Aircraft Fuselage Support Using Wing Attachments for Unobstructed Painting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for painting or surface preparation of aircraft fuselages prior to wing and landing gear installation require large paint hangers and often obstruct access to the fuselage surface, as existing systems either do not allow for movement beyond their reach or obstruct the surface areas where they engage the fuselage.
Innovation Solution
An airframe handling apparatus that attaches to the fuselage using wing attachment structures designed for flight loads, allowing the fuselage to be supported and moved by transport mechanisms, thereby avoiding internal loads and maximizing unobstructed access for painting and surface preparations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an overhead crane suspension system is used to support the aircraft fuselage, then the fuselage can be moved and positioned, but the movement is limited to the reach of the suspension system
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple independent support points (first support point and second support point) that can be positioned at different locations along the fuselage. Each support point can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing the fuselage to be supported and moved in segmented sections rather than as a single constrained unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system extends beyond a single vertical suspension point by adding horizontal positioning capability through multiple support points. The supports can be positioned at different longitudinal locations along the fuselage, adding a horizontal dimension to the support geometry and enabling movement beyond the reach limitations of a single-point suspension system.
2Productivity
If automated guide vehicles (AGV) are used to support and move the aircraft fuselage, then the fuselage can be transported, but the support structures obstruct surface areas where they engage the fuselage, preventing paint from reaching these areas
Solution Approach 1:
The support points are designed to be removable and detachable from the fuselage. After the fuselage is painted or surface-prepared, the support points can be taken out or removed from their engagement positions, completely clearing the fuselage surface without leaving any obstructing structures. This extraction principle ensures that the support system does not permanently block any surface areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing the support points to be moved to different locations along the fuselage. The supports can be positioned away from areas requiring painting access, and after painting is complete, they can be moved or removed entirely. This dynamic adaptability ensures that surface accessibility is maintained throughout the manufacturing process.
3Area of stationary object
If the aircraft is painted before the wing and landing gear are assembled, then a smaller paint hanger is required, but existing support systems either limit movement or obstruct the fuselage surface
Solution Approach 1:
The support points act as temporary intermediary structures that facilitate fuselage handling and positioning during the pre-assembly painting process. These intermediaries can be precisely positioned to provide support without interfering with painting operations, and they can be removed after painting is complete, allowing the fuselage to be subsequently assembled with wings and landing gear.
Data Source
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AI summary
An airframe handling apparatus is operable to support and move a partially assembled aircraft fuselage. The aircraft fuselage is incomplete, lacking a wing and landing gear. The apparatus is attachable to the aircraft fuselage in place of the wing and landing gear, utilizing wing attachment structures on the aircraft fuselage that are designed for flight loads. With the aircraft fuselage attached to the apparatus, the entire fuselage is supported on the apparatus that can be operated to move and manipulate the aircraft fuselage as if the wing and landing gear were present. With the apparatus attached to the aircraft fuselage, movement of the fuselage by the apparatus imparts no handling-induced internal loads on the aircraft fuselage, and maximizes unobstructed access to the exterior surface of the fuselage for painting and other surface preparations.