevent the possibility of galvanic corrosion when the fuel connector is attached to the air frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a connector that overcomes the above mentioned problems.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a connector comprising a conductive body and an effectively non-conductive flange, the conductive body having an aperture arranged to support a pipe coupling, the conductive body including conductive lugs embedded in the body to ensure dissipation of any static electrical charge generated in the pipe, the conductive body being secured in position by the flange.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of making a connector including the following stages: mounting holes; holes aligned in a mould; the flange and conductive lugs are embedded into position with a bore or holding collar formed to accommodate a pipe in use and the conductive lugs located in that bore or holding collar.
Preferably, the connector is for aviation fuel pipelines.
Preferably, the flange is injection moulded.
Preferably, the conductive lug is pressed, machined or punched.
Preferably, the flange and connector body are formed of glass or carbon reinforced plastics material.
Preferably, the conductive lugs are made from stainless steel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the connector,
FIGS. 2a and 2b illustrates plan and side views of a connector flange;
FIGS. 3a, 3b and 3c illustrates front, plan and cross-sectional views of a connector lug.
FIG. 4 is a cross-section illustrating the flange connected to the connector body; and,
FIG. 5 is a cross-section illustrating a lug mounted in the connector body.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates a fuel connector 1 in schematic front plan elevation. The connector 1 comprises a non-conductive flange 2 and connector lugs 7 embedded in the connector surface. Furthermore, the lugs 7 extend into the connector 1 to ensure that good electrical contact with the supported pipe is made through the connector material. Thus, static electrical charge generated in the pipe can be dissipated.
The connector is made by: such as glass reinforced plastics material (ie QF1006); conductive body material such as carbon or glass reinforced plastics material to form the connector structure illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 2 illustrates the flange 2 in plan and sectional cross-section. The flange 2 has a large aperture 5 to accomodate the pipe ends
REFERENCES:
patent: 4980006 (1990-12-01), Bordner
Melius Terry Lee
Shackelford Heather
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