Seal design for vehicle and structure application

Provided is a captured seal assembly that can be positioned between a first surface and a second surface of a structure or vehicle, such as an aircraft. The captured seal assembly includes a geometric-shaped seal such as a bulb-shaped seal that can be secured to an outer perimeter of the first surface and a receiving land capture that can be secured to an outer perimeter of the second surface. The geometric-shaped seal is designed to engage with the receiving land capture, and join the first surface and second surface when the geometric-shaped seal is engaged with the receiving land capture. In addition, the seal assembly can maintain a differential in pressure between a first region adjacent to the first surface and a second region adjacent to the second surface.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a seal design for vehicle and structure application.

BACKGROUND

Various features of vehicles and structures require sealing from the external and or internal atmosphere in order to prevent leakage, or to form a fire seal. In particular, vehicles such as airplanes may require sealing from the outside environment or between various sections of the aircraft. Numerous airplane joints at nacelles, pylons, access doors, panels, etc., require the use of seals to prevent elements from entering and exiting an area through the joints. Any gaps in the seals may affect performance of an aircraft and its components. Additionally, effective seals can act as fire seals and can also form a part of a fire wall.

Within an airplane, engine nacelles, auxiliary power units (APUs), and cargo doors have joints or openings that need to be sealed. Gaskets, such as a strip or ring of rubber can be used to seal these areas in some instances. In other instances, shaped material such as a bulb seal can be used to seal these areas. According to current practices, every seal is custom made for the particular application and seal configurations on all engine nacelle fire zone applications must be fire tested and be fire proof or fire resistant.

Providing custom seals for each use in an airplane or other vehicle or structure is costly and time-consuming. In addition, conducting fire tests of each of these custom seals is expensive and inefficient. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved seal designs that can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and effectively prevent leakage.

SUMMARY

Provided are mechanisms for a captured seal design for vehicles and structures and processes for implementing the captured seal design.

In one aspect, a mechanism including a captured seal assembly is provided. The captured seal assembly is positioned between a first surface and a second surface of a structure or vehicle, such as an aircraft. The captured seal assembly includes a geometric-shaped seal that can be secured to an outer perimeter of the first surface and a receiving land capture that can be secured to an outer perimeter of the second surface. The geometric-shaped seal engages with the receiving land capture, and joins the first surface and second surface when the geometric-shaped seal is engaged with the receiving land capture. In addition, the captured seal assembly can maintain a differential in pressure between a first region adjacent to the first surface and a second region adjacent to the second surface.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the first surface is a first aircraft surface and the second surface is a second aircraft surface.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the first aircraft surface is a door and the second aircraft surface includes an opening that is designed to be covered by the door.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the receiving land capture engages two sides of the geometric-shaped seal. The geometric-shaped seal may be a bulb-shaped seal.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the receiving land engages a first side of the geometric-shaped seal while a second side of the geometric-shaped seal does not engage the receiving land capture, and wherein the first side of the geometric-shaped seal is opposite to the second side of the geometric-shaped seal.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the geometric-shaped seal includes a magnetic material that can magnetically attract to the receiving land capture.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the geometric-shaped seal includes a reinforcement layer made of ceramic fiber, glass fiber, metal, magnetic material or non-metallic material.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the geometric-shaped seal includes a stiffening material that forms an outside surface of the geometric-shaped seal.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the geometric-shaped seal includes a stiffening material that is embedded in the geometric-shaped seal.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the receiving land capture is made of a ferritic material, stainless steel, aluminum, magnetic material or non-metallic material.

In one aspect, a captured seal assembly is provided, which includes a geometric-shaped seal that can be secured to an outer perimeter of a first surface and a receiving land capture that can be secured to an outer perimeter of a second surface. The geometric-shaped seal engages with the receiving land capture. When the geometric-shaped seal is engaged with the receiving land capture, the first surface and second surface are joined and a differential in pressure between a first region adjacent to the first surface and a second region adjacent to the second surface can be maintained.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the first surface is a first aircraft surface and the second surface is a second aircraft surface.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the receiving land capture engages two sides of the geometric-shaped seal.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the receiving land capture engages one side of the geometric-shaped seal. The geometric-shaped seal may be a bulb-shaped seal.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, geometric-shaped seal includes a magnetic material that magnetically attracts the receiving land capture.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the geometric-shaped seal includes a reinforcement layer made of ceramic fiber, glass fiber, metal, magnetic material or non-metallic material.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the geometric-shaped seal can be disengaged from the receiving land capture by applying a force normal to the first surface.

In one aspect, method is provided for installing a captured seal assembly between two surfaces of an aircraft. A geometric-shaped seal is secured to an outer perimeter of a first surface of the aircraft and a receiving land capture is placed on a corresponding outer perimeter of a second surface of the aircraft. The geometric-shaped seal is engaged with the receiving land capture to secure the first surface to the second surface and maintain a pressure differential across an assembly comprising the geometric-shaped seal engaged with the receiving land capture.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the second surface includes an opening, and the first surface is designed to cover the opening.

In one aspect, which may include at least a portion of the subject matter of any of the preceding and/or following examples and aspects, the first surface includes an opening, and the second surface is designed to cover the opening. The geometric-shaped seal may be a bulb-shaped seal.

In various embodiments, the captured seal may include a variety of materials and structures and may be captured, magnetic, or otherwise engaged. Captured seal materials may include nitrile rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, polyurethane, ceramics, silicone, ceramics, nylon, alloys, polymers, and the like. A captured seal structure may be bulb-shaped, triangular-shaped, wedge-shaped, cone-shaped, tear-drop shaped, rectangular-shaped and the like.

The particular embodiments that have been discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments further details of which can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Introduction

Various concepts presented relate to apparatus and methods for a captured seal design for vehicles and structures. In particular, various concepts presented herein relate to improved sealing techniques such as more effective contact with seal lands, inclusion of embedded magnetic materials, captive and semi-captive seal lands, and other features. According to various embodiments, a captured seal design can be used for aircraft joints, panels, and other structures.

In particular embodiments, a captured seal assembly includes a geometric-shaped seal such as a bulb-shaped, cone-shaped, wedge-shaped, or tear-drop shaped seal that engages with a land capture. The seal may or may not be resilient. This seal assembly can produce a more effective and secure seal than previous designs that include only a gasket or seal, without a land capture or a capture seal. By using a fixed land capture in various examples presented herein, the heavy burden of maintenance and seal issues in the shop can be reduced or eliminated. In addition, using the geometric-shaped seal with the land capture can provide superior fire seals. It should be noted that although one example of a geometric-shaped seal in the form of a geometric-shaped seal is described for illustrative purposes, various embodiments should not be limited to a particular geometric-shaped seal and should include a variety of other geometries.

With current designs, engine nacelle applications are fire tested because there is no standard design. Because every seal is custom made for the particular application, each seal must undergo fire testing, which is an expensive certification process. According to various embodiments, the seal assembly described can be tested and certification data can be generated for the design. Once the seal assembly is certified, this assembly may be implemented without additional certification fire testing, which is an expensive process. The seal assembly can then be accepted and used based on its proven design in standard applications. In particular, the seal assembly can be standardized and made available for use by others in the aircraft industry.

Seal Assembly

According to various embodiments, a seal assembly can be used to join two surfaces of a vehicle or structure, such that leakage between the surfaces is reduced. With reference toFIG. 1, shown is a cross-sectional view of a seal assembly, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, the seal assembly100includes a bulb-shaped seal and a receiving land capture. It should be recognized that although a particular seal geometry is described, a variety of different geometric-shaped seal seal structures can be used including bulb-shaped seals, triangular-shaped seals, cone-shaped seals, and wedge-shaped seals. In the present embodiment, the bulb-shaped seal includes bulb core103, reinforcement layer105, stiffening layer107, and an optional embedded layer109. According to particular embodiments, the bulb-shaped seal is configured to elastically deform such that it can engage with a receiving land capture113and form a snug, secure fit. In some examples, bulb core103can be hollow, and in other instances, bulb core103may include a closed cell rubber or silicone core or other materials. Reinforcement layer105can include materials such as ceramic fiber, glass fiber, metal, magnetic material or other non-metallic materials. Stiffening layer107can include a metal or non-metallic material that provides stiffness for engaging with a receiving land capture113. This stiffening layer107can cover the reinforcement layer105in various embodiments, and can be embedded within reinforcement layer105in other embodiments, depending on the application. In some examples, stiffening layer107may also include magnetic materials configured to attract and bond to the receiving land capture113.

In the present embodiment, embedded layer109can be optionally included in some examples. For instance, embedded layer109can include a magnetic material that is configured to attract and bond to the receiving land capture113when the bulb-shaped seal is engaged with the receiving land capture113. By including a magnetic material within or covering the bulb-shaped seal, the bond between the bulb-shaped seal and the receiving land capture113can be improved and leakage can be reduced. In addition, receiving land capture113can be made of magnetic materials in some examples.

In the present embodiment, the bulb-shaped seal can be secured to the surface of an aircraft panel101. For example, the bulb-shaped seal can be secured using a bracket123and fastener117, or any other mechanism configured to attach the bulb-shaped seal to the surface of aircraft panel101. As shown, the bulb-shaped seal is configured to engage with receiving land capture113, such that when the bulb-shaped seal and the receiving land capture are engaged, aircraft panel101is secured to aircraft panel129.

According to various embodiments, land111is a location where the bulb-shaped seal makes contact with the surface of aircraft panel129. In some examples, land111can be made of a magnetic material. In the present embodiment, the bulb-shaped seal engages with receiving land capture113, which is fixed to aircraft panel129. Receiving land capture113is configured to mechanically hold the bulb-shaped seal in place when engaged with the receiving land capture113. In addition, receiving land capture113can be made of a ferritic material, stainless steel, aluminum, magnetic material, non-metallic materials, or other materials. In some examples, land capture113can include a magnetic material designed to attract materials included in the bulb-shaped seal. According to various examples, receiving land capture113is configured to elastically deform to allow the bulb-shaped seal to engage with receiving land capture113, such that receiving land capture113can open to allow placement of the bulb-shaped seal and return substantially to its original shape to secure the bulb-shaped seal in place. According to various embodiments, in order to disengage the bulb-shaped seal from the receiving land capture113, a force can be applied normal to the surfaces of aircraft panels101and/or129such that the bulb-shaped seal is pulled apart and released from the receiving land capture113.

With reference toFIG. 2, shown is a cross-sectional view of a captured seal assembly with a one-sided capture seal, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, the captured seal assembly100includes bulb-shaped seal and a receiving land capture. In the present embodiment, the bulb-shaped seal includes bulb core103, reinforcement layer105, stiffening layer107, and an optional embedded layer109. According to particular embodiments, the bulb-shaped seal is configured to elastically deform such that it can engage with a receiving land capture115and form a snug, secure fit. In some examples, bulb core103can be hollow, and in other instances, bulb core103may include a closed cell rubber or silicone core or other materials. Reinforcement layer105can include materials such as ceramic fiber, glass fiber, metal, magnetic material or other non-metallic materials. Stiffening layer107can include a metal or non-metallic material that provides stiffness for engaging with a receiving land capture115. This stiffening layer107can cover the reinforcement layer105in various embodiments, and can be embedded within reinforcement layer105in other embodiments, depending on the application. In some examples, stiffening layer may also include magnetic materials configured to attract and bond to the receiving land capture115.

In the present embodiment, embedded layer109can be optionally included in some examples. For instance, embedded layer109can include a magnetic material that is configured to attract and bond to the receiving land capture115when the bulb-shaped seal is engaged with the receiving land capture115. By including a magnetic material within or covering the bulb-shaped seal, the bond between the bulb-shaped seal and the receiving land capture115can be improved and leakage can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the bulb-shaped seal can be secured to the surface of an aircraft panel101. For example, the bulb-shaped seal can be secured using a bracket123and fastener117, or any other mechanism configured to attach the bulb-shaped seal to the surface of aircraft panel101. As shown, the bulb-shaped seal is configured to engage with receiving land capture115, such that when the bulb-shaped seal and the receiving land capture are engaged, aircraft panel101is secured to aircraft panel129.

According to various embodiments, land111is a location where the bulb-shaped seal makes contact with the surface of aircraft panel129. In some examples, land111can be made of a magnetic material. In the present embodiment, the bulb-shaped seal engages with receiving land capture115, which is fixed to aircraft panel129. Receiving land capture115is configured to mechanically hold one side of the bulb-shaped seal in place when engaged with the receiving land capture115. In some examples, a strip of the bulb-shaped seal can be secured to a perimeter of an aircraft panel and a corresponding strip of the one-sided receiving land capture115can be secured to a perimeter of another aircraft panel, as described in more detail with regard toFIG. 4. The one-sided receiving land capture115can be applied as a strip that follows the outside perimeter of the aircraft panel in some examples such that the bulb-shaped seal snaps into place along its outer perimeter and is surrounded by a lip of the receiving land capture115when it is engaged. In other examples, the one-sided receiving land capture115can be installed such that the lip follows the inside perimeter so that the bulb-shaped seal snaps into place along its interior side and surrounds the receiving land capture115when it is engaged.

In the present embodiment, receiving land capture115can be made of a ferritic material, stainless steel, aluminum, magnetic materials, non-metallic materials, or other materials. In some examples, land capture115can include a magnetic material designed to attract materials included in the bulb-shaped seal. According to various examples, receiving land capture115is configured to elastically deform to allow the bulb-shaped seal to engage with receiving land capture115, such that receiving land capture115can open to allow placement of the bulb-shaped seal and return substantially to its original shape to secure the bulb-shaped seal in place. According to various embodiments, in order to disengage the bulb-shaped seal from the receiving land capture115, a force can be applied normal to the surfaces of aircraft panels101and/or129such that the bulb-shaped seal is pulled apart and released from the receiving land capture115.

With reference toFIG. 3, shown is a cross-sectional view of a seal assembly with a magnetic seal, in accordance with various embodiments. In the present embodiment, the bulb-shaped seal includes bulb core103, reinforcement layer105, an inner magnetic layer305and an outer magnetic layer303. The magnetic seal can be used in combination with a capture seal or in lieu of a capture seal. According to particular embodiments, the bulb-shaped seal is configured to elastically deform such that it can engage with a magnetic layer303and form a snug, secure fit. In particular embodiments, magnetic layer301and land111may also deform to form a snug, secure fit with the magnetic layers303and305. In some examples, bulb core103can be hollow, and in other instances, bulb core103may include a closed cell rubber or silicone core or other materials. Reinforcement layer105can include materials such as ceramic fiber, glass fiber, metal, magnetic material or other non-metallic materials.

In the present embodiment, the bulb-shaped seal can be secured to the surface of an aircraft panel101. For example, the bulb-shaped seal can be secured using a bracket123and fastener117, or any other mechanism configured to attach the bulb-shaped seal to the surface of aircraft panel101. As shown, the bulb-shaped seal is configured to engage with magnetic layer301and land111, such that when the bulb-shaped seal and the receiving land are engaged, aircraft panel101is secured to aircraft panel129. In some embodiments, magnetic layer301and land111can also deform to conform to the bulb-shaped seal when engaged.

According to various embodiments, land111is a location where the bulb-shaped seal makes contact with the surface of aircraft panel129. In some examples, land111can also be made of a magnetic material.

Use of Seal Assembly

A seal assembly can be used to seal various features of vehicles and structures, according to various embodiments. In particular, a seal assembly can be used to seal portions of an airplane that may require sealing from the outside environment, outside environment, or between various sections of the aircraft. Additionally, a seal assembly can be used at numerous airplane joints at nacelles, pylons, access doors, panels, etc., that require the use of seals to prevent elements from entering and exiting an area through the joints.

With reference toFIG. 4, shown is a diagrammatic representation of a seal used between two aircraft surfaces, in accordance with various embodiments. As shown, aircraft panel101includes a bulb-shaped seal119secured along a perimeter of the aircraft panel101. In particular, a strip of the bulb-shaped seal can be attached along the perimeter of aircraft panel101. In some examples, parallel strips of the bulb-shaped seal and corresponding parallel strips of the receiving land capture can be secured in order to create an even stronger seal and less leakage. Although aircraft panel101is represented as a door in the present embodiment, aircraft panel can represent various structures of an airplane in other examples.

In the present embodiment, aircraft panel129includes an opening121such as a door, window, etc. Receiving land capture131is fixed along a perimeter of opening121and is configured to engage with bulb-shaped seal119. In some examples, a two-sided receiving land capture can be used, as described in more detail above with regard toFIG. 1. In other examples, a one-sided receiving land capture can be used, as described above with regard toFIG. 2.

According to various examples in which a one-sided receiving land capture131is used, the one-sided receiving land capture131can include a lip that follows the outside perimeter of the opening121such that the bulb-shaped seal snaps into place along its outer perimeter and is surrounded by the receiving land capture131when it is engaged such that the bulb-shaped seal is exposed on the side of the opening121. In other examples, the one-sided receiving land capture131can be installed such that the lip follows the inside perimeter so that the bulb-shaped seal snaps into place along its interior side and surrounds the receiving land capture115when it is engaged such that the one-sided receiving land capture131is exposed on the side of the opening121.

In the present embodiment, aircraft panel101can be snapped into place by engaging bulb-shaped seal119with receiving land capture131. For instance, aircraft panel101can be pushed with a force sufficient to engage the seal with the receiving land capture. To remove aircraft panel101from aircraft panel129, a force can be applied normal to the panels such that the bulb-shaped seal119and receiving land capture111are physically pulled apart and disengaged. For instance, this force can be applied by pulling a handle, etc. that is attached to the outside of airplane panel119, which is opposite from where the bulb-shaped seal is secured. As described above with regard toFIGS. 1 and 2, bulb-shaped seal119can be engaged mechanically with receiving land capture131in some examples. In addition, bulb-shaped seal119can also be magnetically engaged with receiving land capture131in other examples.

With reference toFIG. 5, shown is a cross-sectional view of a seal used to maintain a pressure differential between two regions, in accordance with various embodiments. In the present embodiment, aircraft panel101includes a strip of bulb-shaped seal119secured along a perimeter of the aircraft panel101, which is shown in a cross-sectional view. As shown, aircraft panel101is configured as a door for an aircraft or cargo area. However, aircraft panel101can represent various structures of an airplane in other examples.

In the present embodiment, aircraft panel129includes an opening such as a door, window, etc. A receiving land capture113is fixed along a perimeter of the opening and is configured to engage with bulb-shaped seal119. As shown in the present example, a two-sided receiving land capture can be used, although a one-sided receiving land capture can also be used in other examples.

In the present embodiment, aircraft panel101can be snapped into place by engaging bulb-shaped seal119with receiving land capture113. For instance, aircraft panel101can be pushed with a physical force sufficient to engage the seal with the receiving land capture. To remove aircraft panel101from aircraft panel129, a force can be applied normal to the panels such that the bulb-shaped seal119and receiving land capture113are physically pulled apart and disengaged. For instance, this force can be applied by pulling a handle, etc. that is attached to outside of airplane panel101, on the side opposite from where the bulb-shaped seal is secured. As described above with regard toFIGS. 1 and 2, bulb-shaped seal119can be engaged mechanically with receiving land capture113in some examples. In addition, bulb-shaped seal119can also be magnetically engaged with receiving land capture113in other examples.

According to various embodiments, when the bulb-shaped seal119is engaged with receiving land capture113, a seal is formed between aircraft panel101and aircraft panel129. This seal separates two regions, region125and region127. For instance, region125may be the outside atmosphere and region127may be a cargo interior of an airplane. In another example, region125may be the outside atmosphere and region127may be the fuselage of an airplane. In yet another example, region125may be an interior region of an airplane and region127may be another interior region of the airplane.

As described above, various embodiments of the seal assembly are configured to reduce leakage between regions125and127. For instance, the seal created by the seal assembly can prevent air from leaking out of an aircraft into the environment, which can cause the aircraft to lose thrust. In another example, effective seals can reduce protruding surfaces caused by joints, doors, etc. that can produce drag forces, and thereby increase fuel consumption of an aircraft.

In the present embodiment, region125has a pressure P1and region127has a pressure P2. According to various embodiments, region125and region127can have differential pressures, such that P1and P2have pressures that are distinct from each other. For example, for a cargo compartment door, the differential between P1and P2can be around 7.4 psi, where P1is the pressure of outside environment, and P2is the pressure of the cargo area. Of course, various differentials can exist between different regions of an aircraft or vehicle in other examples. In addition, the differential in pressure between the two regions can be negligible in some applications, such as when a seal separates two compartments having the same or about the same pressure.

When there is a differential in pressure between regions125and127, any gaps in the seal between aircraft panel101and129can allow air to escape and cause issues such as drag forces and fuel inefficiencies. Various embodiments described above set forth an improved design for a seal assembly that provides an improved seal and reduces leakage and gaps between the panels. In addition, the seal assembly can maintain a pressure differential between different regions of an airplane, thereby increasing efficiencies of the aircraft.

According to various embodiments, installation of the seal assembly involves securing both the bulb-shaped seal and the corresponding receiving land capture, which is a more involved process than traditional seals that include installation of only a seal without a land capture. With reference toFIG. 6, shown is a flowchart illustrating a process for providing a seal assembly between two surfaces of an aircraft, in accordance with various embodiments. In particular, a strip of the bulb-shaped seal is secured to an outer perimeter of a first surface at601. In some examples, one or more additional strips can be installed parallel to the strip of bulb-shaped seal such that they would form a double or reinforced seal to further reduce leakage and gaps in the seal.

Next, a corresponding receiving land capture is placed along an outer perimeter of a second surface at603, such that engagement of the receiving land capture with the bulb-shaped seal joins the first and second surfaces. If more than one strip of the bulb-shaped seal is installed, corresponding strips of the receiving land capture can also be installed. Once the bulb-shaped seal and receiving land capture are installed, the bulb-shaped seal can be engaged with the receiving land capture at605.

As described in more detail above, the bulb-shaped seal can be engaged with the receiving land capture by applying a physical force sufficient to snap the two sides together. Once the bulb-shaped seal and the receiving land capture are engaged, a seal is formed between the first and second surfaces, such that differences in pressure between a first region adjacent to the first surface and a second region adjacent to the second surface can be maintained at607. For instance, if the first region is the outside atmosphere and the second region is a cargo area, the seal formed between the first and second surfaces can reduce leakage between these two regions, thereby maintaining the pressure differential between the two regions. In some examples, the first and second region can have the same or similar pressures, such as when the first surface and second surface separate two interior cargo areas. In these examples, maintaining the pressure differential can include reducing or preventing leakage between the two regions.

Examples of Aircraft

An aircraft manufacturing and service method700shown inFIG. 7Aand an aircraft730shown inFIG. 7Bwill now be described to better illustrate various features of processes and systems presented herein. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method700may include specification and design702of aircraft730and material procurement704. The production phase involves component and subassembly manufacturing706and system integration708of aircraft730. Thereafter, aircraft730may go through certification and delivery710in order to be placed in service712. While in service by a customer, aircraft730is scheduled for routine maintenance and service714(which may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on). While the embodiments described herein relate generally to servicing of commercial aircraft, they may be practiced at other stages of the aircraft manufacturing and service method700.

As shown inFIG. 7B, aircraft730produced by aircraft manufacturing and service method700may include airframe732, interior736, and multiple systems734. Examples of systems734include one or more of propulsion system738, electrical system740, hydraulic system742, and environmental system744. Any number of other systems may be included in this example. Although an aircraft example is shown, the principles of the disclosure may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

Apparatus and methods embodied herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method700. For example, without limitation, components or subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly manufacturing706may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft730is in service.

Also, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized during component and subassembly manufacturing706and system integration708, for example, without limitation, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft730. Similarly, one or more of apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while aircraft730is in service, for example, without limitation, to maintenance and service714may be used during system integration708and/or maintenance and service714to determine whether parts may be connected and/or mated to each other.

CONCLUSION

Although the foregoing concepts have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes, systems, and apparatuses. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.