US 9,266,625 B1 · System and method for scanning a wing box skin

Abstract

Systems and methods for automated non-destructive inspection scanning of the top and bottom aerodynamic surfaces or skins of an integrally stiffened wing box (e.g., a horizontal stabilizer) using surface crawling vehicles. Each system uses dynamically controlled magnetic coupling to couple an external drive tractor to a pair of passive trailers disposed in the interior of the wing box on opposite sides of a spar. The external drive tractor is also coupled to an external NDI scanner, which the tractor pushes or pulls across the surface skin being inspected. The systems allow scanning of both surface skins without turning the wing box over. Each system is modular and can be transported to and easily set up in a building or factory.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A method for scanning a wing box skin, comprising:

(a) placing a first tractor vehicle in a position external to the wing box and in contact with the skin;
(b) placing first and second trailer vehicles in respective interior spaces of the wing box with a first spar of the wing box therebetween;
(c) magnetically coupling the first and second trailer vehicles to the first tractor vehicle with the skin therebetween and to each other with the first spar therebetween;
(d) coupling a payload platform to the first tractor vehicle in a position external to the wing box, the payload platform comprising a frame and a maintenance tool that is movable relative to the frame;
(e) moving the first tractor vehicle along a path that follows the first spar;
(f) stopping the first tractor vehicle;
and
(g) moving the maintenance tool of the payload platform in a first direction relative to the frame of the payload platform while the first tractor vehicle is stopped in step (f).

5 more elements

A system for performing a maintenance function on a wing box skin, comprising:

(a) a hollow composite structure comprising first and second spars and first and second skins connected by said first and second spars;
(b) a mobile platform comprising:
(i) a chassis comprising first and second chassis parts coupled to each other, said first chassis part overlying a first portion of said first spar, each of said first and second chassis parts comprising a respective plurality of wheels in contact with said external surface of said first skin;
(ii) a first drive wheel rotatably coupled to said first chassis part and in contact with said external surface of said first skin;
(iii) a first actuator mounted to said first chassis part for causing said first drive wheel to rotate;
(iv) a first plurality of magnets mounted to said first chassis part;
and
(v) a first maintenance tool slidably coupled to said second chassis part, said first maintenance tool being slidable along said second chassis part;
and
(vi) a second actuator mounted to said second chassis part for causing said first maintenance tool to slide along said second chassis part;
(c) a first trailer vehicle disposed adjacent a first portion of an internal surface of said first skin and adjacent one side of said first spar, said first trailer vehicle comprising a second plurality of magnets, at least one magnet pole of said second plurality of magnets being magnetically coupled to a magnet pole of said first plurality of magnets through said first skin;
and
(d) a second trailer vehicle disposed adjacent a second portion of an internal surface of said first skin and adjacent another side of said first spar, said second trailer vehicle comprising a third plurality of magnets, at least one magnet pole of said third plurality of magnets being magnetically coupled to a magnet pole of said first plurality of magnets through said first skin, and at least one magnet pole of said third plurality of magnets being magnetically coupled to a magnet pole of said second plurality of magnets through said first spar,
wherein said magnetically coupled mobile platform and first and second trailer vehicles move in unison when said drive wheel is rotated.

11 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for scanning a wing box skin

Life of this patent

System and method for scanning a wing box skin

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24