US 9,233,758 B2Granted

Electrostatic discharge protected ferrule

AssigneeThe Boeing Company

InventorsChristopher Michael Hansom, James P. Irwin, Nathan Michael Kelley

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Abstract

A fuel line assembly for an aircraft comprises a ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule affixed to an isolation tube, which may be directly affixed to a fuel tube or affixed to an extension tube, which in turn, is affixed to the fuel tube. The ferrule assembly provides electrostatic discharge protection and lightning protection as the isolation tube maintains a separation distance from the ferrule and fuel tube, both of which are made from metal. The isolation tube is made from a dielectric material, but which may have conductive particles added to aid in the dissipation of an electrostatic charge. The electrical resistance through the isolation tube has a lower limit to arrest the flow of the induced lightning current through the assembly. The amount of lightning protection afforded can be configured. The ferrule assembly components may be affixed by using thermo-welding, adhesive, or mechanical pressure.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A ferrule assembly comprising:

a metallic ferrule comprising a cylindrical shape having a first end, a second end, an outside surface extending from the first end to the second end, and an inside surface opposite the outside surface and extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end comprises a first lip and a second lip projecting outwards from the outside surface and forming a channel configured to receive an O-ring;
and
an isolation tube comprising a non-metallic material and comprising a first inner band and a first outer band, the first inner band and the first outer band forming a groove for receiving the second end of the metallic ferrule such that the first inner band encircles the inside surface of the second end of the metallic ferrule and the first outer band encircles the outside surface of the second end of the metallic ferrule to provide a concentric arrangement of the first outer band, the groove, and the first inner band around a central axis of the isolation tube, wherein the isolation tube is configured to receive a fuel tube and provide a separation distance between the fuel tube and the metallic ferrule.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/327,850Filed 16 Dec 2011
Published: US 2013/0153046 A120 Jun 2013
Granted: 12 Jan 2016
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification16 codes

F16L 39/005
Joints or fittings for double-walled or multi-channel pipes or pipe assemblies: for concentric pipes
B64D 37/32
Arrangements in connection with fuel supply for power plant: safety measures not otherwise provided for, e.g. preventing explosive conditions
B64D 45/02
Aircraft indicators or protectors not otherwise provided for: lightning protectors; Static dischargers
F16L 13/0245
Welded joints: with holes in the sleeve or spigot being filled with weld