Modular Stanchion System for Aircraft Wing Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing, maintenance, inspection, and evaluation of aircraft wings require custom-made stanchions of varying heights, which is expensive, labor-intensive, and disrupts production schedules due to the variety of wing models and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular stanchion system with a predetermined height upper section and a movable slide table, combined with interchangeable base sections of different heights, allowing for quick reconfiguration to support various wing models and elongated structures, featuring a wing assembly connector that can move in multiple planes and include an actuation system, load cell, and stabilizing outriggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom-made stanchions are constructed for each wing model and configuration, then the support accuracy and suitability for specific wing locations is improved, but the manufacturing cost and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The stanchion is divided into multiple interchangeable base sections of different heights (e.g., 12-inch, 24-inch, 36-inch sections) that can be combined in various configurations. This segmentation allows precise height adjustment to match different wing thicknesses without manufacturing entirely custom stanchions for each wing model.
Solution Approach 2:
A single standardized upper section design with universal mounting interfaces can work with multiple base section configurations, creating a family of stanchions that serve multiple wing support applications. This multi-functionality reduces the number of unique components needed across different wing models.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom stanchions are manufactured for each wing model, then the adaptability to specific wing configurations is improved, but the production schedule and time consumption are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized base sections are pre-manufactured in various heights and kept in inventory, ready for immediate assembly with upper sections when different wing support heights are needed. This eliminates the need for on-demand custom manufacturing and reduces production scheduling delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The stanchion system allows dynamic reconfiguration by swapping base sections according to the specific wing thickness requirements, enabling rapid adaptation to different wing models without fixed, model-specific configurations.
3Reliability
If multiple custom stanchions are produced for different wing locations, then the support suitability for varying wing thickness is improved, but the cost and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single upper section design with universal mounting interfaces can be used across multiple stanchion configurations by pairing it with different base sections, reducing the total number of unique components needed while maintaining support suitability for various wing locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Base sections can be disassembled and reused for different wing models and configurations, reducing the need to manufacture new components for each application and minimizing overall material consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supporting a wing assembly at a wing assembly support height. Base sections are provided, each having a different predetermined height with respect to one another. A movable platform carries a base section, and a wing assembly support section rests on a selected base section and includes a wing assembly connector, which is movable in a first plane and a second plane generally perpendicular relative to the first plane. A differential height is defined between the wing assembly support height and the combined heights of the platform and the height of wing assembly connector, relative to the bottom of the wing assembly support section. At least one of the base sections is of a predetermined height approximating the differential height and is carried on the platform. The wing assembly support section is carried on such base section.