METHOD OF RAPID HOLE TRANSFER TO REPLACEMENT PARTS

• Main Authors: STECKEL, RICHARD, J, NOBLES, ORVAL, M, PIASSE, MICHAEL, L, FARNIOK, CRAIG, M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 10.02.2010
• Subjects: AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; CONTROLLING; COSMONAUTICS; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING ORREPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLYADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFTCOMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MEASURING; MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS ORELEMENTS; NAVIGATION; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY; PHYSICS; REGULATING; SURVEYING; TESTING; TRANSPORTING

A method of replacing an existing part or parts on a structure such as an aircraft. The structure is inducted for modification. An existing part is removed and a new part is temporarily installed. Hole locations are digitally transferred to the new part, e.g., photographically captured in a three-dimensional coordinate measurement system, converted to targets printable in a laser projection system. Targets are laser projected or printed on the replacement part. Holes are drilled at each printed target. The holes drilled at printed targets match hole locations on the existing part. Then, the new/replacement part is permanently attached to the structure.