Rhode Island Patent of the Month – April 2025
Response Technologies, LLC has secured U.S. Patent No. 12269607 for “Collapsible fuel cells for aircraft,” unveiling a flexible fuel storage system designed for use in tight or irregular aircraft compartments. The new design promises easier installation, longer service life, and reduced maintenance demands.
Streamlining Fuel System Maintenance
Traditional rigid fuel cells are often difficult to install and remove, especially in aircraft with limited internal space. This patented collapsible fuel cell addresses that issue using a textile support structure with engineered crease lines. These creases form a predictable fold pattern that allows the cell to collapse and expand as needed.
The outer shell layer, made from materials different in chemical makeup and thickness between folded and flat regions, reinforces this flexibility without sacrificing durability. The result is a fuel cell that can be packed into tight compartments, then deployed with minimal stress to its structure.
Designed for Tight Spaces and Tough Jobs
This technology is especially useful in tiltrotor aircraft and those with fuel compartments beneath the cabin floor. It improves access during inspection and servicing, helping to reduce damage during handling and extending the life of the fuel system.
By rethinking how aircraft store and service fuel cells, Response Technologies aims to streamline maintenance and improve space efficiency across the aviation sector.
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