Demounting Aid with Force Feedback for Aircraft Hoisting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current demounting aids for hoisting fittings from aircraft structural components face challenges in accurately setting the target load force, often resulting in insufficient or excessive load application, which can lead to jammed dowel bolts and risk of damage to the components, especially when dealing with large structural components.

Innovation Solution

A demounting aid comprising a force measurement device and elastic members connected between the crane hook and the hoisting fitting, allowing for precise load adjustment through a remote display, enabling operators to set the target load without clear visibility, and providing flexibility and accuracy in load application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a crane is used to compensate the weight of the hoisting fitting, then the load can be applied to prevent dowel bolt jamming, but it is difficult to set the appropriate load value leading to either insufficient or excessive load application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload application accuracyVSAvoidtarget load setting difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by equipping the demounting aid with a force measurement device that continuously monitors the applied load and transmits this information to a display unit. This allows the operator to see the actual force being applied and adjust the crane position accordingly, ensuring the target load value is accurately achieved without requiring precise manual positioning skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical load-setting method (relying on operator skill to position the crane) with a system that uses electronic sensors and displays to measure and communicate load information. This substitution transforms the operation from a skill-dependent mechanical task to a guided process with real-time feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the operator positions the crane to apply load to the hoisting fitting, then the weight compensation can be achieved, but clear visibility of the demounting aid is required which is difficult with large aircraft structural components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator visibilityVSAvoidforce measurement information accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the information display from the physical space near the demounting aid (where it would be invisible to the operator) to a remote display location that the operator can easily access and view. This spatial repositioning of the display in another dimension allows the operator to monitor force measurements without needing to see the demounting aid itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a spring is added between the crane hook and the hoisting fitting, then flexibility and load adjustment capability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload adjustment flexibilityVSAvoiddemounting aid structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a spring as an intermediary element between the crane hook and the hoisting fitting. This spring acts as a mechanical mediator that provides flexibility and allows for automatic load adjustment while the force measurement device monitors the actual force applied. The spring absorbs position variations and provides a cushioning effect, making the system more adaptable without requiring complex electronic control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 easier and more precise adjustment of the load applied to hoisting fittings, reducing the risk of dowel bolt jamming and damage to aircraft structural components, while improving operator comfort and safety during demounting processes.

Implementation Method 1

at least one elastic member which allows a relative movement of the first connector to the second connector when an increasing force is applied to the first connector and the second connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a force measurement device for measuring the force applied between the first connector and the second connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS11407619B2Demounting aid

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 BA FRANCE SAS

AI summary

Various embodiments relate to a demounting aid for demounting a hoisting fitting from a workpiece, such as from an aircraft structural component, comprising a first connector and a second connector, a force measurement device for measuring the force applied between the first connector and the second connector, a display for displaying an information corresponding to the respective force applied between the first connector and the second connector and at least one elastic member which allows a relative movement of the first connector to the second connector when an increasing force is applied to the first connector and the second connector.