Patent ID: 11926431
Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 8:
9. A method for removably securing an auxiliary fuel tank in a cargo area of an aircraft, the method comprising:
installing four or more coupler assemblies that removably couples sides of the auxiliary fuel tank to a fuselage of the aircraft, wherein at least two coupler assemblies of the four or more coupler assemblies are disposed on each of two sides of the auxiliary fuel tank, wherein each of the coupler assemblies comprises a first coupler that includes a first attachment member that supports a body with a hollow channel having a centerline disposed longitudinally in the fuselage between a first end and a second end, and a slot between an outer surface of the body and the hollow channel, and a second coupler that includes an engagement member, a second attachment member, and an arm extending between the engagement member and the second attachment member;
modifying a position of the engagement member relative to the arm;
sliding the engagement member within the hollow channel from the first end; and
engaging the engagement member within the hollow channel of the body of the first coupler, with the arm extending through the slot.