Apparatus that supports an aircraft fuselage without exterior surface contact
US10723485B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 4, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64F5/50
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An airframe handling apparatus is operable to support and move a partially assembled aircraft fuselage. The aircraft fuselage is incomplete, lacking a wing and landing gear. The apparatus is attachable to the aircraft fuselage in place of the wing and landing gear, utilizing wing attachment structures on the aircraft fuselage that are designed for flight loads. With the aircraft fuselage attached to the apparatus, the entire fuselage is supported on the apparatus that can be operated to move and manipulate the aircraft fuselage as if the wing and landing gear were present. With the apparatus attached to the aircraft fuselage, movement of the fuselage by the apparatus imparts no handling-induced internal loads on the aircraft fuselage, and maximizes unobstructed access to the exterior surface of the fuselage for painting and other surface preparations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.