Aircraft Panel Removal Tool With Sliding-Collar Claw Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing aircraft interior panels, such as rotorcraft floor panels, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to damage and personal injury due to their size, weight, and adherence to the aircraft structure.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft panel removal tool with an anchor attachment fitting featuring biased claws and a sliding collar that engages with existing aircraft component anchors, allowing a single person to lift and remove panels efficiently without causing damage or injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional manual methods (puddy knives, scrapers, screwdrivers) are used to remove aircraft panels, then the panels can be freed from adhesion, but the process causes damage to the floor panel and requires considerable time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (panel removal tool with anchor attachment fitting) that mediates between the mechanic and the panel. The tool engages with existing anchor points through claws that grip the anchor structure, allowing force to be applied without direct contact between manual tools and the panel surface, thereby preventing damage while enabling removal
2Weight of moving object
If multiple mechanics (2-3 people) are used to lift and remove heavy panels, then the panel can be moved, but the process requires considerable time and coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the panel removal function into two parts: (1) the anchor attachment fitting that engages with existing structural anchor points in the panel, and (2) the handle that provides mechanical leverage. This segmentation allows a single user to operate the tool by engaging it with the panel's anchor structure and applying force through the handle, eliminating the need for multiple mechanics to manually lift the heavy panel
Solution Approach 2:
The tool enables self-service panel removal by allowing one mechanic to engage the anchor attachment fitting with the panel's existing anchors and use the handle to lift and remove the panel independently, without requiring coordination with other mechanics
3Weight of moving object
If manual lifting methods are used for heavy panels, then the panels can be removed, but the process results in muscle and back strains and other injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The tool serves as a mechanical intermediary that bears the full weight of the panel during removal. The anchor attachment fitting transfers the panel's weight to the tool's structure, and the handle provides leverage for controlled lifting, eliminating the need for operators to directly support the panel's weight with their bodies and preventing muscle and back strains
4Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive removal methods are used to free panels from seals and fuel bags, then the panels can be detached, but the process is time-consuming and requires considerable effort
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential function needed for panel removal (engaging with structural anchor points) while eliminating unnecessary steps. The anchor attachment fitting with its claws directly engages the anchor structure, allowing the panel to be lifted away from adhesive bonds and fuel bag attachments in a single motion, rather than requiring time-consuming manual scraping or cutting of adhesives
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 quick and safe removal of aircraft panels, reducing the time required from minutes to seconds and eliminating the need for multiple mechanics, while preventing panel damage and personal injury.
Implementation Method 1
The attachment fitting includes a plurality of claws that are spring biased open and configured to engage an attachment point of an aircraft component anchor
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft panel removal tool and work aid is disclosed. The tool comprises an anchor attachment fitting. The attachment fitting includes a plurality of claws that are biased open and configured to engage an attachment point of an aircraft component anchor. The attachment fitting also includes a collar slidably disposed over and about the plurality of claws. The collar slides upward to enable the plurality of claws to open and be disposed around the attachment point of the aircraft component anchor. The collar then slides downward to engage the plurality of claws with the attachment point of the aircraft component anchor. The tool includes a handle secured to the attachment fitting and configured to enable removal and/or manipulation of the aircraft panel.