Aircraft Wing Lift System for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current maintenance processes for non-fixed wing aircraft, such as tilt-rotor aircraft, require extensive time and resources due to the complexity of rotating wings, necessitating the disconnection and removal of components between the fuselage and wing, which can take several weeks and involves significant labor and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A wing lift system comprising lifting assemblies, base assemblies, hydraulic lift units, measurement units, and a locking system that allows the wing to be lifted away from the fuselage without disconnecting components, using a ring that slides relative to the fuselage, reducing the need for cranes and personnel during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the wing is made rotatable to provide vertical takeoff and landing capability, then flexibility and versatility of the aircraft are improved, but the complexity of the association between the wing and fuselage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wing-lifting system is divided into multiple independent lifting assemblies, each with its own hydraulic lift unit, allowing the wing to be lifted in a controlled, segmented manner rather than as a single complex operation. This segmentation simplifies the overall system by breaking down the complex wing-fuselage association into manageable, independent lifting units that can be controlled separately.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wing rotation mechanism is made complex to allow rotation during non-flight conditions, then storage and transport requirements are reduced, but maintenance time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assemblies are designed to be removable and can be taken out from between the wing and fuselage when not in use. This extraction principle allows the maintenance personnel to easily remove the lifting assemblies during maintenance operations, simplifying the maintenance process and reducing the time required for repairs without compromising the wing rotation capability.
3Ease of repair
If traditional maintenance processes are used for rotatable wings, then component disconnection and removal is necessary, but maintenance time and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assemblies are pre-positioned between the wing and fuselage before maintenance operations begin. This preliminary action allows the wing to be lifted and positioned for maintenance without requiring the disconnection and removal of components during the maintenance process, significantly reducing maintenance time and resource requirements.
4Ease of operation
If the wing is lifted away from the fuselage using traditional methods, then component disconnection is required, but the need for specialized equipment and personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assemblies are designed to be self-contained units with integrated hydraulic systems that can lift the wing without requiring external cranes or specialized lifting equipment. The system serves itself by using the aircraft's own hydraulic pump and lift units to perform the lifting operation, eliminating the need for additional specialized equipment and reducing personnel requirements.
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 significantly reduces maintenance time and costs by allowing for wing rotation and maintenance without disconnecting components, potentially cutting maintenance duration by weeks and minimizing the need for specialized equipment and labor.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of hydraulic lift units may be configured to move the plurality of lifting assemblies away from the plurality of base assemblies such that the ring moves away from the fuselage
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus may be present for moving a wing. A plurality of lifting assemblies may be attached to a first plurality of channels in a ring associated with the wing of an aircraft. A plurality of base assemblies may be attached to a plurality of fittings with a second plurality of channels associated with a fuselage of the aircraft. The plurality of lifting assemblies may be moved away from the plurality of base assemblies using a plurality of biasing systems such that the ring may move away from the fuselage.