Aircraft wing gantry system

Abstract

A movable wing gantry for repairing an aircraft wing, which is configured to be positioned around the aircraft wing to provide access to the upper wing surface and the lower wing surface of the aircraft wing. The wing gantry includes a maintenance deck located below the aircraft wing. An operator platform is movably attached to the maintenance deck and is operable to move along the length of the maintenance deck. A chair support is movably attached to the operator platform and is operable to move across the operator platform in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the maintenance deck. The wing gantry includes a pivotable span platform located above the aircraft wing and pivotable between a raised position and a lowered position. The wing gantry can be customized according to different aircraft wing types and styles.

Description

Technical Field:

[0001] The following disclosure relates to a gantry system for repairing an aircraft wing. Background Art:

[0002] In the aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry, such as aircraft painting operations, explosion-proof equipment, such as boom lifts and scissor lifts, is used to prepare and repair, for example, paint, new and used aircraft. However, boom lifts and scissor lifts may cause damage to the aircraft being repaired. Collisions of the boom or lift with the aircraft can result in unwanted damage, costs, and delays.

[0003] Roof-mounted systems have been tried to reduce the risk of damage. However, roof-mounted systems are too expensive. Summary of the Invention:

[0004] As an introduction, the preferred embodiments described below include devices, systems, and methods for an aircraft wing gantry system for maintaining an aircraft wing. A floor-supported movable gantry includes a maintenance deck positioned below an aircraft wing to provide access to the undersurface of the wing. A platform is connected to the top of the maintenance deck and moves along the maintenance deck to provide access to the upper surface of the wing. In this way, undersurface and upper surface access is provided for MRO while reducing the risk of damage.

[0005] In a first aspect, a device for repairing an aircraft wing is provided. The device includes a movable support and a maintenance deck. The maintenance deck is attached to the movable support and is configured to be positioned below an aircraft wing. The maintenance deck includes a railing along the length of the maintenance deck. The maintenance deck also includes an operator platform movably attached to the maintenance deck and operable to translate along the length of the maintenance deck. The maintenance deck also includes a seat support movably mounted to the operator platform and operable to translate across the operator platform in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the maintenance deck, such that the seat support provides access to different positions below the wing of the aircraft.

[0006] In a second aspect, an aircraft wing gantry system is provided. The aircraft wing gantry system includes a plurality of gantries, a maintenance deck, a platform, and a plurality of wheels. The plurality of gantries are configured to be positioned around an aircraft wing such that the plurality of gantries provide access to the upper wing surface and the lower wing surface of the aircraft wing. The maintenance deck is attached to at least one of the plurality of gantries and is configured to be positioned below the aircraft wing such that the maintenance deck provides access to the lower wing surface of the aircraft wing. The platform is pivotally attached to the maintenance deck of at least one gantry. The platform is tiltable between a raised position and a lowered position such that when the platform is in the raised position, at least one gantry is operable to be positioned around the aircraft wing, and when the platform is in the lowered position, the platform provides access to the upper wing surface of the aircraft wing. The plurality of wheels are attached to the plurality of gantries such that the plurality of gantries are movable around the aircraft wing.

[0007] In a third aspect, a method of setting up an aircraft wing gantry is provided. The method includes positioning the aircraft wing gantry around the aircraft wing such that the maintenance deck of the aircraft wing gantry is positioned below the wing of the aircraft and the wing of the aircraft is positioned between opposite rails of the maintenance deck. The method further includes lowering a platform pivotally attached to one of the opposite rails of the maintenance deck such that when the platform is lowered, the platform is positioned above the wing of the aircraft and spans the width of the wing of the aircraft. The platform is operable to translate along the opposite rails of the maintenance deck. The method further includes stabilizing the aircraft wing gantry in place once positioned.

[0008] Any one or more of the above aspects may be used alone or in combination. These and other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. Other aspects and advantages of the invention are discussed in connection with the preferred embodiments below and may be claimed independently or in combination later.

[0009] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The components and the drawings are not necessarily to scale, but rather the emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the invention. Further, in the drawings, like reference numerals denote corresponding parts in different views.

[0011] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aircraft wing gantry;

[0012] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of an exemplary operator platform and seat support of the aircraft wing gantry;

[0013] Figure 3A and 3B shows Figure 1 an exemplary seat of an aircraft wing gantry;

[0014] Figure 4 is a top view of an exemplary aircraft wing gantry system;

[0015] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a side view of the aircraft wing gantry system; and

[0016] Figure 6 shows a flowchart depicting an embodiment of a method for setting up an aircraft wing gantry. The drawings and the detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments

[0017] This embodiment generally relates to a mobile gantry system for aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). To allow personnel to perform MRO activities, such as painting an aircraft wing, the personnel often need to work near the aircraft wing and often need access to the entire surface area of the aircraft wing. Typically, boom lifts and scissor lifts are used in the aircraft MRO industry, but these lifts are prone to equipment failures. Due to the very close proximity required between the equipment and the aircraft wing being repaired to perform MRO activities and the high risk of operator error, traditional boom lifts and scissor lifts may also cause damage to the aircraft wing being repaired due to collisions.

[0018] Roof and / or ceiling-mounted systems are expensive to install and have other drawbacks. For example, in some ceiling-mounted systems, workers may have to attach themselves to a cable or rope support system that is already attached to the ceiling in order to be able to access the top surface of the aircraft wing. This can be dangerous for the workers and may also limit the workers' mobility, as the workers may need to detach and reattach from the ceiling-mounted system to move along the length of the aircraft wing.

[0019] The disclosed embodiments eliminate the use of boom lifts, scissor lifts, and roof / ceiling-mounted systems and reduce the problems associated therewith. The disclosed embodiments facilitate multi-directional movement of personnel at an optimal working distance from the aircraft wing surface, which allows for controlled access to all wing surfaces for wing maintenance, such as sanding and painting, thus providing better productivity and higher quality results. The disclosed embodiments also greatly enhance the safety of personnel performing MRO activities on the aircraft wing and reduce the risk of collisions.

[0020] The proposed structure of the disclosed embodiments is designed to be movable and around at least a portion of an aircraft wing, thereby providing access to all or substantially the entire peripheral surface of many or all of the undersurfaces and uppersurfaces of the wing, including the leading edge and trailing edge of the wing. The proposed design allows personnel to perform a range of aircraft wing maintenance services, such as sanding, painting, inspection, and repair. The features of the proposed design can be customized according to various aircraft fuselage and wing styles and sizes. The floor-supported wing gantry system is a simple alternative to using boom lifts, scissor lifts, or roof-mounted systems. The disclosed aircraft wing gantry and aircraft wing gantry system are designed to improve operator safety and work efficiency.

[0021] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Accordingly, the scale of the disclosed aircraft wing gantry and the relative positions of the various features and elements of the aircraft wing gantry and aircraft wing gantry system may differ from the examples shown and described herein. Terms used herein, such as "top", "bottom", "left", "right", "upper", "lower", "lowered", "raised", "inner", "outer", "first", "second", etc. are used only to distinguish elements having similar names or different positions. These terms are not intended to limit the scope of these elements to a particular order, side, height, orientation, position, etc., unless there is a clear and explicit statement.

[0022] The terms forward, backward, front, rear, side, top, bottom, underside, etc. are used herein for reference only and are not intended to limit in any way the specific positioning or particular orientation of any component of the aircraft gantry. Similarly, aviation terms, such as aircraft, nose, fuselage, wing, tail, leading edge, trailing edge, chord, span, inner, and outer are used herein for reference only and are not intended to limit in any way the specific positioning or particular orientation of any component of the aircraft wing gantry.

[0023] It should be understood that the elements and features of the various representative embodiments described below can be combined in different ways to produce new embodiments that also fall within the scope of this teaching.

[0024] Turning now to the drawings, Figures 1 to 5Shows various aspects of an exemplary wing gantry 100 for servicing an aircraft wing 102. The wing 102 can be an aircraft wing 102 and generally includes a leading edge 104, a trailing edge 106, a top surface 108, a bottom surface 110, and a chord or width 112, which is the distance measured from the leading edge 104 to the trailing edge 106. Although the aircraft wing 102 is shown in the figures, the disclosed wing gantry 100 can be configured to perform MRO activities on any type of similarly shaped structure. For example, the exemplary wing gantry 100 can be used to service any large, rigid, substantially flat, elongated member that is anchored at one end to its projecting support (i.e., a cantilever).

[0025] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary aircraft wing gantry 100. As Figure 1 shown, the wing gantry 100 generally includes a movable support 120 or support structure 120 that supports a maintenance deck 130 and a span platform 140. The movable support structure 120 of the wing gantry 100 generally includes a plurality of frame members 122 and a base 124. The movable support structure 120 can include a plurality of upright frame members, such as frame member 122, and can also include a plurality of transverse frame members (not shown), where the transverse frame members span the plurality of frame members 122 to connect and support the frame members 122. Other configurations are possible. For example, the movable support structure 120 of the wing gantry 100 can alternatively include angled frame members, or angled frame members can replace the transverse frame members.

[0026] The movable support structure 120 of the wing gantry 100 is generally a rigid frame system, such as the scaffolding-type structure described above. However, other types of structures can also be used to support the maintenance deck 130 and the span platform 140. For example, the movable support structure 120 of the wing gantry 100 can be a single piece of material that is rigid and strong enough to support the maintenance deck 130 and the span platform 140. The movable support structure 120, the maintenance deck 130, and the span platform 140 can be constructed of any material, but materials that are preferably lightweight, easy to form, and have a high strength-to-weight ratio are preferred. In one example, the movable support structure 120, the maintenance deck 130, and the span platform 140 can be constructed of aluminum tube material. In another example, magnesium or titanium can be used.

[0027] The movable support structure 120 of the wing gantry 100 may further include a wheel assembly 150 to allow the support structure 120 to move around and be positioned about the wing 102 of the aircraft. The wheel assembly 150 may include wheels 152 and a locking mechanism (not shown). The wheels 152 may be heavy-duty wheels designed to support the wing gantry 100. The wheel assembly 150 may be vertically adjustable to allow leveling of the movable support structure 120. Any type of wheel assembly 150 with wheels 152 having locking and leveling mechanisms may be used. In one embodiment, the wheels 152 may be vertically adjustable wheels 152 and the wheel assembly 150 may be a leveling caster with an integrated lock. In this example, the wheel assembly 150 may be a leveling caster with a fixed foot and height-adjustable wheels 152. In another example, the wheel assembly 150 may be a leveling caster with an integrated hydraulic pump to hydraulically actuate the lock and raise the caster. In this regard, the movable support structure 120 may include a plurality of casters (i.e., one at each corner) that may be raised synchronously and silently using the integrated hydraulic pump.

[0028] The maintenance deck 130 may be attached to the movable support 120 and configured to be positioned below the aircraft wing 102. The maintenance deck 130 may include rails or railings 132 along the length of the maintenance deck 130. In one embodiment, the maintenance deck 130 includes two railings 132, one on each opposite side of the maintenance deck 130 such that the two railings 132 face each other. The maintenance deck 130 may further include an operator platform 134 that is movably attached to the maintenance deck 130 and operable to translate along the length of the maintenance deck 130. The operator platform 134 may be movably attached to the maintenance deck 130 by tracks 135, as will be discussed in more detail below in connection with Figure 2 as will be discussed in more detail below in connection with

[0029] The maintenance deck 130 may further include a chair support 136 that is movably mounted to the operator platform 134 and operable to translate through the operator platform 134 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the maintenance deck 130 such that the chair support 136 provides access to different positions below the aircraft wing 102. In this regard, the chair support 136 in combination with the operator platform 134 provides controlled access for an operator (not shown) to all portions of the bottom surface 110 of the aircraft wing 102. As used herein, an operator may refer to any type of person or worker who uses the maintenance deck 130, the span platform 140, the chair support 136, and / or any other part of the aircraft wing gantry 100. A robot may be provided to replace a person as the operator.

[0030] The maintenance deck 130 may also include a perimeter walkway 138 adjacent to the railing 132 or railings 132 of the maintenance deck 130. The perimeter walkway 138 may be designed and sized to accommodate an operator to perform maintenance on the wing 102 of the aircraft by allowing the operator to position near the end or edge of the wing 102, such as near the leading edge 104 and the trailing edge 106. Although the perimeter walkway 138 is disclosed and shown, the entire surface of the maintenance deck 130 may be walkable, including the area under the operator platform 134 and the chair support 136.

[0031] The maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry 100 further includes a span platform 140 configured to be positioned above the aircraft wing 102 and span the width 112 or chord length of the aircraft wing 102. The span platform 140 may be hingedly attached to the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130 and operable to translate along the railing 132 such that the span platform 140 provides access to different positions above the aircraft wing 102. As described above and as Figure 1 shown, the maintenance deck 130 of the wing gantry 100 may include two opposing railings 132, one on each opposite side of the maintenance deck 130. In this example, the wing 102 of the aircraft is positioned between the opposing railings 132 of the maintenance deck 130.

[0032] As Figure 1 shown, the span platform 140 includes a first end 141 and a second end 142. In one embodiment, the first end 141 of the span platform 140 is hingedly attached to one of the opposing railings 132. As used herein, hingedly describes attaching one object to another by a hinge, pivot, pin, rod, shaft, etc., and may also refer to tiltably attached, pivotally attached, etc. In one example, the first end 141 of the span platform 140 may include a swing pin 144 or pivot 144 on which the span platform 140 tilts, pivots, or swings from a raised position to a lowered position. In this example, when the span platform 140 is in the raised position, the second end 142 of the span platform 140 may be positioned in a substantially vertical position above the first end 141 of the span platform 140. When the span platform 140 is in the lowered position, the second end 142 of the span platform 140 may span the width 112 of the wing 102 and the width of the maintenance deck 130 and engage the other railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130. In this example, the second end 142 of the span platform 140 may include a bearing surface 145 that bears down on and engages the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130.

[0033] The span platform 140 can be operable to translate along the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130. In one embodiment, the first end 141 of the span platform 140 can further include a linear bearing 146 that allows the span platform 140 to move along the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130. In one example, the linear bearing 146 can be a roller bearing. Other types of linear bearings, roller mechanisms, or linear actuators can be used. For example, track rollers, cam rollers, track and gear systems, screw drive systems, chain and belt drive systems, wheel-rail systems, linear slide systems, or rack and pinion systems can be used. In one embodiment, the bearing surface 145 of the second end 142 of the span platform 140 can also include a linear bearing. In another embodiment, the bearing surface 145 of the second end 142 of the span platform 140 can be designed to engage the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130 in some way to allow the second end 142 of the span platform 140 to move along the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130 without having a linear bearing. In this regard, when the span platform 140 translates along the railing 132, the span platform 140 moves along the length of the maintenance deck 130 and provides access to different positions above the wing 102 of the aircraft. For example, an operator on the span platform 140 can access any position along the length and width 112 of the aircraft wing 102 that is enclosed by the wing gantry 100.

[0034] When the span platform 140 translates or moves along the length of the maintenance deck 130, an operator on the maintenance deck 130, especially on the perimeter walkway 138, may need to take cover below the span platform 140, depending on the height of the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130 and / or the height of the operator.

[0035] The span platform 140 can further include a counterweight 147 to offset the weight of the span platform 140. In one embodiment, the counterweight 147 can be positioned at one end of the span platform 140, such as the first end 141 of the span platform. In this example, the counterweight 147 is positioned near the swing pin / pivot 144. In this regard, the counterweight 147 allows for more controlled movement of the span platform 140 between the raised position and the lowered position. When the wing gantry 100 is removed or installed around the wing 102 of the aircraft, the counterweight 147 allows the span platform 140 to tilt upward to the raised position. In this regard, damage to the aircraft wing 102, especially at the end or tip (i.e., winglet) of the wing 102 that is typically upwardly curved, is avoided, as shown below Figure 5 In one example, the counterweight 147 can be adjustable to allow for the addition or removal of weight, depending on the required balancing force. The counterweight 147 can be made of any material, such as lead, steel, or concrete.

[0036] The span platform 140 may also include handrails 148 on either side of the span platform 140 for use by workers. For example, a worker may attach himself to a cable or rope support system that has been attached to the handrails 148 in order to securely fix himself to the span platform 140 when performing maintenance or repairs on the top surface 108 of the aircraft wing 102. In this regard, the span platform 140 may also include a plurality of rails or hooks for securing an operator to the span platform 140, such as connection points (not shown) for attaching ropes, cables, or safety harnesses between the operator and the span platform 140. Workers on the span platform 140 may need to sit, kneel, or bend over on the span platform 140 in order to reach the top surface 108 of the wing 102.

[0037] As described above, the span platform 140 may be a rolling platform that is designed to utilize the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130 adjacent to the perimeter walkway 138. It may be manually operated, for example, by an operator pushing or pulling, or using an explosion-proof power source, such as a pneumatic motor and / or a hydraulic power source, to roll, guide, or otherwise control the span platform 140 along the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130. The span platform 140 may also include a locking mechanism (not shown) for locking the span platform 140 in place once it is positioned. This locking mechanism prevents unwanted movement of the span platform 140, such as the span platform 140 inadvertently rolling along the railing 132 of the maintenance deck 130.

[0038] The wing gantry 100 may be custom-configured for different types and models of aircraft wings 102. Since a particular aircraft wing may have different dimensions and configurations, such as wingspan, wing sweep angle, chord length, span length, and wingtip size / angle, different configurations of the wing gantry 100 may be used. In this regard, the wing gantry 100 may be geometrically coordinated with a specific aircraft wing model or model category. Similarly, the maintenance deck 130, including the railing 132, the operator platform 134, the chair support 136, the perimeter walkway 138, and the span platform 140, may also be custom-configured to allow access for maintenance and repair operations across the wingspan of the wing 102 in the transverse (i.e., lateral or along the width) and linear (i.e., longitudinal or along the length) directions, such as sanding and painting.

[0039] In one embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the maintenance deck 130 of the wing gantry 100 can be designed and configured to have two operator platforms 134 and two chair supports 136, each operating on its own set of tracks 135. This exemplary configuration allows two workers to work simultaneously on the bottom surface 110 of the wing 102, providing two-way air-operated movement of the workers. This allows multiple workers to travel in multiple directions simultaneously at an optimal working distance from their respective halves of the bottom surface 110 of the wing 102. In another embodiment, the maintenance deck 130 of the wing gantry 100 can include a single operator platform 134 and a single chair support 136, where the single operator platform 134 operates on a single set of tracks 135. In this example, the single operator platform 134 can span the entire width 112 of the wing 102 and provide access to the entire bottom surface 110 of the wing 102 from the leading edge 104 to the trailing edge 106 of the wing 102. Other configurations are possible. For example, in another embodiment, the chair support 136 is not provided and workers can stand, kneel, sit, lie down, or otherwise position themselves at different locations along the operator platform 134 to access different portions of the bottom surface 110 of the wing 102 along the width 112 of the wing 102 as the operator platform 134 moves along the length of the wing 102.

[0040] Figure 2 is Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary operator platform 134 and chair support 136 of the aircraft wing gantry 100. As Figure 2 shown, the operator platform 134 can be movably attached to the maintenance deck 130 via the tracks 135. In one example, the tracks 135 can be linear gear tracks 135 that correspond to and engage gears (not shown) of the operator platform 134. Other types of tracks 135 are possible. Although the tracks 135 are shown in Figure 2 the operator platform 134 can be translated along the maintenance deck 130 by any available means, such as linear bearings, roller mechanisms, wheels, or linear actuators as described above. In one embodiment, the operator platform 134 can be translated on tracks 135 that longitudinally extend along the maintenance deck 130 in direction A. In this example, the length of the maintenance deck 130 corresponds to the span or length of the wing 102. In Figure 2 the example shown, the tracks 135 can be mounted below the flange 200. As described above, one or both of the tracks 135 can be positioned near the perimeter walkway 138, depending on whether the maintenance deck 130 includes a single operator platform 134 or multiple operator platforms 134.

[0041] The operator platform 134 can be controlled by a controller to move the operator platform 134 forward and backward in direction A along the length of the maintenance deck 130. In one example, the controller can include an explosion-proof power source, such as a pneumatic motor and / or a hydraulic power source. In one example, the operator platform 134 can be controlled by parallel pneumatic motors and shafts that drive corresponding gears and tracks 135 to allow the operator platform 134 to translate along the length of the maintenance deck 130. In this regard, the tracks 135 provide gear-driven travel of the operator platform 134.

[0042] As Figure 2 shown, the chair support 136 can be movably mounted to the operator platform 134. In one embodiment, the chair support 136 has its own lateral gear drive system that allows the chair support 136 to move across the operator platform 134 from one side to the other in direction B. In another embodiment, the chair support 136 can translate across the operator platform 134 by various means, such as linear bearings, roller mechanisms, or linear actuators, as described above.

[0043] As Figure 2 shown, the direction of movement B of the chair support 136 is substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement A of the operator platform 134. In this regard, the operator platform 134 can move along the span (length) of the wing 102 (and the maintenance deck 130), while the chair support 136 can move along the chord (width) of the wing 102 (and the maintenance deck 130). Thus, each of the chair support 136 and the span platform 140 provides access to different positions along the length and width 112 of the aircraft wing 102, respectively, below and above the aircraft wing 102.

[0044] In one embodiment, the chair support 136 can be designed and configured to support a chair on the top surface 202 of the chair support 136. For example, the chair or seat can be bolted, welded, or otherwise secured to the top surface 202 of the chair support 136. In this example, the chair can be designed to accommodate an operator / worker for performing maintenance and / or repair on the wing 102 of the aircraft. In another embodiment, the top surface 202 of the chair support 136 can be a flat surface that allows a worker to stand, kneel, sit, lie, or otherwise position themselves at different positions on the chair support 136 to access different portions of the bottom surface 110 of the wing 102 along the width 112 of the wing 102 as the chair support 136 moves across the width 112 of the wing 102 in direction B.

[0045] Figure 3A and 3B shown Figure 1Exemplary chair 300 of the aircraft wing gantry 10. As described above, the wing gantry 100 may also include a chair 300 attached to the chair support 136. The chair 300 may be multi-directional and vertically adjustable such that the chair 300 is operable to rotate, tilt, recline, raise, lower, or a combination thereof. In one example, the chair 300 may include an adjustable tension arm 305 configured to accommodate tools for servicing the aircraft wing 102. For example, the adjustable tension arm 305 of the chair 300 may be configured to hold a dual-action sander (not shown). In this example, the dual-action sander mounted to the adjustable tension arm 305 of the chair 300 may reduce the stress load requirements on the worker operating the dual-action sander. The adjustable tension arm 305 of the chair 300 may also be configured to hold other tools, such as paint or other maintenance / repair equipment.

[0046] The chair 300 may be configured to allow vertical adjustment of the chair 300 by the cantilever angle of the control arm 310 with the belt control device 315, where the air control device 315 is strategically mounted at an angle to provide convenience for height adjustment. The chair 300 may be vertically adjusted to different heights. In one example, the chair 300 may be adjustable between 18 and 36 inches. In another example, the chair 300 may be adjustable between 18 and 74 inches. The chair 300 may also include a main controller for all directions of movement mounted on one or both chair arms 320.

[0047] As described above, the wing gantry 100 may include a controller (not shown) to control the operator platform 134, the chair support 136, the span platform 140, the chair 300 (including the adjustable tension arm 305), or a combination thereof. For example, the operator platform 134 moves forward and backward in direction A along the length of the maintenance deck 130, the chair support 136 moves from side to side across the operator platform 134 in direction B, or the rotational, tilting, reclining, raising, or lowering movements of the chair as described above may be controlled by any type of controller operating one or more motors. In another example, the movement of the span platform 140 from the raised position to the lowered position, or vice versa, may also be controlled by any type of controller. However, since there may be flammable liquids, gases, or vapors at ignitable concentrations during repair or maintenance operations, such as inside and around the fuel tank of an aircraft, the motors in the disclosed embodiments are explosion-proof power sources. In one example, the explosion-proof power source is a pneumatic or air motor. The pneumatic or air motor may include a speed reducer. In another example, the explosion-proof power source is a hydraulic power source. In yet another example, an explosion-proof electric motor may be used. Other types of explosion-proof power sources now known or later developed may also be used. In one example, a combination of explosion-proof power sources, such as an air-hydraulic system, may be used.

[0048] Figure 4 is a top plan view of an exemplary aircraft wing gantry system 400. As Figure 4 shown, the aircraft wing gantry system 400 includes a plurality of gantries 100a - 100c that are configured to be positioned around an aircraft wing 102 such that the plurality of gantries 100a - 100c provide access to the upper and lower surfaces of the aircraft wing 102. The plurality of gantries 100a - 100c may be designed and configured to be the same as the wing gantry 100 described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 disclosed. For different portions of the aircraft wing 102, other gantry designs and configurations may be possible, as will be discussed below.

[0049] The aircraft wing gantry system 400 also includes a maintenance deck 130 connected to at least one of the plurality of gantries 100a - 100c. The maintenance deck 130 may be configured to be positioned below the aircraft wing 102 such that the maintenance deck 130 provides access to the lower surface of the aircraft wing 102. The maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry system 400 may be designed and configured to be the same as the maintenance deck 130 described above with respect to Figure 1 and 2 disclosed. For different portions of the aircraft wing 102, other deck designs and configurations are possible, as will be discussed below.

[0050] In one embodiment, the maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry system 400 may include an operator platform 134 that is movably attached to the maintenance deck 130 and operable to translate along the length of the maintenance deck 130. The aircraft wing gantry system 400 may be designed and configured to be the same as the operator platform 134 described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 disclosed.

[0051] In one embodiment, the maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry system 400 may include a seat support 136 that is movably mounted on the operator platform 134 and operable to translate across the operator platform 134 in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the maintenance deck 130 such that the chair support 136 provides access to different positions on the lower surface of the aircraft wing 102. The chair support 136 of the aircraft wing gantry system 400 may be designed and configured to be the same as the chair support 136 described above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 disclosed.

[0052] In one embodiment, asFigure 4 As shown, the maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry system 400 can be designed and configured to have two operator platforms 134 and two chair supports 136, each operating on its own set of tracks 135. In this example, there may be only two workers on the maintenance deck 130. In another embodiment, the maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry system 400 can be designed and configured to have a single operator platform 134 and a single chair support 136 operating on a single set of tracks 135. In this example, there may be one worker on the maintenance deck 130. However, in each case there may be additional workers, such as workers on the perimeter walkway 138.

[0053] The aircraft wing gantry system 400 also includes a platform 140 that is tiltably attached to the maintenance deck 130 of at least one gantry 100. The platform 140 can be tilted between a raised position and a lowered position such that when the platform 140 is in the raised position, at least one gantry 100 is operable to position around the aircraft wing 102, and when the platform 140 is in the lowered position, the platform 140 provides access to the upper wing surface of the aircraft wing 102. When the platform 140 is in the lowered position, the platform 140 is configured to span the width of the maintenance deck 130 and move along the length of the maintenance deck 130.

[0054] The platform 140 of the aircraft wing gantry system 400 can be designed and configured to be the same as the span platform 140 disclosed above with respect to Figure 1 and Figure 2 However, other platform 140 designs and configurations are possible for different parts of the wing gantry system, as will be discussed below. For example, as described above, the platform 140 can be custom designed for a specific length based on the size of the wing 102 that the platform 140 spans. This allows for full access across the width 112 of the wing 102 both laterally and longitudinally.

[0055] The aircraft wing gantry system 400 also includes a plurality of wheels attached to the plurality of gantries 100a to 100c such that the plurality of gantries 100a to 100c are movable to surround the wing 102 of the aircraft. The wheels of the plurality of gantries 100a to 100c can be designed and configured to be the same as the wheels 280 disclosed above with respect to Figure 2 disclosed.

[0056] The aircraft wing gantry system 400 may include an explosion-proof power source (not shown) that is operable to control the movement of the operator platform 134 and the chair support 136. The explosion-proof power source may also be operable to control the movement of the platform 140 along the length of the maintenance deck 130. As described above, the explosion-proof power source may be a pneumatic or air motor and may include a speed reducer. In another example, the explosion-proof power source may be a hydraulic power source. In yet another example, an explosion-proof electric motor may be used. Other types of explosion-proof power sources that are currently known or developed in the future may also be used. Combinations of any of these explosion-proof power sources may be used. In one example, an air-hydraulic system may be used. In another example, different power sources may be used for different parts of the system 400. For example, a pneumatic or air motor may be used to control the movement of the platform 140 along the length of the maintenance deck 130, while a hydraulic power source may be used to control the movement of the operator platform 134 along the length of the maintenance deck 130 and the movement of the seat support 136 across the operator platform 134. In one example, the platform 140 may be manually moved without an explosion-proof power source.

[0057] As described above, some of the gantries 100 among the plurality of gantries 100a to 100c may be differently designed and configured for different parts of the aircraft wing 102. In one embodiment, the aircraft wing gantry system 400 includes an inner gantry 100a and an outer gantry 100b. The inner gantry 100a may be positioned near the fuselage of the aircraft. The outer gantry 100b may be positioned near the inner gantry 100a in a direction away from the fuselage and along the length of the aircraft wing 102. In another embodiment, the aircraft wing gantry system 400 includes an inner gantry 100a and at least two outer gantries 100b to 100c, as Figure 4 shown. In this embodiment, the inner gantry 100a and the outer gantries 100b to 100c may be coupled together, for example, using releasable latches or bolts. The different gantry sections 100a to 100c may also be locked together, for example, with dowel pins and cam locks.

[0058] In Figure 4 the example shown, the inner gantry 100a and / or the outer gantry 100b may be designed and configured to allow a portion of the outer gantry 100b to cooperate (i.e., fit into, engage, or coincide with) a portion of the inner gantry 100a. In this example, the two outer gantries 100b to 100c may be similar in design and configuration, except for the basic dimensions, and the outer gantry 100c may be positioned directly adjacent and adjoining the outer gantry 100b.

[0059] In one example, each of the inner gantry 100a and at least two outer gantries 100b to 100c can have corresponding platforms 140a to c and maintenance decks 130a to c with the designs and configurations discussed above. The corresponding maintenance decks 130a to c can also include corresponding operator platforms 134, chair supports 136, and chairs 300 that are designed and configured as described above. When the multiple gantries 100a to 100c are coupled and / or locked together, workers can access both the upper and lower wing surfaces simultaneously along the entire length of the aircraft wing 102. This facilitates coordinated movement of personnel and maintenance / repair along the aircraft wing 102, allowing for synchronized linear repairs such as painting. This type of coordinated movement provides better productivity and higher quality results.

[0060] Regulations may prohibit devices such as the disclosed wing gantries 100a to 100c from being mechanically attached to the aircraft to prevent damage to the aircraft. However, attachment to the rubber tires of the aircraft landing gear may be acceptable. In one embodiment, the inner gantry 100a can be configured to be detachably attached to the under-wing landing gear 410 of the aircraft, such that the under-wing landing gear 410 provides alignment for the inner gantry 100a. In this example, as Figure 4 shown, the inner gantry 100a can surround three sides of the landing gear 410 and can be fixed to the landing gear 410 for strength and alignment. In one example, a basic screw clamping system attached to the rubber tires of the landing gear 410 can be used to fix the inner gantry 100a to the landing gear 410. Other methods can also be used to fix the inner gantry 100a to the landing gear 410. The alignment of the inner gantry 100a can also provide alignment for the outer gantries 100b to 100c.

[0061] Other alignment methods can be used, such as floor tracks. The use of floor tracks may involve the use of stops or anchors. However, the use of floor tracks may not be as portable as the use of the aircraft wing gantry system 400 disclosed herein.

[0062] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a side view of the aircraft wing gantry system 400. As Figure 5 shown, due to the presence of the aircraft engine 510, the inner gantry 100a can be designed and configured with a maintenance deck 130a that is positioned lower than the maintenance decks 130b to 130c of the outer gantries 100b to 100c. This lower maintenance deck 130a of the inner gantry 100a allows the inner gantry 100a to be positioned below and / or around the engine 510 and the landing gear 410.

[0063] The inner gantry 100a and the outer gantries 100b to 100c operate with a plurality of linear gear tracks, such as the track 135 discussed above, running longitudinally along the span (i.e., length) of the wing 102 from the inner side to the outer side. As shown in Figure 5 the example of, the maintenance decks 130b to 130c of the outer gantries 100b to 100c can be angled or sloped to correspond to the angle or slope of the aircraft wing 102. In this configuration, since the maintenance decks 130b to 130c follow the curvature of the wing 102, the chairs 300 on the maintenance decks 130b to 130c of the outer gantries 100b to 100c may not need much adjustment in the vertical direction. However, as Figure 5 shown, the seat 300 of the inner gantry 100a can utilize a vertical seat adjustment device, such as the control arm 310, which allows the seat 300 of the inner gantry 100a to travel higher than the seats 300 of the outer gantries 100b to 100c because the maintenance deck 130a of the inner gantry 100a cannot form a slope following the angle of the wing 102 like the maintenance decks 130b to 130c of the outer gantries 100b to 100c. In one example, the chairs 300 of the outer gantries 100b to 100c can be adjusted between 18 and 36 inches, while the chairs 300 of the inner gantry 100a can be adjusted between 18 and 74 inches.

[0064] Figure 6 FIG. shows a flow chart depicting an embodiment of a method for setting up an aircraft wing gantry 100. Any of the plurality of gantries 100a to 100c described above can be used to implement this operation. In other embodiments, different gantries can be used. This method can be implemented in the order shown, but can be implemented in any number of different orders. For example, stabilizing the aircraft wing gantry (action 640) can be performed before lowering the platform (action 620). Additional, different, or fewer actions can be provided. For example, positioning the aircraft wing gantry around the aircraft wing (action 600) can be performed any number of times. As another example, actions 600 to 640 can be repeated for additional gantries, and additional actions for coupling and / or locking different gantries together can be added.

[0065] A method for setting up an aircraft wing gantry 100 can include positioning the aircraft wing gantry 100 around the wing 102 of the aircraft (action 600). In this example, the maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry 100 can be positioned below the wing 102 of the aircraft, and the wing 102 of the aircraft can be positioned between the opposing rails 132 of the maintenance deck 130, as described above and as Figure 1As shown. Positioning the aircraft wing gantry 100 around the aircraft wing 102 may include rolling the aircraft wing gantry 100 into position (i.e., adjacent to or below the aircraft wing 102) while preventing the wing gantry 100 from contacting the wing 102, thereby preventing damage to the wing 102 due to impact of the wing gantry 100 on the wing 102.

[0066] In one embodiment, the aircraft wing gantry 100 may be rolled into position using wheels or a wheel assembly, such as the wheels 152 or the wheel assembly 150 discussed above with respect to Figure 1 In another embodiment, the aircraft wing gantry 100 may be rolled into position using a pre-installed track system that is geometrically coordinated with a particular aircraft model. For example, positioning the aircraft wing gantry 100 may include moving the aircraft wing gantry 100 along a floor track system. In this example, the floor track system may include floor tracks that are angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.

[0067] Since the maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry 100 may include railings 132 that extend vertically from the top surface of the maintenance deck 130, the aircraft wing gantry 100 may not be able to be positioned or rolled into position from any direction because the railings 132 may collide with the wings 102 of the aircraft. In such a case, the aircraft wing gantry 100 may need to be rolled into position starting from the end of the wing 102 (i.e., near the upwardly angled wing tip or winglet of the wing 102). Once the wing 102 is positioned between the opposing railings 132 of the maintenance deck 130, the aircraft wing gantry 100 may be rolled along the length of the wing 102 toward the aircraft fuselage until the aircraft wing gantry 100 is in the desired position.

[0068] In another embodiment, the railings 132 of the maintenance deck 130 may be removable, and the aircraft wing gantry 100 may be positioned by rolling the aircraft wing gantry 100 under the wing 102 from any direction. In yet another embodiment, the aircraft wing gantry 100 may be positioned by installing or assembling the aircraft wing gantry 100 in the desired position. In this example, it may not be necessary to roll or move the aircraft wing gantry 100.

[0069] In one embodiment, stops, stoppers, and / or pads (such as foam pads) may be provided to limit the movement of the aircraft wing gantry 100 and to avoid collisions between the aircraft wing gantry 100 and the wing 102, the engine 510, and / or the fuselage of the aircraft during positioning of the aircraft wing gantry 100 around the aircraft wing 102.

[0070] In one example, the maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry 100 may include an operator platform 134 that is movably attached to the maintenance deck 130 and operable to move along the length of the maintenance deck 130. In this example, the maintenance deck 130 of the aircraft wing gantry 100 may further include a seat support 136 that is movably mounted on the operator platform 134 and operable to move across the operator platform 134 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the maintenance deck 130.

[0071] The method for setting up the aircraft wing gantry 100 may further include lowering a platform 140 that is pivotally attached to one of the opposing rails 132 of the maintenance deck 130 (act 620). In this example, when the platform 140 is lowered, the platform 140 is positioned above the aircraft wing 102 and spans the width 112 of the aircraft wing 102. In this example, the platform 140 is operable to translate along the opposing rails 132 of the maintenance deck 130 as described above.

[0072] The method for setting up the aircraft wing gantry 100 may further include stabilizing the aircraft wing gantry 100 in place once positioned (act 640). In one embodiment, stabilizing the aircraft wing gantry 100 may include engaging a locking mechanism of the wheel assembly 150 as described above. Stabilizing the aircraft wing gantry 100 may further include surrounding the aircraft landing gear 410 with the aircraft wing gantry 100 on three sides and securing the aircraft wing gantry 100 to the landing gear 410 for strength and alignment. In this example, the inner gantry 100a may surround and secure to the landing gear 410 using a substantially screw clamping system attached to the rubber tires of the landing gear 410 as described above. In another embodiment, stabilizing the aircraft wing gantry 100 may include using blocks, stops, and / or pads (such as foam pads). For example, travel stops and locks that hold the aircraft wing gantry 100 in place may be used. The travel stops and locks may include stops and locking pins at predetermined positions along the floor track system. Other stabilizing methods may also be used.

[0073] The method for setting up the aircraft wing gantry 100 may further include powering the translation of the platform 140 along the opposing rails 132 of the maintenance deck 130 using one or more explosion-proof power sources, such as the exemplary explosion-proof power sources described above.

[0074] The method for setting up the aircraft wing gantry 100 may further include powering an operator platform 134 movably attached to a maintenance deck 130 with one or more explosion-proof power sources to move it along the length of the maintenance deck 130, and powering a chair support 136 movably mounted on the operator platform 134 with one or more explosion-proof power sources to move it across the operator platform 134 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the length of the maintenance deck 130, so that the chair support 136 provides access to different positions below the wing 102 of the aircraft.

[0075] In one example, as described above, the aircraft wing gantry 100 may include a plurality of gantry sections 100a to 100c and a plurality of corresponding platforms 140a to c and maintenance decks 130a to c. In this example, the method for setting up the aircraft wing gantry 100 may include first positioning the wing 102 of the aircraft between the rails 132 of the maintenance deck 130a of the inner wing gantry 100a and rolling the inner wing gantry 100a into place so that the maintenance deck 130a of the inner wing gantry 100a is positioned below the wing 102 and the engine 510 of the aircraft. In this example, the inner wing gantry 100a is positioned such that a portion of the inner wing gantry 100a surrounds at least three sides of the wing-mounted landing gear 410 of the aircraft to align the inner wing gantry 100a in place. The platform 140a of the inner wing gantry 100a can be lowered and the inner wing gantry 100a can be stabilized or locked in place.

[0076] Next, the outer wing gantry 100b can be positioned such that the wing 102 of the aircraft is positioned between the rails 132 of the maintenance deck 130b of the outer wing gantry 100b. Then the outer wing gantry 100b can be rolled along the length of the wing 102 until a portion of the outer wing gantry 100b overlaps and interconnects or fits within a portion of the inner wing gantry 100a.

[0077] After positioning the first outer wing gantry 100b in place, another outer wing gantry 100c can be rolled into position at the end of the wing 102 near the wing tip or winglet. The second outer wing gantry 100c can be adjacent to the first outer wing gantry 100b such that no portion of the first or second outer wing gantries 100b to 100c overlaps.

[0078] Multiple wing gantries 100a to 100c can be locked in place and the corresponding platforms 140a to c can be lowered. An explosion-proof power source can then be provided for the multiple wing gantries 100a to 100c, and then workers can position themselves along the respective maintenance decks 130a to c of the platforms 140a to c and the respective wing gantries 100a to 100c.

[0079] Although the invention has been described above by reference to various embodiments, it should be understood that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing detailed description is to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that it is the following claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for repairing an aircraft wing, the apparatus comprising: A movable support; And A repair deck attached to the movable support and configured to be positioned below the aircraft wing, the repair deck comprising: A railing along the length of the repair deck; An operator platform movably attached to the repair deck and operable to translate along the length of the repair deck; and A chair support movably mounted to the operator platform and operable to translate across the operator platform in a direction generally perpendicular to the length of the repair deck so that the chair support provides access to different positions below the aircraft wing; and A span platform configured to be positioned above the aircraft wing and spanning the width of the aircraft wing, the span platform being hingedly attached to the railing of the repair deck and operable to translate along the railing so that the span platform provides access to different positions above the aircraft wing.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a chair attached to the chair support, the chair being multi-directional and vertically adjustable so that the chair is operable to rotate, tilt, recline, raise, lower, or a combination thereof.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the chair support and the span platform provides access to different positions below and above the aircraft wing respectively along the length and width of the aircraft wing.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a power source operably controlling the movement of the operator platform, the chair support, the span platform, or a combination thereof.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, The power source is configured not to ignite surrounding flammable liquids, gases, vapors, or a combination thereof.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The power source includes a pneumatic motor, an electric motor, a hydraulic power source, or a combination thereof.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The movable support includes a wheel assembly having wheels and a locking mechanism, wherein the wheel assembly is vertically adjustable to allow leveling of the movable support.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The span platform includes a counterweight to offset the weight of the span platform.

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