Horizontal integration tooling for launch vehicles, and associated systems and methods
US11753183B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2021 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/002
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A representative system includes an alignment tool for aligning attachment interfaces of horizontally-oriented launch vehicle portions. The tool can include a receiver assembly for connecting to a first launch vehicle portion and an actuation assembly for connecting to a second launch vehicle portion. When a first connecting element of the receiver assembly is engaged with a second connecting element of the actuation assembly, the second connecting element can apply force to the receiver assembly, and the actuator assembly applies an opposite force to the second launch vehicle portion, to align fastening features in the launch vehicle portions and/or to reshape the launch vehicle portions. A representative method includes connecting the alignment tool to the launch vehicle portions and operating the tool to apply oppositely-directed forces to align the launch vehicle portions for installing fasteners to connect the launch vehicle portions. One or more bracing beams can connect two tools together.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.