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.
Apparatus for automated maintenance of aircraft structural elements
2017-05-09
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | B25J Manipulatoren , MANIPULATORS / B64F GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT , Boden- oder Flugzeugträgerdeckeinrichtungen besonders ausgebildet für die Verwendung in Verbindung mit Luftfahrzeugen / F01D Strömungsmaschinen [Kraft- und Arbeitsmaschinen oder Kraftmaschinen], z.B. Dampfturbinen , NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES / G01L Messen von Kraft, mechanischer Spannung, Drehmoment, Arbeit, mechanischer Leistung, mechanischem Wirkungsgrad oder des Drucks von Fluiden , MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE / G01M TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES , Prüfen der statischen oder dynamischen Massenverteilung rotierender Teile von Maschinen oder Konstruktionen / G01N Untersuchen oder Analysieren von Stoffen durch Bestimmen ihrer chemischen oder physikalischen Eigenschaften , INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES |
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