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US 10,479,529 B2Granted
Composite panel tool
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorPaul R. Gehlsen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for holding a panel. A rigid frame is secured on an aircraft on a rework area on the aircraft. A carrier is attached to the rigid frame. The panel is held on the carrier and the carrier moves the panel about a plurality of axes. The panel moves with the carrier such that the panel has a desired position relative to a rework opening in the rework area. The panel is attached to the aircraft while the panel is held in the desired position relative to the rework opening.
Claims24
An apparatus comprising:
- a carrier comprising a first frame and a plurality of cross members within the first frame, each cross member contoured along a leading edge;
- a rigid second frame sized to accommodate the carrier, wherein the rigid second frame comprises:
- first and second opposing sides that include contact elements configured as contact points for the rigid second frame against a surface, wherein the first and second opposing sides of the rigid second frame each comprise a first alignment device, a second alignment device, and a third alignment device, wherein said adjustment devices in first and second sides of the rigid second frame are configured to allow the carrier to move with six degrees of freedom within the rigid second frame;
- and
- third and fourth opposing sides;
- and
- a mounting system associated with the third and fourth sides of the rigid second frame, wherein the mounting system is configured to removably hold the carrier within the rigid second frame, and wherein the mounting system further comprises an adjustment mechanism configured to move the carrier about a plurality of axes within the rigid second frame.
4 more elements
An apparatus comprising:
- a rigid frame;
- a mounting system connected to opposing first and second sides of the rigid frame;
- a carrier configured to hold a panel, wherein the carrier is removably connected to the mounting system;
- a first strap attachment device connected to a first corner flange of the rigid frame and configured to hold a first strap;
- a first tension cable connecting the first strap attachment device to a first alignment device that is connected to a third side of the rigid frame;
- a second strap attachment device connected to a second corner flange of the rigid frame, and configured to hold a second strap;
- a second tension cable connecting the second strap attachment device to a second alignment device that is connected to the third side of the rigid frame;
- a third strap attachment device connected to a third corner flange of the rigid frame, and configured to hold a third strap;
- a third tension cable connecting the third strap attachment device to a third alignment device that is connected to a fourth side of the rigid frame;
- a fourth strap attachment device connected a fourth corner flange of the rigid frame, and configured to hold a fourth strap;
- and
- a fourth tension cable connecting the fourth strap attachment device to a fourth alignment device that is connected to the fourth side of the rigid frame.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.