Modular Masking System for Aircraft Wheel Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current maintenance practices for aircraft wheels are labor-intensive and costly due to the need for frequent removal and reapplication of surface coatings for non-destructive testing, which requires complex masking procedures to prevent unwanted coatings on specific areas.
Innovation Solution
A modular masking system for aluminum aircraft components that allows sequential application of multiple layers of primer and topcoat without removing prior masking components, using easily assembled and removable polymeric masking elements that fit snugly into the component's geometry to prevent overspray.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional masking methods using tape and paper are used, then masking can be achieved, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming due to repeated removal and reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The masking system is divided into separate modular components including a mask body, attachment mechanism, and positioning elements that can be independently assembled and configured for different coating requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The masking components are pre-assembled into a complete system that is ready for immediate application, eliminating the need for on-site assembly and reducing preparation time
2Ease of operation
If masking components are removed after each coating layer, then precise control is achieved, but labor costs and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The masking system incorporates adjustable and repositionable components that can be dynamically modified to accommodate different coating layers and requirements without complete removal
Solution Approach 2:
The masking components are designed to be reused and recovered across multiple coating operations, eliminating the need for disposal after single use and reducing overall labor requirements
3Reliability
If multiple drying cycles are required for primer and topcoat, then proper coating curing is achieved, but production time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The masking system enables continuous coating application without interruption for drying cycles between layers, maintaining productive work flow while ensuring proper coating curing through optimized process timing
4Manufacturing precision
If complex masking procedures are used to comply with manufacturer specifications, then coating accuracy is improved, but device complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The masking system is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate various coating configurations and manufacturer specifications through adjustable components rather than requiring separate specialized masks for each application
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to the application of surface coatings to treated aluminum articles utilized on aircraft, and more particularly to a system for masking portions of aluminum aircraft wheel and brake components for application of surface coatings to reduce or prevent wear and/or corrosion to the aluminum article. The system may be utilized for new aluminum aircraft components as well as aircraft components that have been subjected to non-destructive testing. The masking components are constructed and arranged to cooperate with portions of the aluminum component in a sequential manner to allow for application of multiple layers of primer and/or topcoat without removal of prior masking components so that a coated component complies with the manufacturer's written requirements for that component.