Cradle system for shaping fuselage sections

US11273930B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey H. Hunt · Thousand Oaks, US
• Stephen A. Walls · Everett, US
• David A. Whelan · Newport Beach, US
• Bentley E. Northon · Auburn, US
• Robert R. Keever · Poulsbo, US
• Jacklyn Ann Holmes · Bellevue, US
• Ordie Dean Butterfield · Bonney Lake, US
• Grant Joseph Atkinson · Georgetown, CA
• Jonathan K. Brown · Renton, US
• Glenn S. Bushnell · Puyallup, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 17, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 15, 2022
• Expiry date: Oct 19, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64F5/10
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method and apparatus for shaping fuselage sections. A first fuselage section is held in a holding structure in a cradle in a cradle system. Force are applied to the first fuselage section with an actuator system to a portion of the first fuselage section such that a first current shape of the first fuselage section changes towards a first desired shape for the first fuselage section to join the first the fuselage section to a second fuselage section.