Automated apparatus (100) for performing maintenance functions on airfoil-shaped bodies (170) having short chord lengths, the apparatus (100) being movable in a spanwise direction along the airfoil-shaped body (170). In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus (100) comprises a blade crawler capable of supporting any one of a plurality of end effectors (112) for performing a set of maintenance functions on an airfoil-shaped body (170), 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 (112) for the blade crawler (100). As a whole, the blade crawler (100) reduces maintenance time, labor hours and human errors when robotic maintenance functions are performed on blade components.


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    Title :

    Apparatus for automated maintenance of aircraft structural elements


    Additional title:

    Vorrichtung zur automatisierten Wartung von Flugzeugstrukturelementen
    Appareil pour la maintenance automatisée d'éléments de structure d'aéronef


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    2020-07-01


    Type of media :

    Patent


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English


    Classification :

    IPC:    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



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