Aircraft Maintenance Stand Slider Brake for Precise Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing maintenance systems fail to accommodate the diverse and irregular shapes of aircraft components with the required precision and flexibility for rapid inspection, maintenance, and qualification, especially in space-constrained environments without external power, and lack infinite adjustability.

Innovation Solution

A brake and slider system for a support bar that allows translational movement and locking of a fixture on a spreader, featuring a brake pad and key pin mechanism for precise positioning, combined with a precision drive system for accurate placement within 0.001 inches, enabling infinite adjustability and versatility in handling various aircraft components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a maintenance system uses fixed positioning structures, then it provides stable positioning, but it cannot accommodate diverse sizes and irregular shapes of aircraft components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of diverse component sizes and shapesVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The maintenance stand is divided into modular components including multiple support bars of different lengths, interchangeable fixtures, and segmented positioning systems. This allows the system to be configured for different component sizes and shapes while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support bars are designed with universal features including multiple fixture mounting locations, adjustable positioning mechanisms, and standardized interfaces that can accommodate various aircraft components. The same support bar structure serves multiple functions across different maintenance scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If a maintenance system uses rapid adjustment mechanisms, then it enables fast turnover for maintenance, but it reduces positioning precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance turnover speedVSAvoidcomponent positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pre-configured positioning features and pre-set fixture locations on the support bars. Common component types have predetermined positioning arrangements, allowing rapid setup while maintaining precision through pre-engineered locators and alignment features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex manual adjustment mechanisms with streamlined mechanical systems including quick-release fixtures, cam-locked positioning, and spring-loaded clamps that provide both rapid adjustment and precise positioning without requiring multiple manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If a maintenance system requires external power, then it enables automated positioning systems, but it cannot operate in austere environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated positioning capabilityVSAvoidoperational environment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning system is designed to be manually operable through self-contained mechanical mechanisms including hand-cranked adjustment devices, manual quick-release latches, and operator-actuated positioning controls. The system serves itself through inherent mechanical advantages that provide stable positioning without requiring external power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The system provides rapid, precise, and adaptable maintenance solutions for diverse aircraft components, ensuring accurate positioning and handling of irregular shapes with infinite adjustability, suitable for both stationary and portable use in austere environments.

Implementation Method 1

a brake configured to lock the slider in place on the support bar, the brake comprising a brake pad internal to the slider inner surface and at least partially congruent with the support bar, the brake pad being engageable and disengageable from the support bar

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12473099B1Brake and slider for aircraft workpiece maintenance stand

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

AI summary

A brake in combination with a slider for holding an aircraft workpiece in position for maintenance. The combination has a slider which circumscribes and moves on a support bar and a brake configured to lock the slider in place on the support bar. The brake has a brake pad internal to the slider and at least partially congruent with the support bar. The brake pad is engageable and disengageable from the support bar by respective insertion and retraction of a key pin extending outwardly from the wall of the slider. The key pin and the brake pad are connected by a driver pin, so that insertion of the key pin towards the support bar urges the driver pin towards the support bar and the brake pad into locking contact with the support bar. A method of locking an aircraft workpiece in position for maintenance is also disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a stand having X, Y, Z adjustability of a fixture for holding the aircraft workpiece moving a slider to a predetermined position on a spreader, locking the slider the in the predetermined maintenance position with a brake and joining an aircraft workpiece to the fixture.