Inflatable Preload Assembly for Aircraft Wing Panel Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of using temporary fasteners in the assembly of large structures, such as aircraft wing structures, is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly due to the recurring process of drilling holes, installing, removing, and re-drilling for permanent fasteners.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an air bladder and a strap, where the bladder is secured to the strap, is used to preload a panel against a frame, allowing the panel to be indexed and permanently fastened without temporary fasteners by inflating the bladder to exert a load on the panel, which is then secured to the frame using permanent fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temporary fasteners are used to secure panels to frames during assembly, then panels can be temporarily held in position for transport and alignment, but extensive labor and time are required for drilling holes, installing temporary fasteners, removing them, and re-drilling for permanent fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the temporary fastening function from the permanent fastening process by using a separate inflatable bladder system. The bladder provides temporary securing during transport and alignment, then is deflated and removed before permanent fastener installation, eliminating the need to drill and re-drill holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladder is installed in advance to provide temporary securing and alignment during transport. This preliminary action holds panels in correct position before permanent assembly, so that when permanent fasteners are installed, the panels are already properly aligned and positioned.
2Manufacturing precision
If temporary fasteners are used to hold panels in position, then alignment and indexing can be maintained during transport, but extensive labor is required for installation, removal, and hole preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses an inflatable bladder system where air or fluid pressure is applied to expand the bladder and secure panels to the frame. This pneumatic mechanism provides precise alignment and holding force without requiring manual installation of multiple temporary fasteners, simplifying the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable bladder is made of flexible material that can conform to the panel and frame surfaces, providing uniform contact and precise alignment. The flexible nature allows the bladder to adapt to slight variations in surface geometry while maintaining accurate panel positioning.
3Strength
If multiple temporary fasteners are installed to secure panels, then panels can be firmly held during transport, but material costs and debris from hole drilling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical fastening system (screws, clips, or other temporary fasteners that require hole drilling) with a pneumatic inflatable bladder system. This substitution eliminates the need for hole drilling and associated debris, while providing sufficient securing force through inflation pressure.
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 eliminates the need for temporary fasteners, reducing labor, time, and material costs associated with their installation and removal, while enabling efficient alignment and attachment of panels to frames using permanent fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
operation of the pump inflates the air bladder causing the air bladder to expand between the strap and the panel and causing the air bladder to exert a load on the panel which causes the panel to exert a load on the plurality of ribs of the frame
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and its method of use provide a preload to the assembly of large structures, for example the assembly of an aircraft wing panel to an aircraft wing frame. The apparatus and its method of use preloads the aircraft wing panel of the aircraft wing structure and presses the aircraft wing panel against the aircraft wing frame of the aircraft wing structure, temporarily securing the aircraft wing panel against the aircraft wing frame and indexing the aircraft wing panel to the aircraft wing frame for the installation of permanent fasteners securing the aircraft wing panel to the aircraft wing frame.