Air Refueling Hose Tool Kit for Single-Person Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooling kits for air refueling hose end fitting assemblies are inadequate, requiring multiple personnel, insufficient workspace, and additional power sources, making them inefficient for single-person operation and maintenance tasks.
Innovation Solution
A comprehensive tool kit including a collapsible work stand, hydraulically powered assembly and removal fixtures, a wrench, hydraulic pump, and a ruggedized case, allowing for secure, efficient, and portable repair and replacement of air refueling hose end fittings with minimal personnel and no additional power requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional tooling kits are used for air refueling hose end fitting assemblies, then the tasks can be performed with available tools, but multiple personnel (minimum two, up to four) are required and adequate workspace is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual tooling components into a single integrated tool kit assembly. The kit includes a work stand with vise, hydraulic pump, various adapters, and tools all organized in one portable case, eliminating the need for multiple separate tool sets and reducing personnel requirements from 2-4 people to just one operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool kit is designed with universal components that can handle multiple tasks. The work stand with adjustable vise, universal adapters for different fitting types, and hydraulic system can perform removal, installation, and repair functions across various air refueling hose configurations, making the kit versatile for different maintenance scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If traditional tooling kits are used, then basic tooling is available, but adequate work location and workspace are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The tool kit employs a nested organization structure where tools, adapters, and components are stored within the portable case. The work stand collapses for storage within the case, and smaller components nest within larger ones, maximizing space utilization while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The work stand is designed with collapsible legs that can be extended to provide stable workspace when needed, then collapsed back into a compact form for transport. This dynamic structure allows the kit to transition between portable and functional states, providing adequate workspace when deployed while maintaining weight efficiency during transport.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tooling kits are used, then some tooling components are available, but additional accessory power sources are required
Solution Approach 1:
The tool kit incorporates a manual hydraulic pump that operates without external power sources. The hydraulic system uses mechanical input from the pump to generate the necessary force for fitting removal and installation, making the entire tool kit self-sufficient and independent of electrical or other external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool kit utilizes a hydraulic system with a manual pump, cylinders, and hoses to generate mechanical force for tough fastening and fastener removal tasks. This hydraulic mechanism provides sufficient power for all operations without requiring electrical motors or external power connections, ensuring operation in remote field locations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables single-person operation to securely and efficiently remove, install, or repair air refueling hose end fittings at any location, reducing personnel needs and providing a self-contained, organized workspace for hose reel maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump; a hydraulically powered assembly clamp fixture; a hydraulically powered insert removal tool fixture
Data Source
AI summary
A refueling hose tool kit for repairing or replacing air refueling hose end fittings may include a collapsible work stand configured to secure the hose end fitting when in a deployed extended orientation; a removal adapter ring; a hydraulically powered assembly clamp fixture; a hydraulically powered insert removal tool fixture; a wrench; a hydraulic pump; and a ruggedized case configured to receive the work stand, removal adapter ring, clamp fixture, insert removal tool fixture, wrench and hydraulic pump for storage and transport.