The Boeing Company

Phillip E Roll

Everett A Westerman

Phillip R Rotta

John G MacDuff, Jr

A fixture for supporting an electronics module or like component in a generally inaccessible area within a structure. In one preferred form the fixture is adapted to be mounted within a fuselage of an aircraft or other mobile platform in an area that would not permit direct removal of an electronics module for maintenance or repair without first removing other aircraft subsystems, tubing or ducting. The fixture allows the electronics module to be slidably inserted and supported in an area in a manner that allows easy installation and removal of the electronics module without the need to remove other subcomponents disposed adjacent the fixture. The fixture includes provisions for coupling of an air supply thereto such that the electronics module can be cooled. The fixture is lightweight, compact and can be secured in a wide variety of orientations and locations within an aircraft or other structure to make most efficient use of the limited available space in commercial aircraft and other structures.

Fixture and method for quick installation and removal of mobile platform electronic modules

We control the cure temperature within &plusmn;15&deg; F. (8&deg; C.) for organic resin matrix composites with a thermal diffusion apparatus which contains a liquid fluid transfer medium to convey heat from an immersed resistance heater to the repair site. Uniform heating of the repair site occurs despite differences in the underlying structure of the repair site, such as the location of underlying spars or other structural features or variations in the skin thickness, because of natural convection within the heat transfer fluid. The fluid transfer medium preferably is a solid, at ambient temperature, but melts at a relatively low, elevated temperature below the cure temperature. We achieve uniform heating that is necessary for suitable repairs to temperatures of at least about 350&deg; F. (177&deg; C.) and simplify monitoring of the repair site temperatures because of the uniform heating we naturally achieve.

Repair method for uniformly heating composite structure

Apparatus for applying heat to a patch on a composite structure repair site includes a sealed bladder containing both a thermally conductive fluid and a heating element in thermal contact with the fluid. The heating element which comprises a flexible sheet having an electrical resistance wire uniformly placed thereon can be immersed in the fluid or otherwise in direct thermal contact therewith. Electrical power is applied to the heating element by conductors passing through the bladder surface. The heating element of disclosed structure can be attached to seal the bladder interior into two reservoirs, to permit fluid flow throughout the bladder or to form at least one outer surface of the bladder. Flexible supports can also be attached from the heating element to an interior bladder surface to maintain spacing between the heating element and the surface. To prevent diffusion of the thermally conductive fluid, a separate container of thermally conductive fluid impermeable material can be placed inside the bladder. The outer bladder may be sealed by mechanical frame apparatus which compresses the bladder surface material at a perimeter thereof.

Heating apparatus for composite structure repair

Apparatus for applying heat to a patch on a composite structure repair site is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sealed bladder containing both a thermally conductive fluid and a heating element in thermal contact with the fluid. The heating element which comprises a flexible sheet having an electrical resistance wire uniformly placed thereon can be immersed in the fluid or otherwise in direct thermal contact therewith. Electrical power is applied to the heating element by conductors passing through the bladder surface. The heating element of disclosed structure can be attached to seal the bladder interior into two reservoirs, to permit fluid flow throughout the bladder or to form at least one outer surface of the bladder. Flexible supports can also be attached from the heating element to an interior bladder surface to maintain spacing between the heating element and the surface. To prevent diffusion of the thermally conductive fluid, a separate container of thermally conductive fluid impermeable material can be placed inside the bladder. The outer bladder may be sealed by mechanical frame apparatus which compresses the bladder surface material at a perimeter thereof.

A method and apparatus for producing a controlled tapered cut on a curved surface in preparation for repairing a damaged area on the surface. The apparatus includes a cutting tool which is revolved around the damaged area at incrementally smaller radii until the entire damaged area and the periphery thereof has been machined. The cutting tool is maintained in a position such that the surface of the workpiece is machined along a tapered plane which is disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the tangent to the surface of the workpiece. As the normal to the workpiece surface changes its angular orientation, the position of the cutting tool is correspondingly adjusted to machine the workpiece. The cutting tool is disposed in a channel member extending normal to the surface in such a manner that the angular position thereof can be adjusted. The channel member is connected to a pivot shaft utilizing cables and torque rods such that the channel member and the cutting tool can be revolved by the pivot shaft around the damaged area. The resulting machined surface is tapered, allowing the workpiece to be repaired utilizing composite materials consisting of a plurality of plies which are bonded to one another.

Scarfing apparatus

The present invention contemplates an apparatus for producing a controlled taper cut in a workpiece. The apparatus includes a plurality of horizontal support members for supporting a slidable gantry member and a rotatable support member disposed within the gantry member in a substantially vertical position. The rotatable vertical support member is adjustable in a vertical direction within the gantry member. A router support beam is pivotally attached to the distal end of the vertical support member at the approximate midsection of the router support beam. The apparatus also includes a cutting tool slidably mounted from the support beam.

Growing community of inventors

Kent, WA, United States of America

Phillip E Roll