Aircraft Wing Sealant Brush Device for Narrow Space Repair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Defects in the hollow space between the outer panel and the stringer of an aircraft wing are difficult to repair due to the narrow space, making manual application of sealant using a brush inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A repair device with a casing, a brush device, and a jack unit that allows for precise positioning and movement of brushes within the narrow space, enabling efficient application of sealant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application of sealant using a brush is used, then the repair process can be performed with simple equipment, but it is difficult to repair defects in narrow spaces and the repair efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The brush device incorporates an actuator that enables automatic movement of the brush in the third direction intersecting the first and second directions. This dynamic adjustment allows the brush to automatically adapt to the defect area and apply sealant efficiently, transforming the static manual brushing process into a dynamic automated one, thereby improving repair efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The jack unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the brush device, automatically adjusting the position of the brush in the first direction based on the depth of the defect. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual precision positioning by the operator while maintaining ease of operation through automated depth compensation, and significantly improves repair efficiency by enabling precise sealant application in narrow spaces
2Device complexity
If manual application of sealant using a brush is used, then the equipment complexity is low, but the repair process is difficult to perform in very narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The repair device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a casing housing, a brush device with multiple brushes, a jack unit for position adjustment, and an actuator for movement control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the device to operate effectively in narrow spaces while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The brush device incorporates an actuator that enables automatic movement of the brush in the third direction intersecting the first and second directions. This dynamic adjustment allows the brush to automatically adapt to the defect area and apply sealant efficiently, transforming the static manual brushing process into a dynamic automated one, thereby improving repair efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
Solution Approach 3:
The jack unit acts as an intermediary between the operator and the brush device, automatically adjusting the position of the brush in the first direction based on the depth of the defect. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual precision positioning by the operator while maintaining ease of operation through automated depth compensation, and significantly improves repair efficiency by enabling precise sealant application in narrow spaces
3Area of stationary object
If multiple brushes are used to apply sealant, then the sealant application coverage is improved, but the device complexity and positioning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple brushes are merged into a single integrated brush device that is controlled by one actuator. This combining approach allows the brushes to work together as a unified system, expanding sealant application coverage while avoiding the complexity of controlling multiple independent brush mechanisms. The jack unit simultaneously adjusts the position of all brushes, maintaining synchronization without additional control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The brush device incorporates an actuator that enables automatic movement of the brush in the third direction intersecting the first and second directions. This dynamic adjustment allows the brush to automatically adapt to the defect area and apply sealant efficiently, transforming the static manual brushing process into a dynamic automated one, thereby improving repair efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through automated control
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 repair device facilitates easy and efficient application of sealant to defects in narrow spaces, improving the repair process by allowing for automated movement and precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
the jack unit is a bag configured to adjust a position of the base in the first direction by expanding or contracting using internal air pressure
Implementation Method 2
multiple brushes attached to the base, protruding from the opening in the casing in the first direction beyond the guide, and configured to apply sealant to a surface to be treated facing the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A repair device includes a casing having a box shape, being open in a first direction, and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a brush device housed in the casing from the first direction, and a jack unit positioned between a bottom surface of the casing and the brush device and configured to adjust a position of the brush device in the first direction relative to the bottom surface of the casing, in which the brush device includes a base, a guide positioned at a fixed position relative to the base and protruding from an opening in the casing in the first direction, multiple brushes attached to the base, protruding from the opening in the casing in the first direction beyond the guide, and configured to apply sealant to a surface to be treated facing the first direction, and an actuator configured to adjust positions of the multiple brushes in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction by moving the base in the third direction.