Support bracket arrangement and method of supporting an aircraft by means of a support bracket arrangement

Abstract

The present application relates to a supporting bracket device, comprising a bracket body, which comprises: a set of supporting plate bases for supporting an aircraft, each supporting plate base being equipped with a telescopic structure, which comprises a connecting piece and a motor for driving the connecting piece to move, one end of the connecting piece being connected to the corresponding supporting plate base and the other end being connected to the motor; a sensor for monitoring the pressure borne by each supporting plate base; and a control device for controlling the motor based on the monitored pressure to drive the connecting piece and in turn the supporting plate base to move up and down, thereby stabilizing the support of the aircraft. The present application also relates to a method for supporting an aircraft by means of a supporting bracket device. The present supporting bracket device has good versatility for different parts of the aircraft and can be precisely adjusted to stably and reliably support the outer surface of the aircraft, while monitoring the pressure distribution in real time and recording data, thereby improving the efficiency of the supporting operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of aircraft maintenance technology, and more specifically to a support bracket device for providing support during aircraft repair. The invention also relates to a method for supporting an aircraft using the support bracket device. Background Technology

[0002] Before performing structural inspections and maintenance on an aircraft, or repairing large components, external skin, or disassembled large parts, a support bracket is required to support specific parts of the aircraft, ensuring that the fuselage and the parts requiring repair are properly supported. Ensuring stable and reliable support is a critical consideration during aircraft inspection and maintenance. Insecure support leading to structural displacement can damage the aircraft structure and equipment, and even cause personal injury. To ensure the aircraft is securely placed on the support bracket, a support plate must be custom-made according to the aircraft's external shape. Furthermore, due to variations in aircraft shapes, the shape of the support plate will differ significantly.

[0003] To address the issue of needing to design pallets of different shapes due to variations in aircraft profiles, existing technologies typically employ integral pallets to support the aircraft. While integral pallets can fit well with the corresponding aircraft profile and provide stable support, their application is limited. Essentially, it's a one-to-one arrangement of aircraft profiles with one pallet and one support, failing to meet the requirements of universality and standardization. Furthermore, for example, for complex shapes or parts with large curvatures, existing integral pallets cannot provide comprehensive and uniform support, nor can they be precisely fine-tuned.

[0004] Given the need for universal support brackets in the existing technology, it is necessary to provide a universal support bracket device that can stably support the outer contour of an aircraft at different positions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and its object is to provide a support bracket device that can stably support the outer contour of an aircraft at different positions, improve the precise control of the device, and facilitate movement and lifting.

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a support bracket device, which includes a bracket body comprising: a group of tray bases for supporting an aircraft, each tray base being equipped with a retractable structure, the retractable structure including a connector and a motor for driving the connector, one end of the connector being connected to the corresponding tray base and the other end being connected to the motor; a sensor for monitoring the pressure borne by each tray base; and a control device for controlling the motor based on the monitored pressure, thereby driving the connector and thus the tray base to move up and down, thereby stably supporting the aircraft.

[0007] According to the above technical solution, the support bracket device of the present invention can achieve the following beneficial technical effects: the support bracket device of the present invention can accurately adjust the height of the tray base according to the outline of the required support part of the aircraft, monitor the pressure in real time and make fine adjustments, thereby ensuring stable support for the aircraft.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, the bracket body may further include a flexible support plate for direct contact with the outline of the part of the aircraft to be supported.

[0009] According to the above technical solution, the support bracket device of the present invention can achieve the following beneficial technical effects: the flexible support plate provides a comprehensive, uniform and stable support force on the outer contour of the supported aircraft part, and significantly reduces the risk of scratches and damage to the outer surface of the aircraft during support.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, the support bracket device may further include a housing for accommodating a group of tray bases and motors. This housing design facilitates a compact arrangement of the overall structure of the device, saving structural space.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, an internal thread with a depth along its length may be provided inside the base of the support plate, and the connecting member may include a threaded member that mates with the internal thread, and a motor is used to drive the threaded member to rotate.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device according to the present invention, the motor may be a rotary motor.

[0013] According to the above technical solution, the support bracket device of the present invention can achieve the following beneficial technical effects: the above design can accurately adjust the lifting and lowering of the tray base by controlling the number of rotations of the threaded parts, and has a simple structure and high power transmission efficiency.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device according to the present invention, the connecting member may include a hydraulic rod, and a motor is used to drive the hydraulic rod to extend or retract.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device according to the present invention, the motor may be a linear motor.

[0016] According to the above technical solution, the support bracket device of the present invention can achieve the following beneficial technical effects: the above design structure is simple and the control is precise, which helps to accurately adjust the height of the support plate base of the support bracket device of the present invention.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, the sensor can be located on the tray base near the top of the tray base facing the aircraft. This arrangement of the sensor facilitates more accurate pressure monitoring and contributes to the simplification and efficiency of the overall structure of the support bracket device.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, the flexible support plate may be composed of polyurethane. This polyurethane material has advantages such as excellent wear resistance, high mechanical strength, high elasticity, aging resistance, and corrosion resistance.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, the support bracket device may further include at least one support portion, which includes a movable base and a lifting mechanism for supporting the bracket body and adjusting the position of the support bracket device. This structure is highly operable and facilitates the flexible movement and height adjustment of the support bracket device.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, the movable base of the at least one support includes movable casters for movement and adjustable feet for contacting the ground to maintain stability.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, the movable caster may have a brake pad for fixing the caster, so as to control the movement of the movable caster driving the support bracket device.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, the adjusting foot includes a foot pad, a screw, and a rocker arm. The adjusting foot has a fixed state and a movable state. In the fixed state, the foot pad is made to fully contact the ground by operating the rocker arm and the screw, thereby stabilizing the support bracket device. In the movable state, the adjusting foot is raised by operating the rocker arm and the screw, so that the movable caster contacts the ground, thereby driving the support bracket device to move.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the support bracket device of the present invention, at least one of the support portions has a retractable support column, which connects the bracket body and the movable base.

[0024] This invention provides a method for supporting an aircraft using a support bracket device, wherein the support bracket device includes a bracket body, the bracket body comprising: a group of tray bases for supporting the aircraft, each tray base being equipped with a retractable structure, the retractable structure including a connector and a motor for driving the connector to move, one end of the connector being connected to the corresponding tray base and the other end being connected to the motor, the method comprising: monitoring the pressure borne by each tray base; and controlling the motor based on the monitored pressure, thereby driving the connector and thus the tray base to move up and down, thereby stably supporting the aircraft.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method includes the following steps: a) Based on the outline of the part of the aircraft to be supported, the grouped pallet bases are initially adjusted, and the height of each pallet base is adjusted by driving the connectors with a motor. b) After moving the adjusted support bracket device under the part of the aircraft that needs to be supported, fix the support bracket device. c) Lower the aircraft, monitor the pressure on each pallet base through sensors, and fine-tune the pallet base through the control device so that the part of the aircraft to be supported is completely placed on the pallet body.

[0026] In summary, compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are that, during operation, the support bracket device according to the present invention can conveniently monitor the pressure of the aircraft on the support bracket device in real time, thereby accurately adjusting the fit between the support bracket device and the outer contour of the aircraft, so as to provide comprehensive, uniform and stable support for the outer contour of the aircraft at different positions, which has good operability and versatility, and can effectively improve the efficiency of aircraft maintenance.

[0027] Additional features and advantages of the support bracket device and the method of supporting an aircraft by means of the support bracket device described herein will be set forth in the detailed description below, and will be recognized by those skilled in the art by means of the following description or by practice of the embodiments described herein, including the detailed description below, the claims, and the drawings.

[0028] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description illustrate various embodiments and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. Drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the various embodiments, and these drawings are incorporated in and form part of this specification. The drawings illustrate the various embodiments described herein and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the claimed subject matter. Attached Figure Description

[0029] With reference to the above objectives, the technical features of the present invention are clearly described in the following claims, and its advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention by way of example, without limiting the scope of the inventive concept.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the grouped tray base of the support bracket device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a support bracket device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a single tray base of a support bracket device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the support portion of the support bracket device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the movable casters of the movable base of the support portion of the support bracket device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the adjustable feet of the movable base of the support portion of the support bracket device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an aircraft supported by a support bracket device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Pallet base; 2. Connecting parts; 3. Motor; 4 boxes per shelf; 5. Flexible support plate; 6. Sensors; 7. Adjustable casters; 8. Adjust the feet; 9. Lifting mechanism; 10. Brake pads; 11. Joystick; 12 screws; 13. Floor mats. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below.

[0034] Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover not only these exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0035] For ease of interpretation and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” and “outer” are used to describe features with reference to their location in the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures.

[0036] Structural inspections or maintenance of aircraft involve various large parts such as the wings, fuselage, and tail section, and are performed frequently, placing high demands on the versatility and operational efficiency of the support bracket system.

[0037] This invention provides a universal support bracket device, comprising a bracket body including a group of tray bases. During support, the group of tray bases can directly contact the outline of the part of the aircraft to be supported. The group of tray bases can be arranged in one or more rows, or in an arc or other shape. Preferably, these tray bases are arranged adjacent to each other to form a continuous support contact surface. Each tray base is equipped with a telescopic structure for controlling the independent lifting and lowering of the tray base. The telescopic structure includes a connector 2 and a motor 3 that drives the connector 2. One end of the connector 2 is connected to the corresponding tray base 1, and the other end is connected to the motor 3. The tray bases and motors are universal, allowing for individual replacement and maintenance of a single tray base or motor during use of the support bracket device without affecting the overall operation, thus improving efficiency and service life. Furthermore, the number of motors can be configured to correspond one-to-one with each tray base, or a single motor can control multiple tray bases simultaneously.

[0038] The main body of the support bracket also includes sensors and a control device. Each support plate base is equipped with a corresponding sensor. The control device preferably includes a matching drive circuit, register, data memory, and central processing unit. The sensors are electrically connected to the central processing unit through the drive circuit, register, and data memory, and the motor 3 is electrically connected to the central processing unit through the drive circuit. Each sensor can detect the pressure borne by the corresponding support plate base and transmit the sensed data to the control device for storage and analysis through the drive circuit. Then, by controlling the motor to drive the connecting parts and thus controlling the up and down movement of the corresponding support plate base, the support plate base can better fit the outer surface of the part of the aircraft to be supported. Compared with the prior art, the support bracket device of the present invention can first make preliminary adjustments based on existing data through the control device, and then, after contacting and supporting the part of the aircraft to be supported, it can monitor and precisely adjust the degree of fit between each support plate base and the aircraft in real time according to the pressure distribution. It is applicable to parts with different contour shapes of the aircraft, while ensuring the stability of the aircraft during the support period.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, sensor 6 can be located on the pallet base 1 near the top of the pallet base facing the aircraft, in order to more effectively monitor the pressure on the pallet base during use.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the support bracket device according to the present invention may further include a flexible tray 5, which is placed above the group of tray bases, covering the upper surface of the group of tray bases, and forming a flat surface that directly contacts the outer surface of the part of the aircraft to be supported. The flexible tray is preferably composed of polyurethane, a material that combines the properties of rubber and plastic, possessing excellent tensile strength, tear strength, impact resistance, abrasion resistance, weather resistance, hydrolysis resistance, and oil resistance, with a long service life and without causing scratches or wear to the outer surface of the aircraft. Furthermore, the support bracket device also preferably includes a housing 4 for accommodating the group of tray bases 1, the motor 3, and the control device. The term "accommodate" means at least partially enclosing, not necessarily completely enclosing. Before operating the support bracket device, the group of tray bases is partially accommodated in the housing and in its initial position at its lowest height, wherein the housing does not interfere with the tray bases and does not negatively affect the lifting and lowering movement of the tray bases.

[0041] Specifically, the shape of the box frame matches the outer shape of the tray base. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the tray base 1 has an internal thread with a depth along its length (e.g., Figure 3(As shown) and the telescopic structure of the pallet base 1 includes a threaded component that mates with the internal thread and a motor that drives the threaded component to rotate, preferably a rotary motor 3 that drives the threaded component to rotate on the internal thread in the pallet base. Since the internal shape of the box frame that houses the pallet base matches the external shape of the pallet base, the box frame can prevent the pallet base from rotating along its longitudinal axis, so that the pallet base only moves up and down relative to the box frame and does not rotate relative to the box frame, thereby ensuring that the power of the motor can be effectively converted into the lifting and lowering motion of the pallet base. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lifting and lowering range of the pallet base depends on the depth of the internal thread inside the pallet base and the length of the threaded component.

[0042] In a preferred alternative embodiment, the telescopic structure of the pallet base 1 may also include a hydraulic rod and a motor that drives the hydraulic rod to extend and retract. Preferably, the motor 3 is a linear motor that drives the hydraulic rod to lift and lower, thereby directly controlling the lifting and lowering movement of the pallet base. This avoids contact and friction between the pallet base and the box frame due to rotational tendency, reducing the risk of friction or scratches on the outer surface of the pallet base.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the support bracket device according to the present invention may further include at least one support portion, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the at least one support portion is preferably two, which respectively support the two ends of the box frame of the bracket body. Each support portion may include a movable base for controlling the specific position of the support bracket device, and a lifting mechanism 9 for controlling the overall height of the support bracket device.

[0044] More specifically, the main structure of the movable base of the at least one support portion is preferably a triangular prism construction, such as... Figure 4 As shown, this is to provide stable support.

[0045] The movable base includes movable casters 7 for movement and adjustable feet 8 for contacting the ground to maintain stability. The movable casters preferably include brake pads 10 for securing the casters, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the movable caster 7 is used to control the movement of the support bracket device.

[0046] Furthermore, the adjusting foot 8 preferably includes a foot pad, a screw, and a rocker arm, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the adjusting foot 8 can have a fixed state and a movable state. In the fixed state, the foot pad is lowered to make full contact with the ground by operating the rocker and screw, thereby keeping the support bracket device stable. At this time, the movable caster 7 is in a state of being out of contact with the ground. In the movable state, the adjusting foot is raised by operating the rocker and screw, so that the movable caster contacts the ground, thereby driving the support bracket device to move.

[0047] Furthermore, the lifting mechanism 9 of the at least one support portion is preferably a telescopic support column, such as... Figure 2 As shown, one end of the retractable support column is connected to the bottom of the bracket body's frame, and the other end is fixedly connected to the movable base. This is used to adjust the overall height of the support bracket during initial adjustment, facilitating better contact between the tray base and the aircraft. The retractable support column can be, for example, hydraulically controlled or manually operated. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, the lifting mechanism 9 of the support portion of the support bracket can also be a scissor-type mechanism controlled by a servo motor.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention also provides a method for supporting an aircraft using the aforementioned support bracket device. In a preferred embodiment, the specific operating steps of this method are as follows: First, determine the specific location of the aircraft part to be supported by the support bracket device based on the actual repair scenario and needs of the aircraft. Then, based on the existing outline data of the part of the aircraft to be supported, the grouped pallet bases 1 are initially adjusted, and the connecting parts 2 are driven by the motor 3 to adjust the height of each pallet base 1. The initially adjusted support bracket device is then moved under the part of the aircraft to be supported via the movable casters 6 on the movable base, and the support bracket device is kept fixed by adjusting the feet. Then, the aircraft is slowly lowered so that it is in full contact with the flexible tray on the tray base 1. At the same time, the pressure on each tray base 1 is monitored by sensors. If an abnormal stress point is found, the tray base can be finely adjusted and controlled by the central processing unit. Meanwhile, during aircraft maintenance or repair, the stress on the tray base 1 is monitored and analyzed in real time by the central processing unit. If any abnormality is found, the operation is stopped. Finally, once the operation is complete, the precise contour shape and pressure distribution of the support section can be recorded through the data storage for later retrieval.

[0049] More specifically, such as Figure 7As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the specific operation steps of the method are as follows: First, determine the specific location where the support bracket needs to be placed based on the actual repair scenario of the aircraft; adjust the tray base 1 according to the outline of the specific location of the aircraft, wherein the motor 2 drives the threaded part 3, and adjusts the tray base with internal threads through the threaded part; after moving the adjusted support bracket device to the specific location of the part of the aircraft to be supported through the movable casters 6, adjust the adjusting feet 8 to keep the support bracket device horizontal and stable and reliable; then slowly lower the aircraft so that the part of the aircraft to be supported is in complete contact with the flexible tray 5 on the tray base 1. The flexible tray is composed of polyurethane. At the same time, the central processing unit monitors the stress on each tray base through pressure sensors. If an abnormal stress point is found, the central processing unit can fine-tune the tray base through the motor; after the aircraft repair is completed, the outline shape and pressure distribution of the support position during the repair can be recorded through the data storage for subsequent retrieval.

[0050] The above detailed description illustrates the specific structure, working principle, and operation method of this support bracket device. This support bracket device has a simple structure, good operability, and high versatility. It can precisely adjust the support according to the shape contour of different parts of the aircraft, which can effectively improve the efficiency of support operation and has good economic benefits.

Claims

1. A support bracket device, comprising a bracket body, characterized in that, The bracket body includes: A group of pallet bases (1) for supporting an aircraft, each pallet base (1) being equipped with a retractable structure including a connector (2) and a motor (3) for driving the connector (2) to move, one end of the connector (2) being connected to the corresponding pallet base (1) and the other end being connected to the motor (3), wherein the pallet bases (1) are arranged to be adjacent to each other and adjacent two pallet bases (1) are pressed against each other with flat sides, such that a coherent support contact surface is constructed on the upper surface of the group of pallet bases, and wherein each pallet base (1) is raised and lowered independently, such that the local and / or overall profile shape of the support contact surface can be precisely adjusted by independently adjusting the height of each pallet base, thereby allowing the profile shape of the support contact surface to be adjusted to conform to the outer profile of the part of the aircraft to be supported; Sensor (6) is used to monitor the pressure exerted on each of the tray bases (1); A control device is used to control the motor (3) based on the monitored pressure to drive the connector (2) and thus the pallet base (1) to move up and down, thereby stably supporting the aircraft; A frame (4) that houses the tray base (1) and the motor (3) in a group, wherein the internal shape of the frame (4) matches the external shape of the tray base (1); and The pair of support parts can lift and support the two ends of the box frame (4) of the bracket body, wherein the liftable support parts and the liftable tray base (1) constitute a two-stage lifting structure.

2. The support bracket device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket body also includes a flexible tray (5), which is placed above the grouped tray base and covers the support contact surface, forming a flat surface that directly contacts the outer surface of the part of the aircraft to be supported.

3. The support bracket device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tray base (1) has an internal thread with a depth along its length, the connector (2) includes a threaded part that mates with the internal thread, and the motor (3) is used to drive the threaded part to rotate.

4. The support bracket device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The motor is a rotary motor.

5. The support bracket device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connector (2) includes a hydraulic rod, and the motor (3) is used to drive the hydraulic rod to extend or retract.

6. The support bracket device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The motor is a linear motor.

7. The support bracket device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor (6) is located on the tray base (1) at a position close to the top of the tray base facing the aircraft.

8. The support bracket device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flexible support plate (5) is composed of polyurethane.

9. The support bracket device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support includes a movable base and a lifting mechanism (9) for supporting the bracket body and adjusting the position of the support bracket device.

10. The support bracket device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The movable base of the support includes movable casters (7) for movement and adjustable feet (8) for contacting the ground to maintain stability.

11. The support bracket device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The movable caster (7) has a brake pad (10) for fixing the caster, so as to control the movement of the movable caster (7) driving the support bracket device.

12. The support bracket device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The adjusting foot (8) includes a rocker arm (11), a screw (12), and a foot pad (13). The adjusting foot (8) has a fixed state and a movable state. In the fixed state, the foot pad (13) is made to fully contact the ground by operating the rocker arm (11) and the screw (12), thereby keeping the support bracket device stable. In the movable state, the adjusting foot (8) is raised by operating the rocker arm (11) and the screw (12), so that the movable caster (7) contacts the ground, thereby driving the support bracket device to move.

13. The support bracket device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The lifting mechanism (9) of the support part is a telescopic support column, and the lifting mechanism connects the bracket body and the movable base.

14. A method for supporting an aircraft using a support bracket device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that, The steps of the method include: monitoring the pressure on each of the tray bases (1); and controlling the motor (3) based on the monitored pressure to drive the connector (2) and thus the tray bases (1) to move up and down, thereby stably supporting the aircraft.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: a) The tray bases (1) assembled are initially adjusted according to the outline of the part of the aircraft to be supported, and the connectors (2) are driven by the motor (3) to adjust the height of each tray base (1). b) After moving the adjusted support bracket device under the required support portion of the aircraft, fix the support bracket device. c) Lower the aircraft, monitor the pressure on each tray base (1) through sensors, and fine-tune the tray base (1) through a control device so that the part of the aircraft to be supported rests completely on the tray body.

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