Aircraft Wing Lift System for Reduced Maintenance Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of non-fixed wing aircraft, such as tilt-rotor aircraft, requires extensive maintenance that involves disconnecting and separating components between the fuselage and wing, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive, often taking several weeks to complete, and current methods for lifting the wing during maintenance are inefficient and require significant space and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A wing lift system comprising lifting assemblies, base assemblies, hydraulic lift units, a hydraulic pump, measurement units, and a locking system that allows the wing to be lifted away from the fuselage without disconnecting components, using a plurality of lifting assemblies attached to channels in the wing's ring and base assemblies attached to fittings on the fuselage, with hydraulic units and a locking system to manage the movement and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the wing is fixed to the fuselage in a non-fixed wing aircraft to allow rotation during non-flight conditions, then the aircraft can be stored and transported in less space, but the complexity of the aircraft increases requiring increased maintenance time and taking the aircraft out of service for longer time
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting system is divided into multiple independent lifting assemblies, each capable of independently lifting the wing. This segmentation allows the wing to be lifted and rotated without requiring the entire wing-fuselage connection system to be complex, as each lifting assembly is a separate, manageable unit that can be independently controlled and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting assemblies act as intermediary devices between the wing and the ground/support structure. Instead of directly connecting the wing to the fuselage with complex rotation mechanisms, the lifting assemblies serve as mediators that enable the wing to be raised, rotated, and positioned without requiring permanent complex connection mechanisms.
2Ease of repair
If traditional maintenance methods are used to disconnect and separate components between fuselage and wing, then the aircraft can be maintained, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive taking several weeks to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assemblies are pre-installed on the aircraft, ready for use during maintenance operations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to install complex lifting equipment during maintenance, allowing maintenance personnel to quickly access and service wing components by simply operating the pre-positioned lifting assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting system enables maintenance personnel to independently lift and position the wing without requiring external cranes or heavy equipment. The system is self-contained with hydraulic or mechanical lifting mechanisms that can be operated directly at the maintenance location, making the maintenance process more autonomous and faster.
3Force
If traditional lifting methods requiring cranes and significant equipment are used, then the wing can be lifted during maintenance, but significant space and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting function is merged with the aircraft's existing structure through the lifting assemblies that are integrated into the wing and fuselage design. Instead of requiring external cranes and separate lifting equipment, the lifting capability is combined with the aircraft's own structural elements, eliminating the need for significant external equipment and space.
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 system reduces maintenance time and labor by allowing the wing to be lifted and rotated without disconnecting components, thereby reducing the time aircraft are out of service and minimizing the need for cranes and personnel, while also simplifying the maintenance process and reducing the complexity of the operation.
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. The hydraulic pump may be configured to be attached to the plurality of hydraulic lift units and to send fluid into the plurality of hydraulic lift units to move the plurality of lifting assemblies away from the plurality of base assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
A method for lifting a wing of an aircraft. A plurality of lifting assemblies is attached to a mounting ring supporting the wing. A first plurality of base assemblies is attached to a plurality of fittings connected to the fuselage of the aircraft. The plurality of lifting assemblies is moved away from the first plurality of base assemblies using a plurality of biasing systems correspondingly attached to the plurality of lifting assemblies, the moving causing the mounting ring to move away from the fuselage. The first plurality of base assemblies is removed. A second plurality of base assemblies is attached to the plurality of fittings. Thereafter, moving the plurality of lifting assemblies away from the second plurality of base assemblies using the plurality of biasing systems is repeated, the repeating moving causing the mounting ring to move away from the fuselage to the first height.