An embodiment fluid recovery structure includes a body having an interior cavity, ports integrally joined to first walls of the body and having port walls that extend away from the body, with each of the ports having a port opening that is contiguous with the interior cavity, and a drain structure integrally joined to a second wall of the body and having a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a system and method for a fume tight system and fluid recovery structure, and, in particular embodiments, to a system and method for making and using a fluid collection structure for enclosing fluid transfer elements and providing fume tight drainage for fluid leakage from the fluid transfer elements.

BACKGROUND

A rotorcraft may include one or more rotor systems including one or more main rotor systems. A main rotor system generates aerodynamic lift to support the weight of the rotorcraft in flight and thrust to move the rotorcraft in forward flight. Another example of a rotorcraft rotor system is a tail rotor system. A tail rotor system may generate thrust in the same direction as the main rotor system's rotation to counter the torque effect created by the main rotor system. For smooth and efficient flight in a rotorcraft, a pilot balances the engine power, main rotor collective thrust, main rotor cyclic thrust and the tail rotor thrust, and a control system may assist the pilot in stabilizing the rotorcraft and reducing pilot workload

Generally, aircraft, including rotorcraft, are powered by turbine or piston engines, each of which uses a combustible fluid as a fuel source. The fuel system is a fluid handling system that delivers fuel from fuel storage system to the engine system, where the engines burn the fuel to power the aircraft. Additionally, other fluids, such as hydraulic fluid, coolant, or the like, may be provided by various fluid handling systems extending throughout the aircraft.

SUMMARY

An embodiment fluid recovery structure includes a body having an interior cavity, ports integrally joined to first walls of the body and having port walls that extend away from the body, with each of the ports having a port opening that is contiguous with the interior cavity, and a drain structure integrally joined to a second wall of the body and having a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure.

An embodiment fluid system includes a fluid tube, and a collector disposed around the fluid tube, with the collector having a body with an interior cavity. The collector further has ports integrally formed at first walls of the body, with each of the ports having a port opening that is contiguous with the interior cavity. The fluid tube extends through the interior cavity and the port opening of each of the ports. The collector further has a drain structure integrally formed in a second wall of the body and the drain structure has a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure.

An embodiment vehicle includes an engine, a fuel tank, a fluid tube connected to the fuel tank and to the engine and configured to direct fuel from the fuel tank to the engine, and a collector mounted to a mounting point within the vehicle and disposed around the fluid tube, the collector having body with an interior cavity, and the collector further having ports integrally joined to first walls of the body, with each of the ports having a port opening that is contiguous with the interior cavity. The fluid tube extends through the interior cavity and the port opening of each of the ports, and the collector further has a drain structure integrally joined to a second wall of the body and having a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure. The vehicle further includes a drain tube connected to the drain structure, the drain tube configured to permit at least one of fluid and vapor collected within the interior cavity of the collector to drain from the collector through the drain tube.

An embodiment method for installing a fluid recovery structure includes mounting an upper box of a collector to a mounting point on a vehicle, affixing the upper box to a fluid tube of the vehicle, affixing a lower box of the collector to the upper box of the collector after the mounting the upper box and after the affixing the upper box to the fluid tube, where, after affixing the lower box to the upper box, the fluid tube extends through port openings of ports integrally formed as part of the collector and further extends through an interior cavity of the collector such that the fluid tube is spaced apart from interior surfaces of the collector, and attaching a drain tube to a drain structure integrally formed in a wall of the collector and having a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Illustrative embodiments of the system and method of the present disclosure are described below. In the interest of clarity, all features of an actual implementation may not be described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The increasing use of rotorcraft, in particular, for commercial and industrial applications, has led to the development of larger more complex rotorcraft. However, as rotorcraft become larger and more complex, rotorcraft include increasingly large and more numerous systems for redundancy and new functionality. Since rotorcraft use one or more main rotors to simultaneously provide lift, control attitude, control altitude, and provide lateral or positional movement, the rotorcraft may have redundant control systems, such as hydraulic control systems, or may have extensive fuel systems connecting to remote or multiple fuel tanks. Additionally, with the increase in automation in rotorcraft, for example, the use of fly by wire (FBW) systems and the increasing authority ceded to the FBW systems, the amount of system critical electrical systems increases proportionately.

Embodiments of the system and method provided herein are directed to providing a fume tight recovery system that encases or enclosed fluid systems to prevent the escape of fluids or fumes as a result of leaks in the fluid systems. More specifically, the system includes a collector that is a fume tight fluid recovery structure that may be joined with, or connected to, one or more collection socks to provide a collection and drainage point for leaking fluids. In some embodiments, the collector may be a two piece snap-together enclosure formed by additive manufacturing such as selective laser sintering (SLS) or the like. The collector may be provided with an integrated drain structure for connection of a drain line or fitting. In some embodiments, the collector is attached around a fluid handling line, and the collection socks are connected to the collector so that the socks and collector enclose the fluid handling line and provide a system that retains any fumes or fluids that escape from the fluid handling lines, and subsequently drains the fluid or vapor, for example, an overflow bottle or the like.

The use of the enclosed fume tight recovery system ensures that fuel drips or vapors that escape from the fluid handling line are prevented from getting into passenger spaces or into avionics, which may be hot or spark in the event of a problem. Additionally, forming the collector using the SLS process permits the collector to be formed from a polymer, ceramic, metal or other material with high precision, repeatable manufacture of the collector in two halves, which may be joined together without the need for a gasket or sealant due to the precision achieved during manufacture. Additionally, the SLS process permits a complex drain structure, or the like, that is integrally formed in one of the collector body halves, reducing the number of fittings and related seals, which, in turn reduces the opportunity for joint failure. Thus, the collector may be formed in two parts from a polymer material, avoiding the need to form an enclosure from sheet metal with a separate drain fitting, and permitting the collector to be fume tight without sealant in the joints, corners or seams.

FIG. 1illustrates a rotorcraft101according to some embodiments. The rotorcraft101has a main rotor system103, which includes a plurality of main rotor blades105. The pitch of each main rotor blade105may be controlled by a swashplate (not shown) in order to selectively control the attitude, altitude and movement of the rotorcraft101. The swashplate may be used to collectively and/or cyclically change the pitch of the main rotor blades105. The rotorcraft101also has an anti-torque system, which may include a tail rotor109, no-tail-rotor (NOTAR), or dual main rotor system. In rotorcraft with a tail rotor109, the pitch of each tail rotor blade111is collectively changed in order to vary thrust of the anti-torque system, providing directional control of the rotorcraft101. The pitch of the tail rotor blades111is changed by one or more tail rotor actuators (not shown). In some embodiments, the FBW system sends electrical signals to the tail rotor actuators or main rotor actuators to control flight of the rotorcraft101. Additionally, the tail rotor actuators or main rotor actuators may be hydraulically actuated, and may be connected to one or more hydraulic pumps or the like by hydraulic lines or fittings that are disposed in a fume tight recovery system to contain any potential leakage of hydraulic fluids or vapor.

The rotorcraft101further includes a fuselage125and tail section123. The fuselage125includes a passenger compartment113or cargo area, and a cockpit127, which includes displays, controls, and instruments. It should be appreciated that even though rotorcraft101is depicted as having certain illustrated features, the rotorcraft101may have a variety of implementation-specific configurations. For instance, in some embodiments, cockpit127is configured to accommodate a pilot or a pilot and co-pilot, as illustrated. It is also contemplated, however, that rotorcraft101may be operated remotely, in which case cockpit127could be configured as a fully functioning cockpit to accommodate a pilot (and possibly a co-pilot as well) to provide for greater flexibility of use, or could be configured with a cockpit having limited functionality (e.g., a cockpit with accommodations for only one person who would function as the pilot operating perhaps with a remote co-pilot or who would function as a co-pilot or back-up pilot with the primary piloting functions being performed remotely. In yet other contemplated embodiments, rotorcraft101could be configured as an unmanned vehicle, in which case cockpit127could be eliminated entirely in order to save space and cost.

Power is supplied to the main rotor system103and the anti-torque system by engines (not shown). There may be one or more engines, which may be controlled according to signals from the FBW system. The engines may be disposed in an upper fuselage portion107, and one or more fuel tanks (not shown) may be disposed, for example, in the belly of the rotorcraft below the passenger compartment113. In some embodiments, the fuel tanks may be connected to the engines by one or more fuel lines of a fuel handling system that extend near, along, or adjacent to, the passenger compartment113, and may be disposed within a fume tight recovery system. The output of the engine is provided to a driveshaft, which is mechanically and operatively coupled to the main rotor system103and the anti-torque system through a main rotor transmission and a tail rotor transmission, respectively.

FIGS. 2A and 2Billustrate a collector201for a fume tight fluid recovery system according to some embodiments.FIG. 2Aillustrates a top view of an embodiment of the collector201. The collector201has a collector body203that has an interior cavity (not shown) that may house a fluid line, fluid handling system fitting, or the like. The enclosed space or interior cavity of the collector201may be defined by the top wall213, bottom wall (seeFIG. 2B, element227), front wall217, back wall (not shown) and side walls215of the collector201. In some embodiments, the collector201has one or more ports205disposed in one or more sides or faces of the collector body203, and port walls that extend away from the sides of the collector body203. Each of the ports205has a port opening207through which a fluid line exits or enters the collector201. The ports205are integrally joined to the collector body203and the port openings207are contiguous with the interior cavity of the collector body203. In some embodiments, the ports205may be disposed on opposite sides of the collector body203so that the collector201may be disposed around a straight fluid line. Thus, the collector may have a port205disposed at a front wall217of the collector201, and another, or matching port205disposed at a back wall (not shown) of the collector201. In some embodiments, each of the ports205may also have a retaining lip209on an outside surface. The retaining lip209may, in some embodiments, be a raised ring, region, or the like that allows a sock, tube, hose, or the like to be disposed around the outside of the port205and clamped. The retaining lip209prevents the clamp and clamped sock from slipping off the port205.

In some embodiments, the collector201may have one or more assembly holes211disposed in a top wall213of the collector body203and that extend into, or through the collector body203. In some embodiments, the assembly holes211may be sized to accept assembly fasteners that retain halves of the collector body203when the collector201is formed form two or more sections or portions. In other embodiments, the assembly holes211may extend our partially through the collector body203and may accept fasteners for attaching the collector201to a mounting bracket, structure, or other mounting point.

In some embodiments, the collector201may be formed using SLS, deposition manufacturing, or another additive manufacturing process, molding such as injection molding, using machining or another subtractive manufacturing process, or the like. The use of SLS permits the manufacturing of customized collectors having complex shapes without the need for molds, as in injection molding.

FIG. 2Billustrates a bottom view of the collector201according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the collector201has a drain structure221disposed in a bottom wall227of the collector body203. The drain structure221has a drain hole223that extends from the interior cavity of the collector body203outside of the collector201, permitting fluid and vapor collected by the collector201to be drained from around the enclosed fluid tube. The drain structure221may also include a drain structure fitting225that accepts a mating drain tube fitting (not shown). In an embodiment, the drain structure221is integrally formed into the collector201, reducing the number of seams or joints in the collector201, and consequently reducing the number of potential leaks or points of failure, and the number of seals required.

Additionally, the collector201is shown with assembly holes211in the bottom wall227of the collector body203. The assembly holes211in the bottom wall227may extend through the collector body203and through the top wall213of the collector201, permitting fasteners to extend through the collector body203to, for example, retain a top half of the collector201to a bottom half of the collector201. This permits the collector201to be formed in two pieces so that the collector201may be installed around an existing or previously installed fluid tube. However, in other embodiments, the assembly holes211may extend only partially though the collector body203, and may be used for fastening the collector body203to a bracket or other mounting point.

FIG. 3illustrates an exploded view of a portion of a fluid recovery system301according to some embodiments. The collector201is illustrated as being hollow, or having an interior cavity321and being assembled around a fluid tube313so that the collector201encloses a portion of the fluid tube313. In some embodiments, the collector201is formed from an upper box203A or top portion and a lower box203B or bottom portion. In some embodiments, the upper box203A and lower box203B are each formed using SLS so that each is contiguously formed without seams or joints in the respective portion. The upper box203A and lower box203B are formed to fit together at a seam or joint, and in some embodiments, have an assembly ridge303or lip disposed on each of the upper box203A and lower box203B. Thus, the number of seams or joints, and number of potential points of failure or leaks, is reduced, since the only joint is between the upper box203A and lower box203B. The assembly ridges303are complementary and fit closely together to form a fume tight and liquid tight joint after assembly. Additionally, the use of the assembly ridges303permits the lower box203B to be snapped into place with an upper box203A around a fluid tube313or the like so that a technician may mount the upper box203A to the fluid tube by way of a fluid tube retainer such as a clamp315, join the parts, and then have both hands free to install assembly fasteners309or the like. In other embodiments, the lower box203B may be joined to the upper box203A by an adhesive, using a gasket, by ultrasonic welding, or another technique that seals the joint between the upper box203A and lower box203B. Additionally, the collector201may be formed in two parts so that each of the upper box203A and the lower box203B include respective upper port portions205A and lower port portions205B.

The collector201may have a tube attachment structure that permits attachment of the collector to a fluid tube313. In some embodiments, the upper box203A may have, for example, a clamp315, or the like, that secures the upper box203A to the fluid tube313. In some embodiments, the clamp315is secured to the upper box203A by a clamp retainer317such as a screw, bolt, or the like. In other embodiments, the clamp315may be formed as an integral part of the upper box203A, or another part of the collector201. The clamp315has a clamp opening319in which the fluid tube313may be disposed during installation, and which is aligned with one or more of the ports205so that a retained fluid tube313his held with, and spaced apart from, interior surfaces of interior cavity and ports205. Thus, a technician or installer may install the collector201by clamping the upper box203A to the fluid tube313and securing the clamp315so that the upper box203A is affixed to the existing fluid tube313. The technician may then affix the lower box203B to the upper box, with the assembly ridges303retaining the lower box203B to the upper box203A and fluid tube313and then secure the lower box203B to the upper box using the assembly fasteners309.

The upper box203A may be attached to a bracket311at, for example, a top wall of the collector201. The bracket311may in turn be attached to a structure or other mounting point in an aircraft, vehicle, or other space. The upper box203A may be joined to the lower box203B by assembly fasteners309that may, in some embodiments, be bolts, screws, retainer clips, or the like. In some embodiments, the assembly fasteners309are bolts that are disposed in the assembly holes211and extends from the bottom wall227of the collector through the top wall. Additionally, in some embodiments, the assembly fasteners309may also extend through the bracket311so that the assembly fasteners309hold the upper box203A and lower box203B together and also hold the collector201to the bracket311. While the bracket311is shown being disposed on an opposite side of the collector201from the drain structure221, the recovery system301is not limited to the disclosed arrangement, as the bracket311may be shaped to conform around the drain structure221and may be disposed in the same side of the collector201as the drain structure221, or may disposed in a side of the collector201. In other embodiments, the bracket311may be omitted, and the collector201may be attached directly to a mounting point or the like by way of the assembly fasteners309, by other fasteners, by an adhesive, by clips or another mounting structure, or the like.

The assembly holes211may be defined by assembly hole sleeves305that extend through the upper box203A and lower box203B within the interior cavity321. The assembly hole sleeves305may be secured to the interior surfaces of the collector walls by assembly hole sleeve webbing307, supports, or the like. End surfaces of the assembly hole sleeves305may have assembly ridges303that assist in providing a fume tight and fluid tight seal. Thus, the assembly holes211will be fume tight and fluid tight, eliminating the need for the assembly fasteners309to have gaskets to completely seal the collector201.

FIG. 4illustrates a cutaway view of a fluid recovery system401according to some embodiments. The collector201is formed from the upper box203A and lower box203B, which are joined at joint409and retained together by assembly fasteners309. The assembly fasteners309may extend through the collector201in assembly hole sleeves305so that the fastener ends309A extend outside of the collector201and are retained by fastener retainers415. In some embodiments where the assembly fasteners309are bolts, the fastener retainers415are nuts or the like. In other embodiments, the fastener retainers415are clips, pins or other retaining structures that hold the upper box203A to the lower box203B and seal the collector201at the joint409. Additionally, in some embodiments, the bracket311may be affixed to the collector201by bracket fasteners417, or by the assembly fasteners309.

Additionally, one or more socks405may be attached to collector201. Each sock405may have an end disposed on, slipped over, or otherwise attached to the outer surface of one of the upper and lower port portions205A and205B. The socks405may be retained by sock clamps411disposed around the socks405to maintain the socks405in contact with the outer surface of the upper and lower port portions205A and205B. The sock clamps411may be zip ties, screw clamps such as hose clamps, rigid clamps that snap in place, or the like. In embodiments where the ports205have a retaining lip209, the sock clamps411may be disposed between the retaining lips209and walls of the collector201so that the sock clamp411and retaining lip209prevent the socks405from slipping off of the ports205through vibration, handling by technicians, or the like. A sock cavity407in each sock405permits the fluid tube313extend out of the collector interior cavity321within a continuous, fume and fluid tight region bounded by the socks405and collector201.

The fluid tube313is retained in the clamp opening319by the clamp315so that the fluid tube313passes through a first port opening207, through the interior cavity321of the collector201and through another port opening207without contacting the interior surfaces of the ports205, socks405or interior cavity321. The clamp315maybe spaced apart from the interior surfaces of the collector walls by, for example, a standoff403or other spacing structure. In some embodiments, the standoff403is integrally formed on the collector body203, and may be configured to accept a clamp retainer (see, e.g., element317inFIG. 3) and retain the fluid tube313to the collector201.

The interior cavity321of the collector201is contiguous with the drain hole223so that fluids or vapors that escape the fluid tube313flow through the socks405into the collector201and drain out the drain hole223. A drain tube421is affixed to the drain structure221by a drain tube fitting413. In some embodiments, the drain structure221has a drain structure seat423that seals against a portion of the drain tube fitting413or the drain tube421. Additionally, in some embodiments, the drain tube fitting413is threaded, and mates with the drain structure fitting225. The drain structure fitting225may be a polymer or other material used to form the collector, and may be produced in a blank or unthreaded form. The drain tube fitting413may create or cut threads in the drain structure fitting225when the drain tube fitting413is affixed to the drain structure fitting225, and so that the drain tube fitting413creates a fume and fluid proof seal with the drain structure fitting225that is redundant to the seal created by the drain structure seat423. In some embodiments, the drain structure221has drain structure sidewalls419that separate the drain structure fitting225from the drain structure seat423, and drain structure sidewalls419that separate the drain structure fitting225from the walls of the collector body203.

FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate views of a portion of a fluid recovery system501according to some embodiments. The socks405extend away from the collector201and enclose the fluid tube313, creating a fume and fluid tight barrier or envelope around the fluid tube313.

FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrate views of an upper box203A with a clamp315for a fluid recovery system according to some embodiments. The clamp315is spaced apart from the interior surfaces of the upper port portion205A and interior cavity321from the surface of the fluid tube313, preventing friction and potentially premature wear of the socks, collector201and fluid tube313. The clamp315is attached by the clamp retainer317to a standoff403, which provides the offset or spacing from the interior surfaces of the collector201. Providing spacing between the fluid tube313and the interior surfaces of the socks405or interior surfaces of the collector201permits the free flow of fluids and vapors through the port and along the surface of the port opening, so that the vapors may condense in the collector201, any fluids may drain into the collector201.

In some embodiments, the standoff403has a standoff body703supported by standoff webbing701which acts as a set of supports, gussets, braces, stiffeners, or the like, to strengthen the standoff body using a minimal amount of material. Additionally, the standoff403, including the standoff body703and standoff webbing701, may be integrally formed into the collector lower box203A. In other embodiments, the standoff403may be formed separately from the collector and attached to the interior surface of the lower box203A by fasteners, an adhesive, clips, of the like to provide a customizable standoff height, permitting adjustment of the placement of a fluid tube313for fluid tubes of different sizes, shapes, or the like.

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate views of a fluid recovery structure801with a retaining adapter809according to some embodiments. The structure801may include a fluid tube retainer such as a retaining adapter809, as described in United States Patent Publication No. 2015/0291290, titled “Adapter for Aircraft Fluid Transmission Lines”, filed on Apr. 11, 2014 on behalf of inventor Joseph Leachman, and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. The retaining adapter809may be disposed within one or more ports205of the collector201. The retaining adapter809accepts a fluid tube313and holds the fluid tube313in relation to the collector201so that the fluid tube313is spaced apart from the surfaces of the interior cavity321and the port wall805. The retaining adapter809may have one or more spokes813supporting an inner shell, collar or other structure for retaining a fluid tube313. The spokes813are spaced apart by spoke spaces815and are disposed within an outer shell817, which has a gap811. The spoke spaced815and the gap811permit the free flow of fluids and vapors through the port205and along the surface of the port opening207, so that the vapors may move into the collector201for condensation, any so that fluids may drain into the collector201from socks or the like.

The retaining adapter809may be affixed in place within the port opening207to prevent the retaining adapter809from sliding out of the port opening207due to vibration or the like. In some embodiments, the retaining adapter809maybe disposed in a recess803in the surface of the port wall805A. In other embodiments, the retaining adapter809may be retained by one or more port lips807that are raised sections of the interior surface of the port wall805B. In yet other embodiments, the retaining rings may be held in the port opening207by an adhesive, a fastener such as a set screw, bolt or other mechanical fastener, a retaining pin, or the like.

FIGS. 9A and 9Billustrate views of a drain structure221of a collector901according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the collector has an upper box903A and a lower box903B with a recess905that serves to concentrate or direct collected or condensed fluids into a recessed portion907region near the drain hole223. Thus, fluids or vapors entering the interior cavity321may move, by gravity, through the recess into the drain hole. In some embodiments, the recess905is disposed in the bottom wall227of the lower box903B, and the drain structure221is disposed in the recessed portion907of the lower box903B. The recess905may be formed by the recessed portion907in the bottom wall227of the collector901. In other embodiments, the recess905may formed by thinning or otherwise shaping the inner surface of the bottom wall227of the collector901. While the recess905is shown as being circular with a flat bottom profile, the recess905is not limited to such as shape, as the recess905may be any shape with any bottom profile, including having a shape that is square, hexagonal, or the like, with a bottom profile that is conical, pyramidal, faceted, smooth, or the like.

FIG. 10illustrates a view of a drain structure221of a collector1001according to some embodiments. A collector1001has an upper box1003A and lower box1003B with an opening1007for an interchangeable drain element1005. The drain element1005has a flange1009that retains the drain element1005within an opening1007in a wall of the collector1001. In an embodiment, the flange1009may fit into a recess created by a recessed portion907of the bottom wall227of the collector1001, and may be affixed with a gasket, sealant, adhesive, fastener, or the like. In some embodiments, the flange is sized to create a fume and fluid tight seal against the surface of the recessed portion907.

FIGS. 11A through 11Cillustrate views of various upper box embodiments for different fluid recovery system embodiments.FIG. 11Aillustrates a fluid recovery system arrangement1101upper box1103that is configured to engage with multiple fluid tubes313A and313B. In some embodiments, the upper box1103has first ports1105A forming first port openings1107A on opposite sides of the upper box1103and second ports1105B forming second port openings1107B on opposite sides of the upper box1103, with the second ports1105B on different sides of the upper box1103from those on which the first ports1105A are disposed. A first clamp315A is disposed on a first standoff403A in the interior cavity321, and holds a first fluid tube313A so that the first fluid tube313A is retained in the first port openings1107A. A second clamp315B is disposed on a second standoff403B and holds a second fluid tube313B so that the second fluid tube313B is retained in the second port openings1107B. Notably, the first standoff403A may hold the first fluid tube313A at a distance from the interior surface of the upper box1103that is different from the distance at which the second standoff403B holds the second fluid tube313B from the interior surface. Thus, the first fluid tube313A and second fluid tube313B cross each other within the interior cavity321without contacting each other.

FIG. 11Billustrates a fluid recovery system arrangement1121upper box1123that is configured to engage with multiple fluid tubes313A and313B connected to a fitting1129according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the upper box1123has first ports1125A forming first port openings1127A on opposite sides of the upper box1123and at least one second port1125B forming a second port opening1127B on a side of the upper box1123that is different from the sides of the upper box1123on in which the first ports1125A are disposed. A first clamp315A is disposed on a first standoff403A in the interior cavity321, and holds a first fluid tube313A with a fitting1129so that the first fluid tube313A is retained in the first port openings1127A and so that the fitting is retained in the interior cavity321. A second clamp315B is disposed on a second standoff403B and holds a second fluid tube313B so that the second fluid tube313C is retained in the second port opening1127B and joins to the fitting1129. Notably, the first standoff403A may hold the first fluid tube313A at a distance from the interior surface of the upper box1123that is substantially similar to the distance the second standoff403B holds the second fluid tube313C. Thus, the first fluid tube313A and second fluid tube313B intersect each at the fitting1129so that the enclosure encloses the fitting1129.

FIG. 11Cillustrates a fluid recovery system arrangement1141upper box1143that is configured to engage with multiple fluid tubes313A and313B. In some embodiments, the upper box1143has first ports1145A forming first port openings1147A on opposite sides of the upper box1143and second ports1145B forming second port openings1147B on opposite sides of the upper box1143, with the second ports1145B on the same sides of the upper box1143as those on which the first ports1145A are disposed. A first clamp315A is disposed on a first standoff403A in the interior cavity321, and holds a first fluid tube313A so that the first fluid tube313A is retained in the first port openings1147A. A second clamp315B is disposed on a second standoff403B and holds a second fluid tube313B so that the second fluid tube313B is retained in the second port openings1147B. Thus, the first fluid tube313A and second fluid tube313B are both held in place within respective port openings1147A and1147B, and both extend through the interior cavity without touching or crossing each other.

FIG. 12is a flow diagram illustrating a method1201for installing a fume tight fluid recovery structure according to some embodiments. The method1201includes, in block1203, mounting an upper box of a collector. Mounting the upper box may include attaching the upper box to a mounting point in a vehicle or structure so that the upper box is adjacent to an existing fluid tube, or to a planned route of a fluid tube. In some embodiments, the upper box may be mounted directly to a mounting point by, for example, fastening the upper box directly to a bulkhead, or surface in a vehicle. In another embodiment, the upper box may be attached to a bracket mounted on the vehicle, or, in embodiments, where the upper box has a bracket attached prior to mounting, the upper box may be mounted by attaching the bracket to the vehicle.

In block1205, the upper box is affixed to the fluid tube. In some embodiments, the upper box has a clamp that secures the fluid tube to the upper box, and affixing the upper box to the fluid tube may include securing the fluid tube within the clamp. In some embodiments, the upper box and fluid tube are affixed to each other using a retaining adapter. In such an embodiment, the retaining adapter may be placed around the fluid tube, and then placed in a port opening or other interior portion of the collector to affix the upper box to the fluid tube. In block1207, the lower box is attached to the upper box. In some embodiments, the lower box may be attached to the lower box by engaging assembly ridges on the upper and lower boxes with each other. In other embodiments, a joining material such as a sealant, adhesive or gasket may be applied to the surfaces of the upper or lower boxes that form the joint between the upper and lower boxes, and then the lower box may be attached to the upper box so that the joining material holds the lower box to the upper box.

In block1209, the assembly fasteners are installed. In embodiments where the assembly fasteners are bolts that extend through the collector, a technician may secure the bolts with nuts or other fastener retainers. In block1211, socks are attached to the collector. In some embodiments, the socks are disposed over the exterior of the ports, and are secured by a sock clamp. In block1213, a drain tube is attached to the collector.

An embodiment fluid recovery structure includes a body having an interior cavity, ports integrally joined to first walls of the body and having port walls that extend away from the body, with each of the ports having a port opening that is contiguous with the interior cavity, and a drain structure integrally joined to a second wall of the body and having a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure.

In some embodiments, the body includes an upper box and a lower box, with the upper box and lower box having complementary assembly ridges, the drain structure is integrally formed as part of the lower box and is disposed at a lower wall of the lower box, and each of the ports includes an upper port portion integrally formed as part of the upper box and a lower portion integrally formed as part of the lower box. In some embodiments, The fluid recovery structure further includes assembly hole sleeves integrally formed in each of the upper box and lower box, the assembly hole sleeves having assembly holes extending through the assembly hole sleeves, and assembly fasteners disposed in the assembly holes, with the assembly fasteners affixing the lower box to the upper box. In some embodiments, the drain structure has a drain structure seat integrally formed at an end of the drain structure, and the drain structure has a drain structure fitting integrally formed at an outside surface of the drain structure. The drain structure further has first sidewalls that separate the drain structure seat from the drain structure fitting, and second sidewalls that separate the drains structure fitting from the second wall. In some embodiments, the fluid recovery structure further includes a fluid tube retainer having a hole aligned with the ports. In some embodiments, the fluid tube retainer is a clamp disposed in the interior cavity. In some embodiments, the fluid recovery structure further includes a standoff integrally formed on an interior surface of a fourth wall of the body, and the clamp is attached to the standoff by a clamp retainer. In some embodiments, the fluid tube retainer is a retaining adapter disposed in the port opening of one of the ports.

An embodiment fluid system includes a fluid tube, and a collector disposed around the fluid tube, with the collector having a body with an interior cavity. The collector further has ports integrally formed at first walls of the body, with each of the ports having a port opening that is contiguous with the interior cavity. The fluid tube extends through the interior cavity and the port opening of each of the ports. The collector further has a drain structure integrally formed in a second wall of the body and the drain structure has a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure.

In some embodiments, the fluid system further includes socks, with each of the socks having an end disposed on a respective one of the ports, where the fluid tube extends through each of the socks. In some embodiments, the body includes an upper box and a lower box, the upper box and lower box have complementary assembly ridges, and the drain structure is integrally formed as part of the lower box and is disposed at a bottom wall of the lower box, and each of the ports includes an upper port portion integrally formed as part of the upper box and a lower portion integrally formed as part of the lower box. In some embodiments, the fluid system further includes a fluid tube retainer having a hole aligned with the ports, the fluid tube is disposed within the hole and is affixed to the collector by the fluid tube retainer such that the fluid tube is spaced apart from interior surfaces of the collector, and the fluid tube is spaced apart from interior surfaces of the socks. In some embodiments, the fluid tube retainer is a clamp disposed in the interior cavity. In some embodiments, the fluid system further includes a standoff integrally formed on an interior surface of a bottom wall of the collector, where the clamp is attached to the standoff by a clamp retainer. In some embodiments, the fluid tube retainer is a retaining adapter disposed in one of the port openings.

An embodiment vehicle includes an engine, a fuel tank, a fluid tube connected to the fuel tank and to the engine and configured to direct fuel from the fuel tank to the engine, and a collector mounted to a mounting point within the vehicle and disposed around the fluid tube, the collector having body with an interior cavity, and the collector further having ports integrally joined to first walls of the body, with each of the ports having a port opening that is contiguous with the interior cavity. The fluid tube extends through the interior cavity and the port opening of each of the ports, and the collector further has a drain structure integrally joined to a second wall of the body and having a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure. The vehicle further includes a drain tube connected to the drain structure, the drain tube configured to permit at least one of fluid and vapor collected within the interior cavity of the collector to drain from the collector through the drain tube.

In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes socks, each of the socks having an end disposed on a respective one of the ports; wherein the fluid tube extends through each of the socks, and a fluid tube retainer disposed within the collector and having a hole aligned with the ports, where the fluid tube is disposed within the hole and is affixed to the collector by the fluid tube retainer such that the fluid tube is spaced apart from interior surfaces of the collector, and where the fluid tube is spaced apart from interior surfaces of the socks. In some embodiments, the fluid tube retainer is one of a clamp disposed in the interior cavity and attached to a standoff integrally formed on an interior surface of interior cavity of the collector and a retaining adapter disposed in a port opening or one of the ports.

An embodiment method for installing a fluid recovery structure includes mounting an upper box of a collector to a mounting point on a vehicle, affixing the upper box to a fluid tube of the vehicle, affixing a lower box of the collector to the upper box of the collector after the mounting the upper box and after the affixing the upper box to the fluid tube, where, after affixing the lower box to the upper box, the fluid tube extends through port openings of ports integrally formed as part of the collector and further extends through an interior cavity of the collector such that the fluid tube is spaced apart from interior surfaces of the collector, and attaching a drain tube to a drain structure integrally formed in a wall of the collector and having a drain hole that extends from the interior cavity through the drain structure.

In some embodiments, the method further includes attaching socks to outside surfaces of the ports, where, after installing the socks, the fluid tube is spaced apart from interior surfaces of the socks.