Method and apparatus for the application of frame to fuselage pull-up force via fuselage skin waterline tensioning

US11866201B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Santiago M. Mejia · Charleston, US
• Patrick James Macko · Mount Pleasant, US
• Byron James Autry · Charleston, US
• Paul G. Werntges · Charleston, US
• Larry Scott Smotherman · Owens Cross Roads, US
• David Raines · Chicago, US
• Sara Murphy · Madison, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 3, 2022
• Grant date: Jan 9, 2024
• Expiry date: May 3, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C2001/0072
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A device to assemble a skin and a frame of an aircraft fuselage. The device includes first and second brace members that extend along opposing sides of a gap. Arches are spaced apart and fixedly connected to the first and second brace members and that extend across the gap. A strongback is attached to and movable along the first and second brace members with the strongback having a curved shape that matches the plurality of arches. The strongback includes clamps configured to engage with the frame. First and second tension devices apply tension to the skin at the strongback.