Amphibious aircraft watertight compartment cleaning device and cleaning method

Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of aircraft cleaning, and relates to a cleaning device and method for a watertight compartment of an amphibious aircraft. And the track is fixed on a keel beam of a watertight compartment of an airplane through adhesive. The programmable trolley is installed in the track, and a plurality of motors are arranged in the programmable trolley. Wherein one motor rotates forwards or reversely under a control instruction of a built-in control module of the programmable control trolley to drive a wheel shaft of the programmable control trolley to rotate forwards or backwards, so that the trolley is driven to move forwards or backwards. The other two motors rotate by a fixed angle under the control instruction of the control module arranged in the trolley to drive the two mechanical arms to rotate within a certain angle range, and the telescopic hose sequentially passes through the programmable control trolley and the mechanical arms and is connected to the spray heads at the ends of the mechanical arms. Manual cleaning work does not need to be carried out in the watertight compartment for a long time, the maintenance cost is saved, and the suffocation risk of personnel is reduced; the method can be used as a measure for cleaning the watertight compartment after leakage during the offshore taxiing / test flight period of the amphibious aircraft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aircraft cleaning and relates to a cleaning device and method for the watertight compartment of an amphibious aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] When amphibious aircraft taxi / fly at sea, their hulls are in direct contact with seawater. If leaks occur in the watertight compartments of the hull and are not cleaned promptly, corrosion of the aircraft's hull structure and seals will worsen, potentially affecting structural strength and posing flight safety hazards. Therefore, cleaning of watertight compartments after taxiing / flying at sea is crucial. However, entering the watertight compartments for cleaning requires opening the floor and bulkhead covers, connecting external lighting equipment, and carrying water sources. The entire process is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also extremely complex. Furthermore, prolonged work in a confined space poses a risk of suffocation for personnel. Therefore, conventional manual cleaning is unsuitable as a cleaning solution for the watertight compartments of amphibious aircraft. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Purpose of the invention: The present invention provides a cleaning device and method for the watertight compartment of amphibious aircraft, which solves the technical problems of existing technologies such as being time-consuming and labor-intensive, having complex working conditions, and posing a risk of suffocation.

[0004] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: A cleaning device for the watertight compartment of an amphibious aircraft includes a track, a programmable control trolley, robotic arms, a retractable hose, and nozzles. The track is fixed to the keel beam of the aircraft's watertight compartment with adhesive. The programmable control trolley is installed within the track and has a built-in motor. One motor rotates forward or backward under the control command of the built-in control module of the programmable control trolley, driving the wheels of the programmable control trolley to rotate forward or backward through a gear transmission mechanism, thereby driving the trolley to move forward or backward. The other two motors rotate at a fixed angle under the control command of the built-in control module of the trolley, driving two robotic arms to rotate within a certain angle range through gear transmission mechanisms. The retractable hose passes sequentially through the programmable control trolley and the robotic arms, and is connected to the nozzle at the end of the robotic arm.

[0005] Furthermore, the robotic arm provides a certain range of angle adjustment through the extension and retraction of the connecting rod at the junction.

[0006] Furthermore, the outlet of the retractable hose is connected to the nozzle, while the inlet at the other end is fixed near the aircraft's drain valve within the watertight compartment. An external water source is connected to the inlet of the retractable hose via a plug-and-play connector.

[0007] Furthermore, the nozzle is mounted and fixed on the robotic arm, and the spray range of the nozzle is adjusted by changing the angle of the robotic arm, wherein the angle of the spray range is 15°-75°.

[0008] Furthermore, the swing angle and swing range of the two robotic arms are set to be executed synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the location of the watertight compartment that needs to be cleaned.

[0009] Furthermore, the lengths of the two robotic arms are determined by the structural space of the watertight compartment, and can be the same or different lengths.

[0010] Furthermore, limiters are installed at both ends of the track to restrict the programmable control trolley to move forward and backward along the axial direction and to limit the length of the travel.

[0011] A method for cleaning the watertight compartment of an amphibious aircraft, the specific steps of which are as follows: Open the aircraft's drain valve and connect the external water source to the inlet of the retractable hose. Water will then spray from the nozzles through the retractable hose. The operator starts the programmable control trolley via remote control, using the "forward" and "reverse" switches. The trolley moves forward and backward at a constant speed along the keel beam track, ensuring the cleaning area covers all the hull structure near the keel beam. The "left" and "right" three-position switches on the remote control control the left and right robotic arms to swing in three directions: 15°, 45°, and 75°, respectively, allowing for targeted cleaning of leaks. After cleaning, turn off the programmable control trolley via remote control. Close the external water source and disconnect the external water pipe from the retractable hose; wastewater will be discharged outside the aircraft through the drain valve. Connect an external air source and ventilate and dry the aircraft's watertight compartments via the drain valve.

[0012] Technical effects: The watertight compartment cleaning device provided by this invention has the advantages of being compact, easy to install, and simple to operate. The cleaning device is bonded to the keel beam of the watertight compartment, requiring no additional openings and preserving the structural integrity of the original watertight compartment. It does not intersect or interfere with other aircraft systems and does not affect them. By cleverly utilizing the drain valve built into the aircraft's watertight compartment, an external water source can be connected to a retractable hose via a plug-and-play connector to provide cleaning water. No additional water inlet is needed on the watertight compartment skin, ensuring structural integrity and preserving the aerodynamic shape. The drain valve simultaneously provides water supply, drainage, and ventilation to the watertight compartment. In terms of cleaning method, the motion control of a programmable cart achieves full coverage cleaning of all hull structures near the keel beam. Adjusting the angle of the robotic arm allows for targeted cleaning of specific areas, ensuring effective cleaning. This invention does not affect the original structure and systems of the aircraft. It eliminates the need for prolonged manual cleaning of the watertight compartment, saving maintenance costs and reducing the risk of personnel suffocation. At the same time, it has a large cleaning range and good cleaning effect, and can be used for multiple cleanings after installation. It can be used as a measure for cleaning watertight compartments after leakage during sea taxiing / test flights of amphibious aircraft. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 A front view of a watertight compartment cleaning device for an amphibious aircraft provided by the present invention; Figure 2 A side view of a watertight compartment cleaning device for an amphibious aircraft provided by the present invention.

[0014] in: 1- Track, 2- Programmable control trolley, 3- Robotic arm, 4- Telescopic hose, 5- Nozzle, 6- Keel beam, 7- Adhesive, 8- Aircraft drain valve. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0016] The features and illustrative embodiments of various aspects of the present invention will now be described in detail. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of the invention by illustrating examples of the invention. The invention is by no means limited to any specific setup and method set forth below, but covers any improvements, substitutions, and modifications to the structures, methods, and devices without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the following description, well-known structures and techniques are not shown to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.

[0017] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the directions or positional relationships indicated by terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer" are based on the stated directions or positional relationships and are only for the convenience of describing and simplifying the invention, and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Furthermore, the use of ordinal numbers (e.g., "first and second," etc.) is for distinguishing objects and is not limited to this order, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly, encompassing both direct connection and indirect connection via an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0019] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of the present invention and the features thereof can be combined with each other, and the various embodiments can be referenced and cited in each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to and in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0020] Example 1 A cleaning device for the watertight compartment of an amphibious aircraft includes a track 1, a programmable control trolley 2, a robotic arm 3, a retractable hose 4, and a nozzle 5. The track 1 is fixed to the keel beam 6 of the aircraft's watertight compartment using adhesive 7. The programmable control trolley 2 is installed within the track 1 and contains three motors. One motor rotates forward or backward under the control command of the built-in control module of the programmable control trolley 2, driving the wheels of the trolley 2 to rotate forward or backward via a gear transmission mechanism, thus propelling the trolley forward or backward. The other two motors rotate at a fixed angle under the control command of the built-in control module, driving the two robotic arms 3 to rotate within a certain angle range via gear transmission mechanisms. The retractable hose 4 passes sequentially through the programmable control trolley 2 and the robotic arms 3, and is connected to the nozzle 5 at the end of the robotic arm 3.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the robotic arm 3 provides a certain range of angle adjustment through the extension and retraction of the connecting rod at the junction.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outlet of the retractable hose 4 is connected to the nozzle 5, and the inlet at the other end is fixed near the aircraft drain valve 8 of the watertight compartment. An external water source is connected to the inlet of the retractable hose 4 via a plug-and-play connector.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 5 is mounted and fixed on the robotic arm 3, and the spray range of the nozzle 5 is adjusted by changing the angle of the robotic arm 3, wherein the angle of the spray range is 15°-75°.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the swing angle and swing range of the two robotic arms are set to be executed synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the location of the watertight compartment that needs to be cleaned.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the lengths of the two robotic arms are determined according to the structural space of the watertight chamber, and may be the same or different.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, limiters are installed at both ends of the track 1 to restrict the programmable control trolley 2 to move back and forth only in the axial direction and to limit the length of the travel.

[0027] Example 2: The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] See Figure 1 A watertight compartment cleaning device for amphibious aircraft includes a track 1, a programmable control trolley 2, a robotic arm 3, a retractable hose 4, and a nozzle 5.

[0029] The track 1 is bonded to the keel beam 6 of the aircraft watertight compartment via the adhesive layer 7. Alternatively, the track can be fixed to the aircraft bulkhead as needed for leak detection.

[0030] The programmable control trolley 2 is installed in the track 1, and limiters are provided at both ends of the track to prevent the trolley from slipping off the keel beam track during the aircraft's taxiing at sea.

[0031] The programmable control vehicle 2 integrates a battery pack, control module, communication module, three motors, three gear transmission mechanisms, infrared sensors, and a remote controller. The battery pack provides power for the vehicle's control and movement. The communication module receives signals from the remote controller and converts them into control signals. The control module handles signal processing and logic control. Under the control of the control module, the three motors rotate, driving the wheel axles of the vehicle and, through the gear transmission mechanisms, causing the left and right robotic arms 3 mounted on the vehicle to swing at a certain angle. For control accuracy and cost-effectiveness, the motors controlling the vehicle's movement are DC brushed motors, while the motors controlling the robotic arms are stepper motors. The infrared sensors detect obstacles; when the programmable control vehicle reaches the end of the track, it sends a signal back to the control module, which then controls the vehicle to return, achieving obstacle avoidance.

[0032] The robotic arm 3 provides a certain range of angle adjustment through the extension and retraction of the connecting rod at the junction.

[0033] The nozzle 5 is connected to the water outlet of the retractable hose 4 and is mounted on the robotic arm 3. The nozzle 5 is a 360° automatically rotating multi-nozzle type. The spray range of the nozzle 5 is controlled by controlling the robotic arm 3, allowing for targeted cleaning of specific areas.

[0034] The inlet of the retractable hose 4 is fixed near the aircraft drain valve 8, using a plug-and-play connector. The hose length can be extended or shortened to a suitable length as the trolley moves, avoiding excessively long or heavy pipes.

[0035] A method for cleaning the watertight compartment of an amphibious aircraft, the specific steps of which are as follows: Open the aircraft drain valve 8 and connect the external water source to the inlet of the retractable hose 4 via a plug-and-play connector. To ensure that the nozzle 5 can spray water onto the watertight bulkhead, the external water source should provide water with a certain flow rate and pressure. The flow rate and pressure values ​​are directly related to the diameter and length of the retractable hose, the type of nozzle, etc.

[0036] Turn on the external water source, and water will spray out from the nozzle 5 through the retractable hose 4. Remotely start the programmable control trolley 2. Operate the "forward" and "backward" switches on the remote control, and the trolley will move forward and backward at a constant speed on the track 1 of the keel beam 6, ensuring that the cleaning area covers all the ship's bottom structure near the keel beam. Operate the "left" and "right" three-position switches on the remote control to control the left and right robotic arms to swing to 15°, 45°, and 75° respectively, allowing for targeted cleaning of leaks.

[0037] The trolley has a built-in infrared sensor that automatically turns back when it reaches the end of the track, enabling multiple round trips for cleaning. A customizable control module can also be used, allowing the program to set the cleaning route, cleaning area, and frequency.

[0038] After cleaning is complete, the trolley is turned off by remote control and automatically returns to the starting point of the track.

[0039] Shut down the external water source and disconnect the external water supply pipe from the retractable hose 4. The wastewater should be discharged outside the aircraft through the aircraft drain valve 8. The composition of the wastewater may be analyzed as needed to determine if the cleaning process is complete.

[0040] After the wastewater is basically discharged, an external air source is connected and supplied to the aircraft's watertight compartment through the aircraft's drain valve 8 for ventilation and drying.

[0041] The above detailed embodiments are a description of the present invention. It should not be considered that the specific embodiments of the present invention are limited to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions and substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, and all of these should be considered to fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for the watertight compartment of an amphibious aircraft, characterized in that, The system includes a track, a programmable control vehicle, a robotic arm, a retractable hose, and a nozzle. The track is fixed to the keel beam of the aircraft's watertight compartment with adhesive. The programmable control vehicle is installed inside the track and has a built-in motor. One motor rotates forward or backward under the control command of the programmable control vehicle's built-in control module, driving the wheels of the programmable control vehicle to rotate forward or backward through a gear transmission mechanism, thereby driving the vehicle to move forward or backward. The other two motors rotate at a fixed angle under the control command of the vehicle's built-in control module, driving two robotic arms to rotate within a certain angle range through gear transmission mechanisms. The retractable hose passes through the programmable control vehicle and the robotic arm in sequence and is connected to the nozzle at the end of the robotic arm.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The robotic arm provides a certain range of angle adjustment through the extension and retraction of the connecting rod at the junction.

3. The apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet of the retractable hose is connected to the nozzle, and the inlet at the other end is fixed near the aircraft's drain valve on the watertight compartment; the external water source is connected to the inlet of the retractable hose via a plug-and-play connector.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The nozzle is mounted and fixed on the robotic arm. The spray range of the nozzle is adjusted by changing the angle of the robotic arm, and the spray range angle is 15°-75°.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The swing angle and swing range of the two robotic arms are set to be executed synchronously or asynchronously, depending on the location of the watertight compartment that needs to be cleaned.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The lengths of the two robotic arms are determined by the structural space of the watertight compartment, and can be the same or different.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, Limiters are installed at both ends of the track to restrict the programmable control trolley to move forward and backward along the axial direction and to limit the length of the travel.

8. A method for cleaning the watertight compartment of an amphibious aircraft using the apparatus described in any one of claims 1-7, comprising the following specific steps: Open the aircraft's drain valve and connect the external water source to the inlet of the retractable hose. Water is then sprayed from the nozzles through the retractable hose. The operator starts the programmable control trolley via remote control, using the "forward" and "reverse" switches to move the trolley at a constant speed along the keel beam track, ensuring the cleaning area covers all the ship's bottom structure near the keel beam. The operator uses the "left" and "right" three-position switches on the remote control to swing the left and right robotic arms to 15°, 45°, and 75° respectively, focusing on cleaning leaks. After cleaning, the programmable control trolley is turned off via remote control. The external water source is shut off, and the connection between the external water supply pipe and the retractable hose is disconnected. Wastewater is discharged outside the aircraft through the drain valve. An external air source is connected, and the aircraft's watertight compartment is ventilated and dried via the drain valve.

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