The Boeing Company

Ryan M Trumbo

Bennett M Moriarty

Shane Edward Arthur

Matthew H Mellin

John F Spalding

Luis A Perla

Raymond C Eng

Kyle Steven Biondich

Seana B Kobak

Jason Warner

Justin T Hoehn

Dhananjay B Vasa

Caitlin Elizabeth Kerr

Jeffrey Stephen Rebmann

Trevor S McCrea

Kjersta Lynn Larson-Smith

Jill Elisabeth Seebergh

Terrell D Riley

Alexandra Elena Corona

Jason S Warner

Jeffrey S Rebmann

Trevor S Mccrea

Surface treatment of a tubular surface defining an axis extending from a first surface end to a second surface end includes partially surrounding the tubular surface, at a first position, with a first set of treating units, with the treating units arranged in a first arcuate array. Furthermore, each treating unit is configured to include a plurality of first applicator heads. In some examples, a position of each of the plurality of first applicator heads is determined relative to the tubular surface. The first set of treating units is moved from the first position towards a second position. In one non-limiting example, each of the plurality of first applicator heads is independently controlled to selectively apply a first treatment as the first set of treating units moves from the first position towards the second position.

Integrated automation of paint processes incorporating arrayed painting and inkjet printing

A method of applying a surface treatment on a contoured surface includes attaching a surface treatment repair assembly to the contoured surface that includes a robotic unit and an array of applicator heads, each applicator head being configured to apply a repair treatment to the contoured surface. A location of the surface treatment relative to the surface treatment repair assembly is determined using an optical sensor configured to scan the contoured surface and generate an image data set of the contoured surface. A damaged portion of the surface treatment is identified and a target area for surface treatment repair is defined based on comparing the image data set generated by the optical sensor and a pristine image data set. The surface treatment repair assembly is positioned with the array of applicator heads adjacent to the surface treatment, and each applicator head is selectively operated to repair the surface treatment.

Adaptable surface treatment repair system

A method of treating a contoured surface with surface treatment layer includes applying a surface preparation layer along the contoured surface and applying a basecoat layer on top of the surface preparation layer. The method further includes stabilizing the basecoat layer to prepare a basecoat surface along the basecoat layer for one or more subsequent layers of the surface treatment coating and jetting a decorative livery layer along the contoured surface using one or more ink jet print heads. The method further includes applying an adhesion promoter on top of the decorative livery layer and stabilizing the adhesion promoter layer to produce a desired bonding surface along the adhesion promoter layer. Additionally, the method includes applying a clear coat layer to cover the underlying decorative livery layer, the basecoat layer and the surface preparation layer.

Inkjet printed livery application process

A method of treating a tubular surface which defines an axis extending from a first surface end to a second surface end includes partially surrounding the tubular surface, at a first position, with a first set of treating units, with the treating units arranged in a first arcuate array. Furthermore, each treating unit is configured to include a plurality of first applicator heads. Additionally, an embodiment of the method includes determining a position of each of the plurality of first applicator heads relative to the tubular surface and moving the first set of treating units from the first position towards a second position. In one non-limiting example, the method further includes independently controlling each of the plurality of first applicator heads to selectively apply a first treatment as the first set of treating units moves from the first position towards the second position.

A surface treatment repair assembly for applying a surface treatment to a contoured surface includes an attachment device configured to removably attach to the contoured surface and a robotic unit is coupled to the attachment device. Furthermore, a treating unit is operably mounted on the robotic unit and including a plurality of applicator heads forming a treatment array and each applicator head is configured to apply a surface repair treatment. At least one sensor is mounted on the treating unit and configured to identify a target area for the surface repair treatment and a controller is operably coupled to the robotic unit and the treating unit. The controller is programmed to control a movement of the robotic unit to position the treatment array adjacent to the target area and to selectively operate the treatment array to apply the surface repair treatment on the target area of the contoured surface.

Growing community of inventors

Renton, WA, United States of America

Ryan M Trumbo