Aircraft Control Surface Rigging Tool Using Laser Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rigging tools for setting neutral positions on aircraft control surfaces are either cumbersome, expensive, and difficult to assemble, with limited accuracy and adaptability across different aircraft types, requiring complex adjustments and materials.
Innovation Solution
A compact, versatile rigging tool utilizing a low-energy laser and target assembly with a laser platform that includes a pair of holes for easy calibration, allowing precise alignment without complex adjustments, and can be used on various aircraft surfaces with reduced manufacturing and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical gauge with elongated guide is used to measure neutral position, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but the tool becomes cumbersome and difficult to handle due to the 2-3 meter length required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical elongated guide system with an optical laser-based measurement system. The laser projects a beam that can be aligned with the control surface neutral position without requiring a physical 2-3 meter guide, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while dramatically improving handling ease and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional mechanical measurement along the control surface to a three-dimensional optical laser projection system. The laser beam can be positioned and aligned in space without requiring physical contact along the entire measurement path, allowing accurate measurement without the cumbersome elongated guide structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple guides of various sizes are used to cover different aircraft types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal laser-based rigging tool that can measure and align neutral positions on control surfaces of any aircraft type without requiring different sized guides. The laser system can be positioned and aligned on various aircraft configurations, providing a single multi-functional tool that replaces the need for multiple aircraft-specific guides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable laser positioning components that allow the tool to adapt dynamically to different aircraft types and control surface configurations. The laser can be repositioned and realigned as needed, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-size guides
3Measurement precision
If an optical tool with theodolite and target sight platform is used, then theoretical accuracy of 0.001° can be reached, but the tool becomes expensive, delicate, and difficult to assemble with real accuracy close to 0.5°
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical optical system (theodolite, target sight platform, multiple alignment components) with a simplified laser-based system. The laser directly projects alignment beams that can be aligned with target points on the control surface, eliminating the need for complex mechanical assemblies while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary complex intermediate components (theodolite, target sight platform, multiple adjustment mechanisms) from the measurement system, keeping only the essential laser projection and target alignment elements. This simplification reduces assembly complexity and improves reliability while maintaining accuracy
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
The tool achieves measurement deviations of less than 0.05° with simplified assembly and use, offering improved accuracy and adaptability across different aircraft types while reducing the need for protective gear and complex calibration procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The laser is configured for outputting a low energy laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
A rigging tool for a control surface of an aircraft, including a laser for outputting a low energy laser beam, a target assembly including a plate including a target point, and a support to sustain the target assembly on a surface of a control surface, and a laser platform provided with structure to rest on a surface of a control surface, having backward and forward extremes, the backward extreme being configured to hold the laser, and the forward extreme including a pair of holes at opposite positions aligned with the output of the laser, such that, in operation, when the laser beam passes through the holes and incises in the target point, a neutral position of a control surface is indicated.