Strongback Vacuum Decoupling of Fuselage From One-Piece Mandrel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing processes for decoupling a fuselage from a mandrel are costly, complex, and labor-intensive due to the need for segmented mandrels and specialized equipment for disassembly.

Innovation Solution

A strongback apparatus with an arcuate central body and pivotably mounted actuators equipped with vacuum suction cups is used to radially pull the fuselage away from a one-piece mandrel, allowing for efficient decoupling without disassembling the mandrel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a segmented mandrel is used for decoupling the fuselage, then the mandrel can be disassembled and removed, but the process requires specialized equipment and increases complexity and labor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mandrel removalVSAvoidcomplexity of decoupling process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of disassembling the mandrel to remove the fuselage, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the mandrel intact and using a strongback apparatus to pull the fuselage away from the mandrel. This eliminates the need for mandrel disassembly while achieving the same decoupling objective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a strongback apparatus as an intermediary device between the fuselage and the mandrel. This strongback with vacuum cups provides a new mechanism for decoupling that bypasses the need for mandrel disassembly, thereby reducing process complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a segmented mandrel is used, then the mandrel can be collapsed and reassembled for future use, but specialized equipment is required to support disassembly and manipulation of segments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereusability of mandrelVSAvoidcost and labor of decoupling process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by maintaining the mandrel in its assembled state and using the strongback apparatus to achieve fuselage removal. This eliminates the need for specialized disassembly equipment while preserving mandrel reusability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical disassembly system (segmented mandrel with seals and specialized equipment) with a vacuum-based system. The strongback apparatus uses vacuum cups to grip and pull the fuselage away, substituting complex mechanical manipulation with a simpler vacuum-based mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If vacuum suction cups are used to pull the fuselage away from the mandrel, then the decoupling process is simplified, but the actuators must be pivotably mounted to accommodate radially outward movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplexity of decoupling apparatusVSAvoidease of actuator mounting

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the actuator mounting pivotable rather than fixed. This allows the actuators to accommodate the radially outward movement of the strongback apparatus as it pulls the fuselage away from the mandrel, enabling the system to adapt to changing geometric conditions during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 method reduces complexity and labor by using a one-piece mandrel and vacuum suction to facilitate the decoupling of the fuselage, maintaining the mandrel's integrity and simplifying the process.

Implementation Method 1

operating a vacuum source to engage the vacuum suction cups of the plurality of actuators with the first tubular structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS11931845B2Methods and apparatuses for decoupling a fuselage from a mandrel

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

In an example, a system is disclosed. The system comprises a one-piece mandrel, a fuselage coupled to the one-piece mandrel, and a strongback apparatus positioned on the fuselage. The strongback apparatus comprises an arcuate central body comprising a front end, a rear end, and a plurality of elongated members that connect the front end to the rear end, and actuators mounted to the plurality of elongated members. The actuators are configured to move in a radially outward direction from extended positions to retracted positions and comprise (i) proximal ends mounted to the plurality of elongated members and (ii) distal ends having vacuum suction cups. In the extended positions, the vacuum suction cups engage the fuselage on which the strongback apparatus is positioned. As the actuators moves from the extended positions to the retracted positions, the vacuum suction cups pull the fuselage away from the one-piece mandrel.