Adaptable Service Platform With Telescoping Planks for Launch Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current launch vehicle assembly platforms are inflexible and require extensive replacement and reconfiguration for different vehicle configurations, leading to long turnaround times and safety risks during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A platform system with telescoping planks and carriers that can be adjusted to conform to different launch vehicle sizes and shapes without cranes, using supports that rotate and move planks to form a continuous surface, incorporating features like friction-reducing materials and manual movement mechanisms to enhance safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If platform portions are configured to accommodate a specific launch vehicle configuration, then the platform can provide a stable working surface for that configuration, but the platform must be removed and replaced for different vehicle configurations, leading to long turnaround times
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system employs dynamic, adjustable platform portions that can be repositioned and reconfigured rather than replaced. Each platform portion includes adjustable support legs and telescoping planks that can adapt to different launch vehicle configurations, allowing the same physical platform to serve multiple vehicle types without removal or replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system is designed as a universal system where a single set of platform portions can accommodate multiple launch vehicle configurations. The adjustable support legs, telescoping planks, and reconfigurable structure enable the same platform to work with different vehicle sizes, shapes, and booster configurations, eliminating the need for dedicated platform inventories for each vehicle type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large inventory of differently configured platform portions is maintained to accommodate various launch vehicle configurations, then different vehicle types can be serviced, but the complexity of managing and replacing these portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system uses universal, multi-functional platform portions that can be reconfigured to accommodate different launch vehicle types. Instead of maintaining separate inventories for Atlas V and Vulcan configurations, the same adjustable platform portions serve both vehicle types through repositioning and reconfiguration, dramatically simplifying inventory management and replacement procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform system is divided into modular, segmented platform portions that can be independently adjusted and repositioned. Each portion includes adjustable support legs and telescoping planks that can be configured for different vehicle configurations, allowing flexible adaptation without requiring complete platform replacement or complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of operation
If platform portions are moved using cranes and hoists to accommodate component positioning, then components can be maneuvered, but safety risks to personnel and damage to equipment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system incorporates self-adjusting mechanisms where platform portions can be manually repositioned and reconfigured by personnel without requiring crane or hoist operations. The adjustable support legs and telescoping planks enable direct manual manipulation, eliminating the safety hazards associated with heavy lifting equipment operating near personnel and launch vehicle components.
4Strength
If the platform structure is fixed and permanently installed, then it provides structural stability, but it cannot be quickly reconfigured or removed for different vehicle types
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system replaces fixed, permanent structures with dynamic, adjustable components. Platform portions include adjustable support legs with multiple position settings, telescoping planks that can extend or retract, and reconfigurable structures that maintain structural stability while enabling quick adaptation to different launch vehicle configurations through mechanical adjustment rather than permanent installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for servicing objects such as a launch vehicle or an aircraft with an elevated platform that conforms to differently sized and shaped objects. The platform can have telescoping planks that extend to conform to the outer surface of the object. Glide pads with low friction surfaces, rollers, etc. can reduce the friction between a plank and a supporting surface and between adjacent planks such that planks can be manually moved into position. In addition, the plank holders can limit the planks to a linear movement, secure the planks to a supporting surface, and control the friction force between the planks and the supporting surface. Further still, the supporting surface can be a carrier and/or a support that moves the planks closer to the object and tilts the planks out of the way so that an object can be positioned within the platform.