Aircraft Wheel Service Unit Layout for Low-Risk Equipment Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for aircraft maintenance and repair, particularly for replacing wheels, are cost-intensive and inefficient due to the need for multiple motorized workshop vehicles and the challenges of manually loading and unloading heavy equipment, which increases the risk of accidents and limits the number of spare wheels that can be carried.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transportable frame structure equipped with a lifting device and a transport vehicle that allows for the efficient deployment and relocation of maintenance and repair units, reducing the need for multiple motorized vehicles and minimizing the risk of accidents by providing a stable, low-step-height platform for loading and unloading equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If motorized workshop vehicles are used to transport maintenance equipment, then the equipment can be delivered to aircraft, but the operational costs and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the maintenance support function into two separate components: a reusable transport vehicle and disposable maintenance units. The transport vehicle performs the expensive transport function once, while the maintenance units are simple, lightweight structures that are replaced rather than returned, eliminating the need for costly vehicle operations and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance units are designed as disposable, inexpensive structures that are loaded onto the transport vehicle, used to service the aircraft, and then discarded. This eliminates the need for expensive, reusable workshop vehicles while maintaining the capability to deliver maintenance equipment and personnel to aircraft.
2Loss of energy
If simple trailers are used to transport maintenance equipment, then operational costs are reduced, but the ability to provide lifting cranes and handle heavy equipment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the transport function (performed by the motorized vehicle) from the maintenance function (performed by the maintenance units). The maintenance units are simple trailers that only need to provide a platform and basic equipment storage, while the lifting and heavy equipment handling capabilities are provided by the transport vehicle during the loading phase.
Solution Approach 2:
All heavy lifting and equipment preparation is performed in advance while the maintenance units are being loaded onto the transport vehicle. Once loaded, the simple trailer units require no further active handling capabilities, as they are simply driven to the aircraft and used as static maintenance platforms.
3Ease of operation
If loading ramps are provided to enable rolling movement of wheels, then loading becomes easier, but the risk of accidents increases due to tripping and lateral slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the loading ramp component entirely from the system. Instead of providing ramps for rolling movement, the maintenance units are designed to be loaded using alternative methods that do not require ramps, thereby eliminating the tripping and slipping hazards associated with ramp usage.
4Ease of operation
If standard vehicles and trailers are used for maintenance work, then equipment transport is possible, but they exceed the limited space available next to and below aircraft
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance units are designed with non-uniform dimensions optimized for their specific function: low height to fit under aircraft, adequate length for equipment storage, and narrow width for tight spaces. This localized optimization of dimensions allows the units to operate in the constrained spaces next to and below aircraft where standard vehicles cannot fit.
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
This solution enables cost-effective and reliable maintenance and repair operations by allowing a single motorized vehicle to transport and position maintenance and repair units with minimal risk of accidents, accommodating a larger quantity of equipment and reducing operational costs at airports.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transport vehicle having a lifting device for raising, lowering and transporting the maintenance and repair unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing maintenance and repair units for maintenance work on an aircraft includes a maintenance and repair unit having a frame structure which carries equipment and which is transportable, and a transport vehicle having a lifting device which can raise, set down, and transport the maintenance and repair unit.