Aircraft Weight Measurement via Lifting Mechanisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the weight and balance of an aircraft are time-consuming and pose a risk of damage to the aircraft, requiring lengthy processes that delay production and increase risk.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using lifting mechanisms with compression load cells to lift the aircraft off the ground, allowing for simultaneous weight and balance determination and ground vibration testing, minimizing risk and time by using pressure canisters and hanger beams with strain measurement devices for accurate weight calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional rolling methods are used to determine weight and balance, then accurate weight measurements can be obtained, but the process takes up to 12 hours or longer and poses a risk of damage to the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is positioned on the lifting mechanisms with load cells installed at the jack points before the weight and balance test begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for time-consuming rolling operations, as the aircraft remains stationary throughout the measurement process while the lifting mechanisms provide the necessary support and measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
Compression load cells are introduced as intermediary devices between the aircraft landing gear and the lifting mechanisms. These load cells directly measure the weight forces without requiring the aircraft to be rolled onto traditional scales, thereby eliminating the time-consuming rolling process while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If conventional rolling methods are used to determine weight and balance, then weight measurements can be recorded, but the process poses a risk of damage to the aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The aircraft is positioned on the lifting mechanisms with load cells installed at the jack points before the weight and balance test begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for rolling operations, keeping the aircraft stationary and secure throughout the process, thereby eliminating the risk of damage from rolling while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
Compression load cells serve as intermediary measurement devices that directly interface with the aircraft structure at the jack points. This direct measurement approach eliminates the need for rolling the aircraft onto scales, thereby removing the harmful rolling action that could damage the aircraft while preserving accurate weight measurement capability
3Productivity
If the aircraft is lifted off the ground using lifting mechanisms, then weight and balance determination can be performed simultaneously with ground vibration testing, but additional equipment and setup are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting mechanisms serve multiple functions: they lift the aircraft off the ground for vibration testing, support the aircraft weight during the process, and provide a stable platform for simultaneous weight and balance determination. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate weighing operations, thereby improving productivity despite the added equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The weight and balance determination process is merged with the ground vibration testing process by using the same lifting mechanisms and load cell setup for both operations. This combination allows both tests to be performed simultaneously on the same stationary platform, improving production efficiency by eliminating sequential testing requirements
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 method significantly reduces the time required for weight and balance analysis while minimizing the risk of aircraft damage, enabling more efficient production and accurate weight and balance determination.
Implementation Method 1
interposing a compression load cell between the jack fitting and the lifting beam
Implementation Method 2
determining a weight of the aircraft based on outputs of the measurement devices
Implementation Method 3
each one of the lifting mechanisms being configured to impart an upward force on a component of the aircraft for lifting the aircraft
Implementation Method 4
hanger beams with strain measurement devices for accurate weight calculation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An apparatus for lifting an aircraft (10) may include a plurality of lifting mechanisms (74) mounted on a supporting surface (64). Each lifting mechanism (74) may be configured to impart an upward force (90) on a component (38) of the aircraft (10) for lifting the aircraft (10) off the supporting surface (64). The apparatus (10) may include a beam structure (100) configured to be mounted to the lifting mechanisms (74). The apparatus (10) may also include a lifting beam (140) suspended from the beam structure (100). A measurement device (178) may be mounted to the lifting beam (140) and may be configured to engage a jack point (54) associated with the component (38) to determine a weight of the aircraft (10) when the aircraft is lifted off the supporting surface (64).