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-   -   Cabin fuel lines and TSFlightlines (long) (https://vansairforce.net/community/showthread.php?t=110008)

sahrens 03-29-2014 08:26 AM

Here is my reasoning
 
The first set of lines I had Tom make had more of the line as flexible. Here is the first set installed as a test fit. Notice the stress on the line as it passes through the opening.

[IMG][/IMG]

Here is a close up of the snap bushing. With that much stress something is going to wear out. First the snap bushing, but then the line and the aluminum bracket.

[IMG][/IMG]

This was my next idea to relieve the stress, open the pass through and sleeve the line. But you can still see the line is pressing against the bracket. It is a wear point I did not want to worry about.

[IMG][/IMG]

So I fabricated an aluminum line for Tom to use as a mock up to make the bends on the steel line to eliminate the problem.

[IMG][/IMG]

erich weaver 03-29-2014 09:25 AM

Scott
Can you explain how the transition from tubing to hose is constructed? Its partially visible in the first photo on post #1. I would expect an adapter fitting there but there doesn't seem to be one, at least nothing that I recognize
Thanks
erich

Aircraft Specialty 03-29-2014 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TS Flightlines (Post 866383)
Actually Scott and Darin let the cat out the bag. YES---I'm going to do these as as a option kit to my standard hoses with 90*'s at the valve.
Understand---these arent easy to make, BUT---a certain partner of mine in Wisconsin acquired a NC mandrel bender, and yes I plan on putting him to work!
I have the patterns for these, as well as some other things, like the Andair tube that looks like an inverted question mark for connecting the selector valve to the Andair filter.
Tom

The cat is out of the bag. Right now these lines are being fabricated by hand. Tom and I are working on some really neat things which will involve the use of a computerized bender. However, it will be several months before it is all still operational. The bender has been acquired and we are currently waiting on some dies and flaring tools which are being custom manufactured for us.

We will also be utilizing some 3d scanning technology to ensure that we are able to fabricate these hard lines to perfectly fit in your aircraft.

We are really looking forward to this adventure and being able to bring some new and really exciting products to market. But, it will be a little while to get everything set up properly and running smoothly.

Steve

TS Flightlines 03-29-2014 01:37 PM

Erich---There is really no secret. I start with a piece of .065 wall .375 OD stainless tube. I cut it to the prescribed length, then mount the tube in the lathe and turn the collar lock groove, and reduce the OD to correspond to the -6 teflon hose. I then mark the bend centerline distances and make the bends. Presently, it is labor intensive, but when we get the NC bender operational, it will go faster.
Tom

sahrens 03-29-2014 01:50 PM

What Tom said
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by erich weaver (Post 866569)
Scott
Can you explain how the transition from tubing to hose is constructed? Its partially visible in the first photo on post #1. I would expect an adapter fitting there but there doesn't seem to be one, at least nothing that I recognize
Thanks
erich

The line is one piece at that point. I do not remember the PSI rating, but well above fuel pressure.

TS Flightlines 03-29-2014 01:52 PM

OK===since Steve mentioned it, I'll elaborate just a second on this.
The NC bender with CNC readouts has been acquired. This will allow us to bend rigid tubing consistantly and repeatively faster and more reliable than with current tools. As hose guys, we debated this for a long time, but eventually decided it was worth the effort. Lets face it, there are places where you just cant use a teflon hose either for dimensional or costs considerations.

With the bender, we can work off a prototype mockup, or from a 3D CAD file. We're very excited about this, and from the clients we have requesting some of these tubes, we feel its a great addition. WE are also working with a company to build us a powered flaring machine, to speed up the processes, AND to make quality parts.

Some of you figured out that I'm in South Carolina, and Steve is in Wisconsin, and were wondering how this is going to work. US TOOOO----I spend alot of time developing things like this, and will continue to do so. With the proposed 3D scanner, we can be in 2 different places and still accomplish what we need. Eventually, the goal is to be self-sufficient---to be able to provide even better service to all of you.
Tom

Aircraft Specialty 03-29-2014 06:52 PM

Tom and I talk daily. We both have the same customer service values and it is not uncommon to get an email from either of us at midnight. We are passionate about experimental airplanes and truly love doing this.

It's also been great being able to split up some of the R and D work to be able to bring even more items to market quicker. I have been working on a lot of the RV-12 packages as well as Zenith/Rans, etc. Tom has the knack of being able to attach any hose to anything else. There is just absolutely NOTHING that he can't figure out a way to do. We are going to be utilizing CNC technology to be able to adapt some of these projects onto a more of a "mass" production scale. In addition, with 3d technology growing, we are hoping to be able to utilize some of the modeling benefits to really improve our ability to visualize assemblies and how they will fit in the aircraft.

In addition, this will allow us to take a customer prototype and convert it to a model that we can replicate in a nice stainless steel rigid tube for your aircraft.

Finally, though we are split geographically, it creates a benefit for both of us as we are able to service customers most efficiently. And yes, we are still separate companies, BUT going forward we have been able to forge a great partnership/friendship that will allow us to bring unique items to market.

Steve


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