Aircraft Manhole Access Bridge with Overlapping Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft maintenance operations face challenges in accessing the central wing box through a manhole without damaging the composite materials surrounding it, as existing solutions do not adequately protect these sensitive areas during access.
Innovation Solution
A bridge system with an overlapping section that crosses the manhole and extends on either side of the wall, featuring a transverse runner to protect the manhole edge, supports for stability, and a detachable platform with a suspension system to absorb loads, allowing operatives to safely access the compartment while minimizing damage to the aircraft components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a ladder is used to reach the manhole, then access to the central wing box is enabled, but the composite material sections around the manhole are at risk of damage
Solution Approach 1:
A bridge structure serves as an intermediary element between the ladder and the manhole. The bridge extends across the manhole opening with its overlapping section positioned above the composite material sections, allowing operatives to transfer from the ladder to the bridge and then to the manhole without their weight or movement directly contacting and damaging the composite material sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge introduces a spatial dimension by extending horizontally across the manhole opening rather than vertically along the wall. The overlapping section projects beyond the wall on both sides, creating a protective canopy that shifts the load path from the composite material sections to the bridge structure itself, thereby protecting the original structure from direct contact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the bridge extends on either side of the wall, then protection of composite material sections is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge is divided into distinct functional segments: supports that contact the wall, an overlapping section that extends beyond the wall to provide protection, and a transverse runner that interfaces with the manhole opening. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall design by distributing complexity across modular elements rather than requiring a monolithic complex structure.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~2C
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The object of the invention is a bridge adapted for accessing an aircraft compartment via a manhole formed in a wall (12), said bridge being characterized in that it comprises an overlapping section (32) which includes at least one plate (36), a transverse runner (42) beneath the plate or plates (36) with at least one groove (44) configured to receive a lower edge (28) of the manhole, at least a first support (46) configured to rest on one side of the wall and at least a second support (48) configured to rest on the other side of the wall.