US 12,589,894 B1Granted

Highly adaptable platform

AssigneeUnited Launch Alliance, L.L.C.

InventorsSteven F. Duschl, Daniel P. Norfolk, Mark J. Dornseif

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Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for servicing objects such as a launch vehicle or an aircraft with an elevated platform that conforms to differently sized and shaped objects. The platform can have telescoping planks that extend to conform to the outer surface of the object. Glide pads with low friction surfaces, rollers, etc. can reduce the friction between a plank and a supporting surface and between adjacent planks such that planks can be manually moved into position. In addition, the plank holders can limit the planks to a linear movement, secure the planks to a supporting surface, and control the friction force between the planks and the supporting surface. Further still, the supporting surface can be a carrier and/or a support that moves the planks closer to the object and tilts the planks out of the way so that an object can be positioned within the platform.

Claims18

Dependent claims

An adjustable platform system, comprising:

a carrier having a plurality of planks, each plank having a first end and an opposite second end, and each plank having a top plate extending between the first end and the second end defining a longitudinal axis, the top plate having an upper plate surface and having a first edge and a second edge spaced from the first edge, a flange extending laterally outwardly beyond the second edge of the top plate, the flange having an upper flange surface and positioned between the first end and the second end;
wherein the planks in the plurality of planks are aligned in a row with each plank adjacent to at least one other plank, the first edge of the top plate of at least one plank in the plurality of planks overlaps the flange of another adjacent plank;
wherein each plank of the plurality of planks moves relative to the carrier in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of each plank;
wherein each plank of the plurality of planks comprises:
a bottom plate spaced from the top plate;
a first sidewall joining the top plate and the bottom plate;
and
a second sidewall joining the top plate and the bottom plate and spaced laterally from the first sidewall, and an opening is defined at least by the top plate, the bottom plate, the first sidewall, and the second sidewall;
and
wherein the bottom plate of each plank of the plurality of planks extends between a third edge and a fourth edge, and wherein the third edge is laterally offset from the first sidewall and the fourth edge is laterally offset from the second sidewall such that the bottom plate is configured to receive plank holders at the third and fourth edges to hold the plank to the carrier.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.