Apparatus for automated maintenance of aircraft structural elements
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United States of America Patent
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May 9, 2017
Grant Date -
Oct 31, 2013
app pub date -
Oct 30, 2012
filing date -
Jan 19, 2010
priority date (Note) -
In Force
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
Automated apparatus for performing maintenance functions on airfoil-shaped bodies having short chord lengths, the apparatus being movable in a spanwise direction along the airfoil-shaped body. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises a blade crawler capable of supporting any one of a plurality of end effectors for performing a set of maintenance functions on an airfoil-shaped body, such as a blade component. Included in these functions are multiple options for nondestructive inspection, drilling, grinding, fastening, appliqué application, scarfing, ply mapping, depainting, cleaning, and painting devices that are attached as the end effector for the blade crawler. As a whole, the blade crawler reduces maintenance time, labor hours and human errors when robotic maintenance functions are performed on blade components.
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International Classification(s)
- G01M:TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR S....
- G01L:MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL ....
- G01N:INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMININ....
- B64F:GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS
- B25J:MANIPULATORS; CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION ....
- F01D:NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g....
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