Method for repairing a dent in a wall and repair device for its implementation

Abstract

Method for repairing a dent present on a wall and repair device for its implementation The invention relates to a method for repairing a dent (60) located on a wall (52). The method comprises a step of hammering the dent (60) using at least one ferromagnetic striker (66), positioned at right angles to the dent (60) to be repaired, as well as at least one electromagnetic transmitter (64) which generates at least one electromagnetic field configured to animate the ferromagnetic striker (66) according to alternating movements so that it hammers the wall (52). The invention also relates to a repair device for implementing said method. Figure 7

Description

Title of the invention: Method for repairing a dent present on a wall and repair device for its implementation

[0001] The present application relates to a method for repairing a dent present on a wall as well as to a repair device making it possible to implement said method.

[0002] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 1 and 2, an aircraft 10 comprises at least one propulsion assembly 12 positioned under each of the wings 14 of the aircraft. Each propulsion assembly 12 comprises a motor 16, a nacelle 18 positioned around the motor 16 and a mast 20 connecting the motor 16 and the wing 14. Each nacelle 18 comprises, at the front, an air intake 22 configured to channel an air flow towards the motor 16. This air intake 22 comprises a lip 24 which has a C-shaped section as well as inner and outer edges 24.1, 24.2, an inner duct 26 positioned in the extension of the inner edge 24.1 of the lip 24, an outer fairing 28 positioned in the extension of the outer edge 24.2 of the lip 24 and possibly a front frame 30 connecting the inner and outer edges 24.1, 24.2 and delimiting with the lip 24 an annular duct 32, also called D-duct.

[0003] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the lip 24, the inner duct 26 and the outer fairing 28 each comprise at least one wall 34 which has an outer surface F34 in contact with an air flow F when the aircraft is in flight. These outer surfaces F34 have optimized geometries, particularly from an aerodynamic point of view.

[0004] When the air inlet 22 is impacted, a depression 36 can form at one of its walls 34, as illustrated in [Fig. 4], and generate disturbances at the air flow F in contact with the outer surface F34 of said wall 34, which impairs the performance of the aircraft 10.

[0005] A first solution for repairing the depression 36 may consist of pushing the wall 34 outwards by exerting at least one force 38 on the wall 34 from its inner surface F34', as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0006] This first solution cannot be implemented if the inner surface F34' is not accessible, as in the case of the lip 24 of an air inlet 22.

[0007] A second solution consists of putting in place a repair part (called a "doubler" in English) to cover the depression 36. According to one operating mode, an example of a repair method comprises a step of dismantling the air inlet 22, a step of shaping the repair part so that it has a geometry substantially identical to that of the wall 34 before the impact then a step of fixing the repair part to the wall using numerous rivets.

[0008] Given the complex geometry of the wall 34, the repair part is cut from a sacrificial air inlet which has a geometry identical to that of the air inlet to be repaired.

[0009] Even if this second solution makes it possible to repair a dent in a wall whose interior surface is not accessible, it is relatively expensive and requires a relatively long intervention time.

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a method for repairing a dent located on a wall, characterized in that the repair method comprises a step of placing at least one ferromagnetic striker and at least one electromagnetic emitter on either side of the wall, in line with the dent, as well as a hammering step during which the electromagnetic emitter generates at least one electromagnetic field configured to drive the ferromagnetic striker in alternating movements so that it hammers the wall.

[0012] This method makes it possible to repair a dent at a lower cost even if the interior area is not accessible. It also makes it possible to reduce the time the aircraft is immobilized for this repair.

[0013] According to another characteristic, the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter has at least one variable characteristic to cause the ferromagnetic striker to perform alternating movements.

[0014] According to another characteristic, the electromagnetic transmitter generates at least one pulsed electromagnetic field.

[0015] According to another characteristic, the repair method comprises a step of activating the electromagnetic transmitter at a first energy level making it possible to attract the ferromagnetic striker and then a step of moving the ferromagnetic striker until it is driven in by moving the electromagnetic transmitter.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the wall separates outer and inner zones and comprises at least one through-hole configured to connect the outer and inner zones. In addition, the repair method comprises a step of introducing the ferromagnetic striker into the inner zone by passing it through the through-hole.

[0017] According to another characteristic, the striker comprises a compressible coating and a core consisting of a set of metal microbeads. In addition, the striker is compressed to allow it to pass through the through-hole.

[0018] According to another characteristic, the ferromagnetic striker is connected to a link which extends between a first end connected to the ferromagnetic striker and a second end, the link having a length such that, when the ferromagnetic striker is positioned at the right angle of the depression in the inner zone, the second end is located in the outer zone. In addition, the repair method comprises a step of extracting the ferromagnetic striker by pulling on the link from the outer zone.

[0019] The invention also relates to a repair device making it possible to implement a method for repairing a dent located on a wall according to one of the preceding characteristics. According to the invention, the repair device comprises at least one electromagnetic transmitter configured to generate at least one electromagnetic field as well as at least one ferromagnetic striker configured to be positioned in the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter, the electromagnetic field being configured to drive the ferromagnetic striker in alternating movements so that it hammers the wall.

[0020] According to another characteristic, the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter has at least one variable characteristic to cause the ferromagnetic striker to perform alternating movements.

[0021] According to another characteristic, the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter is pulsed.

[0022] According to another characteristic, the electromagnetic transmitter is configured to generate a substantially constant electromagnetic field which has a first energy level allowing the electromagnetic transmitter to move the ferromagnetic striker.

[0023] According to another characteristic, the pulsed electromagnetic field has an average energy level higher than the first energy level.

[0024] According to another characteristic, the repair device comprises a link which extends between a first end connected to the ferromagnetic striker and a second end, the link having a length such that, when the ferromagnetic striker is positioned at the right angle of the depression in an interior zone, the second end is located in an exterior zone separated from the interior zone by the wall.

[0025] According to another characteristic, the ferromagnetic striker comprises a metal core as well as a compressible coating at least partially covering the core.

[0026] According to another characteristic, the core comprises a set of metal microbeads.

[0027] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0028] [Fig-1] is a side view of an aircraft,

[0029] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of a propulsion assembly of the visible aircraft on [Fig.l],

[0030] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of an air intake of the propulsion assembly visible in [Fig.2],

[0031] [Fig.4] is a cross-section of a wall which has a depression illustrating an embodiment of the prior art,

[0032] [Fig.5] is a perspective section of an air inlet and a dent repair device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0033] [Fig.6] is a cross-section of a wall and a repair device illustrating an embodiment of the invention during a step of setting up a repair method,

[0034] [Fig.7] is a cross-section of a wall and a repair device illustrating an embodiment of the invention during a hammering step of the repair method,

[0035] [Fig.8] is a cross-section of a wall and a repair device illustrating an embodiment of the invention at the end of the repair process,

[0036] [Fig.9] is a cross-section of a striker illustrating a first mode of rea lization of the invention,

[0037] [Fig. 10] is a cross-section of a firing pin illustrating a second embodiment of the invention.

[0038] According to an embodiment visible in [Fig.5], an air intake 40 of an aircraft comprises: a. a lip 42 which has a C-shaped section as well as inner and outer edges 42.1, 42.2, b. an inner conduit 44 positioned in the extension of the inner edge 42.1 of the lip 42, c. an outer fairing 46 positioned in the extension of the outer edge 42.2 of the lip 42, d. a front frame 48 connecting the inner and outer edges 42.1, 42.2 and delimiting with the lip 42 an annular duct 50, also called D-duct.

[0039] The lip 42 comprises at least one wall 52 which has an outer surface F52 in contact with an air flow 54 when the aircraft is in flight as well as an inner surface F52' opposite the outer surface F52 and oriented towards the annular duct 50. According to one configuration, the wall 52 is metallic.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the air inlet 40 comprises a pneumatic type defrosting system which has a hot air supply 56 configured to inject hot air into the annular duct 50 as well as at least one through orifice 58, opening at the level of the outer and inner surfaces F52, F52' of the wall 52, configured to provide an exhaust for the air injected into the annular duct 50.

[0041] As illustrated in [Fig.6], the wall 52 comprises a depression 60. Thus, the wall 52 has a concave shape (a hollow) at its outer surface F52 and a convex shape (a bump) at its inner surface F52'. This depression 60 may appear following an impact (of an object or a bird) on the wall 52 from the outer surface F52.

[0042] Whatever the embodiment, the air inlet 40 comprises a wall 52 which separates the outer and inner zones ZE, ZI and has outer and inner surfaces F52, F52' oriented respectively towards the outer and inner zones ZE, ZI. The air inlet 40 comprises at least one through-orifice 58, such as an exhaust orifice for example, configured to connect the outer and inner zones ZE, ZI. To give an order of magnitude, this through-orifice 58 has a given passage section, such as a width for example, less than 5 cm.

[0043] As illustrated in [Fig. 5], a repair device 62 comprises at least one electromagnetic transmitter 64 configured to generate at least one electromagnetic field as well as at least one ferromagnetic striker 66 configured to be positioned in the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter 64. The electromagnetic transmitter 64 is configured to generate at least one electromagnetic field which has at least one variable characteristic to animate the ferromagnetic striker 66 according to alternating movements, of separation and of rapprochement in the direction of the electromagnetic transmitter 64, making it possible to hammer the wall 52.

[0044] According to a preferred configuration, the electromagnetic transmitter 64 is configured to generate at least one pulsed electromagnetic field.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the variable characteristic(s) of the electromagnetic field is (or are) chosen from the frequency and the intensity of the electromagnetic field.

[0046] According to one configuration, the electromagnetic transmitter 64 is configured to generate, offset in time, a first substantially constant electromagnetic field which has a first energy level as well as a second pulsed electromagnetic field which has an average energy level higher than the first energy level.

[0047] The first energy level is determined to allow the electromagnetic transmitter magnetic 64, located in the outer zone ZE, to move the ferromagnetic striker 66 positioned in the inner zone ZI along the inner surface F52'.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the repair device 62 comprises a control unit 68 configured to control the electromagnetic field emitted by the electromagnetic transmitter 64. According to one arrangement, the control unit 68 comprises an electrical power supply 68.1 configured to supply electrical power to the electromagnetic transmitter 64 and a regulation system 68.2 configured to regulate the electrical power transmitted to the electromagnetic transmitter 64. When the electrical power supply 68.1 does not transmit electrical power to the electromagnetic transmitter 64, the latter does not emit an electromagnetic field. When the regulation system 68.2 regulates the electrical power emitted by the electrical power supply 68.1 into pulsed electrical power, the electromagnetic transmitter 64 generates a pulsed electromagnetic field.

[0049] According to one configuration, the repair device 62 comprises a link 70 which extends between a first end 70.1 connected to the ferromagnetic striker 66 and a second end 70.2. The link 70 has a length (distance separating the first and second ends 70.1, 70.2) such that, when the ferromagnetic striker 66 is positioned at the right angle of the depression 60 in the inner zone ZI, the second end 70.2 is always located in the outer zone ZE.

[0050] According to one arrangement, the ferromagnetic striker 66 has a section which allows it to pass through the through-orifice 58. Thus, the ferromagnetic striker 66 can be introduced from the outer zone ZE into the inner zone ZI by passing through the through-orifice 58.

[0051] According to one configuration, the ferromagnetic striker 66 is spherical. For example, the ferromagnetic striker has a diameter of between 1 and 5 cm. Of course, the invention is not limited to this geometry.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the ferromagnetic striker 66 comprises a compressible coating 72 made of a flexible material. For example, the coating 72 is made of elastomer.

[0053] The ferromagnetic striker 66 comprises a metal core 74 covered at least partially by the coating 72. According to a first embodiment visible in [Fig. 9], the core 74 is a metal ball. According to another embodiment visible in [Fig. 10], the core 74 comprises a set of metal microballs held agglomerated inside the coating 72. In this case, the coating 72 delimits a cavity filled with metal microballs which forms the core 74.

[0054] The fact that the ferromagnetic striker 66 comprises a compressible coating 72 and a core 74 consisting of a set of metal microbeads allows it to be compressed to allow it to pass through the through-orifice 58 even if the ferromagnetic striker 66 has a section greater than that of the through-orifice 58 when it is not compressed.

[0055] A method for repairing a dent comprises a step of placing at least one electromagnetic emitter 64 and at least one ferromagnetic striker 66 respectively on either side of the wall 52 in line with the dent 60, the electromagnetic emitter 64 and the ferromagnetic striker 66 being positioned respectively in the outer and inner zones ZE, ZI, as well as a hammering step during which the electromagnetic emitter 64 is activated, causing alternating or oscillating movements of the ferromagnetic striker 66 which then hammers the wall 52 in line with the dent 60 in order to push the wall 52 towards the outer zone ZE.

[0056] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the electromagnetic transmitter 64 is configured to generate a pulsed electromagnetic field. This hammering step is stopped when the wall 52 no longer exhibits any depression, as illustrated in [Fig.8].

[0057] When the ferromagnetic striker 66 comprises a coating 72, the latter is compressed, as visible in [Fig. 7], at each impact against the wall 52. This phenomenon is accentuated when the core 74 comprises a set of metal microbeads. This crushing of the ferromagnetic striker 66 during each impact against the wall 52 makes it possible to distribute over a larger surface the forces exerted by the ferromagnetic striker 66 on the wall 52.

[0058] Hammering the wall 52 repeatedly makes it possible to obtain a shot-peening phenomenon at the level of the interior surface F52' of the wall 52, which makes it possible to improve the mechanical properties of the wall 52, in particular its fatigue resistance, and limits the risks of cracking occurring.

[0059] According to one operating mode, the repair method comprises a step of introducing the ferromagnetic striker 66 into the inner zone ZI via the through-orifice 58, a step of activating the electromagnetic emitter 64 at a first energy level making it possible to attract the ferromagnetic striker 66 and to press it against the inner surface F52' of the wall 52 then a step of moving the ferromagnetic striker 66 in the inner zone ZI until the depression 60 by moving the electromagnetic emitter 64 into the outer zone ZE. Attracted by the electromagnetic emitter 64, the ferromagnetic striker 66 follows it.

[0060] At the end of the hammering step, the electromagnetic transmitter 64 being deactivated, the repair method comprises a step of extracting the ferromagnetic striker 66 by pulling on the link 70 from the outer zone ZE until the ferromagnetic striker 66 passes through the through-hole 58 and is located in the outer zone ZE. Alternatively, the electromagnetic transmitter 64 is used to move the ferromagnetic striker 66 to the through-hole 58.

[0061] Of course, the invention is not limited to this application. Thus, the repair method can be used to repair at least one dent located on any aerodynamic wall of an aircraft or any other vehicle. Thus, the wall which has the dent does not necessarily separate inner and outer zones. However, this repair method is more particularly suitable if the inner surface of the wall is difficult to access.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for repairing a dent (60) located on a wall (52), characterized in that the repair method comprises a step of placing at least one ferromagnetic striker (66) and at least one electromagnetic transmitter (64) on either side of the wall (52), at the right angle of the dent (60), as well as a hammering step during which the electromagnetic transmitter (64) generates at least one electromagnetic field configured to drive the ferromagnetic striker (66) in alternating movements so that it hammers the wall (52).

2. Repair method according to claim 1, characterized in that the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter (64) has at least one variable characteristic to animate the ferromagnetic striker (66) with alternating movements.

3. Repair method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electromagnetic transmitter (64) generates at least one pulsed electromagnetic field.

4. Repair method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the repair method comprises a step of activating the electromagnetic transmitter (64) at a first energy level making it possible to attract the ferromagnetic striker (66) then a step of moving the ferromagnetic striker (66) to the depression (60) by moving the electromagnetic transmitter (64).

5. Repair method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall (52) separates outer and inner zones (ZE, ZI) and comprises at least one through-orifice (58) configured to communicate the outer and inner zones (ZE, ZI) and in that the repair method comprises a step of introducing the ferromagnetic striker (66) into the inner zone (ZI) by passing it through the through-orifice (58).

6. Repair method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the striker (66) comprises a compressible coating (72) and a core (74) consisting of a set of metal microbeads and in that the striker (66) is compressed to allow it to pass through the through-orifice (58).

7. Repair method according to one of claims 5 to 6, characterized in that the ferromagnetic striker (66) is connected to a link (70) which extends between a first end (70.1) connected to the ferromagnetic striker (66) and a second end (70.2), the link (70) having a length such that, when the ferromagnetic striker (66) is positioned at the right angle of the depression (60) in the inner zone (ZI), the second end (70.2) is located in the outer zone (ZE) and in that the repair method comprises a step of extracting the ferromagnetic striker (66) by pulling on the link (70) from the outer zone (ZE).

8. Repair device for implementing a method for repairing a dent (60) located on a wall (72) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the repair device comprises at least one electromagnetic transmitter (64) configured to generate at least one electromagnetic field as well as at least one ferromagnetic striker (66) configured to be positioned in the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter (64), the electromagnetic field being configured to animate the ferromagnetic striker (66) according to alternating movements so that it hammers the wall (52).

9. Repair device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter (64) has at least one variable characteristic to cause the ferromagnetic striker (66) to perform alternating movements.

10. Repair device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic transmitter (64) is pulsed.

11. Repair device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the electromagnetic transmitter (64) is configured to generate a substantially constant electromagnetic field which has a first energy level allowing the electromagnetic transmitter (64) to move the ferromagnetic striker (66).

12. Repair device according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the pulsed electromagnetic field has an average energy level higher than the first energy level.

13. Repair device according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the repair device comprises a link (70) which extends between a first end (70.1) connected to the ferromagnetic striker (66) and a second end (70.2), the link (70) having a length such that, when the ferromagnetic striker (66) is po- located at the right of the depression (60) in an interior zone (ZI), the second end (70.2) is located in an exterior zone (ZE) separated from the interior zone (ZI) by the wall (72).

14. Repair device according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the ferromagnetic striker (66) comprises a metal core (74) as well as a compressible coating (72) at least partially covering the core (74).

15. Repair device according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the core (74) comprises a set of metal microbeads.

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