Aircraft Workpiece Stand With 3-Axis Adjustable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to provide a stand that can rapidly accommodate the diverse sizes and irregular shapes of aircraft components for inspection, maintenance, and qualification, and lack infinite adjustability for precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a stand with uprights, spines, and spreaders that allow for adjustable positioning in vertical, longitudinal, and transverse directions, using fixtures and sliders with brakes or precision drive systems for precise placement of aircraft workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-position stand is used for holding aircraft workpieces, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to various sizes and shapes of components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stand employs adjustable spines that can be repositioned along the uprights at different heights, and adjustable spreaders that can be repositioned along the spines. This dynamic adjustability allows the same stand structure to accommodate various sizes and shapes of aircraft components without requiring multiple fixed stands, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stand is designed as a universal fixture system where the combination of adjustable spines, spreaders, and fixtures can serve multiple functions for different workpieces. The same stand structure can be reconfigured to hold and position various aircraft components (wing spoilers, ailerons, rudders, etc.) through simple repositioning of adjustable elements, achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing structural complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional positioning methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the positioning precision and speed are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional manual positioning methods with a precision drive system that uses motorized actuators to move the spines and spreaders along predetermined paths. This substitution of mechanical systems with automated precision drive mechanisms enables positioning accuracy of 0.001 inches or better, while the programmable control allows for rapid repositioning between different workpiece configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates memory or programmable control that stores positioning data for different workpiece types. When a new workpiece needs to be positioned, the system can recall pre-programmed coordinates and automatically reproduce the correct positioning, eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment while achieving consistent 0.001-inch precision across different components
3Ease of operation
If a portable stand without external power is used, then the ease of deployment in austere environments is improved, but the positioning precision and automation capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stand is designed as a self-contained portable system with integrated power sources (such as battery-powered motors) and onboard control electronics. The precision drive system and control mechanisms are all contained within the portable unit itself, requiring no external power infrastructure. This self-service capability allows the stand to maintain 0.001-inch positioning precision while being fully deployable in austere environments without external power availability
Solution Approach 2:
The portable stand employs a nested structure where smaller components (motors, electronics, adjustment mechanisms) are integrated within the main stand body. The spines, spreaders, and fixtures can be nested or collapsed when not in use, reducing the overall footprint for transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed, thus achieving both portability and precision in austere environments
4Productivity
If rapid reconfiguration of the stand is implemented, then the productivity for maintenance turnover is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stand uses motorized actuators that can rapidly move the spines and spreaders to new positions on demand. This dynamic reconfiguration capability allows maintenance personnel to quickly switch between different workpiece types during maintenance turnover, achieving high productivity. The programmable control system stores presets for different components, enabling rapid reconfiguration without complex manual adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates memory or programmable control that pre-stores positioning data for various workpiece configurations. Before actual maintenance begins, the stand can be pre-configured by recalling stored coordinates and automatically positioning all spines and spreaders to the correct locations. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming manual setup during maintenance turnover, significantly improving productivity while the programmable control manages the complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of positioning an aircraft workpiece for maintenance. The method has the steps of: providing a stand for holding at least one aircraft workpiece during maintenance, the stand has a pair of longitudinally spaced apart uprights, an elongate, longitudinally oriented, vertically placeable spine connecting the pair of uprights, an elongate, laterally oriented spreader movably disposed on the spine, at least one laterally placeable slider movably disposed on the spreader and at least one fixture disposed on the slider, and being adapted to hold a workpiece in fixed relationship relative to an operator; adjusting the spine in a vertical direction to a desired first spine position; adjusting the spreader in the longitudinal direction to a desired first spine spreader position; and adjusting the corresponding slider in the transverse direction to a desired first slider position. When the fixture is in the desired vertical, longitudinal and transverse positions an operator removably disposes an aircraft workpiece in the corresponding fixture to be held in a desired position for maintenance.