Patent Publication Number: US-9839943-B2

Title: Adhesive scoop having a rigid unitary form with plurality of fillets

Description:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION 
     1. Field 
     The present disclosure relates generally to manufacturing and, in particular, to manufacturing using adhesives. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for removing excess adhesive. 
     2. Background 
     Manufacturing an aircraft may be a complex and time consuming process. Manufacturing an aircraft may include, for example, without limitation, fabricating parts, assembling parts, installing systems, inspections, and other suitable operation for manufacturing the aircraft. 
     One operation performed in assembling parts may include connecting parts to each other to form structures for the aircraft. The connecting may be one or more of fastening, bonding, or other suitable operations. The bonding of parts to each other may be performed using an adhesive. 
     For example, without limitation, brackets may be bonded to various parts of an aircraft using an adhesive (or sealant). The bonding process for bonding a bracket to a panel may require the entire surface area of the bracket to be covered with the adhesive prior to installation. After the bracket is installed, some of the adhesive may squeeze out of the edges of the bracket onto the surface of the panel. This visual cue of the adhesive may indicate that a sufficient amount of adhesive was used to bond the bracket to the panel. This visual cue may be referred to as a “squeeze out.” 
     Leaving the squeeze out on the panel, bracket or both may be undesirable. Removing the squeeze out may be more time consuming to clean and messier than desired. Currently, a tool, such as a wood tongue depressor, may be used to remove some of the adhesive in the squeeze out. Thereafter, a towel with alcohol or some other solvent may be used to remove the remaining portions of the squeeze out from the surface of the panel. This current process may take more time and effort than desired. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that take into account at least some of the issues discussed above, as well as other possible issues. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus may comprise a base section. The base section may be configured to move along a surface of a first part and a second part of a structure. The base section may have sides that form a pocket. The sides may have a shape that substantially conforms to the surface of the first part and the second part of the structure. 
     In another illustrative embodiment, a method for removing a viscous material from a structure may be provided. A scoop may be moved along a surface of a first part and a second part in the structure. The scoop may have a base section with sides having a shape that substantially conforms to the surface of the first part and the second part of the structure. A portion of the viscous material may be guided on the surface of the structure into a pocket formed by the sides of the base section of the scoop as the scoop moves along the surface of the structure. 
     In yet another illustrative embodiment, an adhesive scoop may comprise an elongate member and a base section associated with an end of the elongate member. The base section may have an angle relative to the elongate member and sides that form a pocket. The sides may have a shape that substantially conforms to a surface of a first part and a second part of a structure. The sides may be configured to move along the surface of the first part and the second part of the structure. The sides may be configured to move along the structure and guide a viscous material on the surface of the structure into the pocket when the sides move along the first part and the second part of the structure. The sides may have an outer surface with a first contour configured to correspond to a shape of the surface of the portion of the structure. The sides may have an inner surface with a second contour configured to guide the viscous material into the pocket. The second contour may include a number of fillets configured to move the viscous material into the pocket. The sides may comprise a bottom side and a number of walls that extend from the bottom side to form the pocket. The number of walls may extend at an angle relative to the bottom side. The base section may have a leading edge located on the bottom side. The leading edge may be configured to contact the surface of the structure and the viscous material on the surface of the structure. A guide structure may be physically associated with a bottom side of the base section such that the leading edge maintains a desired angle when the guide structure and the leading edge contact the surface of the structure. The structure may be comprised of parts selected from at least one of a panel, a bracket, a stringer, a fuselage, a fuel tank, an airframe, a composite structure, or a skin panel. 
     In still another illustrative embodiment, a method may set an angle of a scoop. A guide structure physically associated with a bottom side of the scoop may be placed such that the angle for a leading edge is set to a desired angle when the guide structure and the leading edge contact the surface of the first part of the structure. 
     The features and functions can be achieved independently in various embodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet other embodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative embodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative embodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and features thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of a block diagram of a viscous material removal environment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of a viscous material removal environment in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is an illustration of an adhesive scoop in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an enlarged view of a base section for an adhesive scoop in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an illustration of an adhesive scoop in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is another illustration of an adhesive scoop in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of a side view of an adhesive scoop in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is an illustration of an adhesive scoop used to remove adhesive from a structure in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of the removal of adhesive from the surface of a structure using an adhesive scoop in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is another illustration of the removal of adhesive from the surface of a structure using an adhesive scoop in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for removing a viscous material from a structure in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and service method in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and 
         FIG. 13  is an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or more considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that removing adhesive from a structure may take more time and effort than desired. The illustrative examples recognize and take into account that currently used methods for removing adhesive from a structure may not be as efficient as desired. 
     Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for removing a viscous material from a structure. In one illustrative example, viscous material may be removed using an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an elongate member and a base section. The base section may be physically associated with an end of the elongate member in which the base section is configured to move along a surface of the structure and guide a viscous material on the surface of the structure into a pocket in the base section. 
     With reference to the figures, and in particular, with reference to  FIG. 1 , an illustration of a block diagram of a viscous material removal environment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As depicted, viscous material removal environment  100  may take various forms. For example, viscous material removal environment  100  may be manufacturing environment  102 , maintenance environment  104 , or some other suitable environment. 
     As depicted, viscous material  106  may be placed such that viscous material  106  applied to structure  108  is located between first part  110  and second part  112  in parts  113  that form structure  108 . In these illustrative examples, parts  113  may be selected from at least one of a panel, a bracket, a fitting, a doubler, a stringer, a fuselage, a fuel tank, an airframe, a composite structure, or a skin panel. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed. In other words, at least one of means any combination of items and number of items may be used from the list but not all of the items in the list are required. The item may be a particular object, thing, or a category. 
     For example, without limitation, “at least one of item A, item B, or item C” may include, item A, item A and item B, or item B. This example also may include item A, item B, and item C or item B and item C. Of course, any combinations of these items may be present. In other examples, “at least one of” may be, for example, without limitation, two of item A; one of item B; and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or other suitable combinations. 
     In the illustrative example, viscous material  106  may be a material having a consistency between a solid and a liquid. In the illustrative example, viscous material  106  may flow prior to being cured. As depicted, viscous material  106  may be at least one of adhesive  114 , sealant  116 , or some other suitable material. 
     For example, when viscous material  106  takes the form of adhesive  114 , viscous material  106  may bond first part  110  and second part  112  at interface  118  to each other to form structure  108 . Interface  118  may be where first part  110  and second part  112  contact each other. 
     When first part  110  and second part  112  are placed against each other with viscous material  106 , viscous material  106  may be located between first part  110  and second part  112  at interface  118 . Additionally, viscous material  106  also may be located on surface  120  of structure  108  in locations other than at interface  118  between first part  110  and second part  112 . For example, this viscous material  106  may be located on surface  120  of at least one of first part  110  or second part  112 . In the illustrative example, viscous material  106  on surface  120  of structure  108  at locations other than interface  118  may be referred to as “squeeze out” or “excess viscous material.” 
     As depicted, tool  122  may be used to remove viscous material  106  on surface  120  of structure  108 . Tool  122  may take the form of scoop  124 . When viscous material  106  takes the form of adhesive  114 , scoop  124  may be an adhesive scoop. 
     In this illustrative example, scoop  124  may comprise elongate member  126  and base section  128 . Elongate member  126  may take the form of handle  130  when scoop  124  is used by human operator  132 . In other words, elongate member  126  may be handle  130  that is configured to be held by a hand of human operator  132 . In some cases, elongate member  126  may be connected to robot  134  when elongate member  126  and base section  128  form end effector  136  for robot  134 . 
     Base section  128  may be physically associated with elongate member  126 . When one component is “physically associated” with another component, the association is a physical association in the depicted examples. For example, a first component, base section  128 , may be considered to be physically associated with a second component, elongate member  126 , by at least one of being secured to the second component, bonded to the second component, mounted to the second component, welded to the second component, fastened to the second component, or connected to the second component in some other suitable manner. The first component also may be connected to the second component using a third component. The first component may also be considered to be physically associated with the second component by being formed as part of the second component, extension of the second component, or both. 
     In this illustrative example, base section  128  may be configured to move along surface  120  of structure  108  and guide viscous material  106  on surface  120  of structure  108  into pocket  138  in base section  128 . For example, base section  128  is configured to move along surface  120  of first part  110  and second part  112  of structure  108  in which base section  128  may have sides  140  that form pocket  138 , in which sides  140  may have shape  141  that substantially conform to surface  120  of first part  110  and second part  112  of structure  108 . Sides  140  may be configured to move along surface  120  of first part  110  and second part  112  of structure  108  and guide viscous material  106  on surface  120  of structure  108  into pocket  138  when sides  140  move along surface  120  of first part  110  and second part  112  of the structure  108 . In the illustrative example, viscous material  106  may be present on surface  120  of at least one of first part  110  or second part  112 . 
     In particular, sides  140  may include bottom side  142  and number of walls  144 . In the illustrative example, number of walls  144  may extend from bottom side  142  to form pocket  138 . 
     Further, sides  140  may be configured to move portion  146  of structure  108  and guide viscous material  106  on surface  120  of structure  108  into pocket  138  when sides  140  move along portion  146  of structure  108 . In the illustrative example, viscous material  106  located in interface  118  between first part  110  and second part  112  is not considered to be located on surface  120  of structure  108 . 
     In the illustrative example, sides  140  have an outer surface  148  with first contour  150  configured to substantially correspond to shape  152  of surface  120  of portion  146  of structure  108 . First contour  150  may be substantially flat, curved, or some combination thereof. For example, if surface  120  is flat, first contour  150  also may be flat. If surface  120  has a curve, first contour  150  may have a curve that substantially corresponds to the curve of surface  120 . 
     Additionally, sides  140  have inner surface  154  with second contour  156  configured to move viscous material  106  into pocket  138 . In particular, second contour  156  may include number of fillets  158  configured to move viscous material  106  into pocket  138 . In this illustrative example, a fillet in number of fillets  158  may be at least one of a curved surface or radius. 
     Further, base section  128  may have leading edge  160  in which leading edge  160  is configured to contact at least one of surface  120  of structure  108  and viscous material  106  on surface  120  of structure  108 . More specifically, leading edge  160  may be located on bottom side  142  of base section  128 . For example, leading edge  160  may contact surface  120  of first part  110 . 
     In the illustrative example, number of walls  144  may extend at angle  162  relative to bottom side  142 . Additionally, base section  128  may have angle  162  relative to elongate member  126 . Angle  162  may be selected such that only leading edge  160  touches surface  120  without other parts of base section  128  touching surface  120  during use of scoop  124  to remove viscous material  106  from surface  120  of structure  108 . 
     In the illustrative example, elongate member  126  and base section  128  may be comprised of a number of materials selected from at least one of polypropylene, polyethylene, a metal, polycarbonate, nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene, or other suitable materials. The number of materials may be the same or different materials between elongate member  126  and base section  128 . As another illustrative example, the number of materials in base section  128  may be comprised of more than one type of material. As depicted, the number of materials may be selected such that at least one of elongate member  126  or base section  128  is rigid. 
     In the illustrative examples, scoop  124  may be manufactured in a number different ways. For example, scoop  124  may be manufactured using at least one of additive manufacturing processes, printing processes, injection molding processes, or other suitable processes. 
     In the illustrative example, scoop  124  may provide for the removal of viscous material  106  with a desired level of speed. Further, scoop  124  may provide human operator  132  with a desired ease-of-use when removing viscous material  106  from structure  108 . Further, scoop  124  may be configured for quick and easy cleaning. In the illustrative example, scoop  124  may have a configuration that provides a finished or substantially finished seam at first part  110  and second part  112  on structure  108 . The seam may be a bonded joint between first part  110  and second part  112 . 
     Further, depending on the materials used, scoop  124  may be disposable. In other words, scoop  124  may be used for a particular period of time or any particular part. 
     The illustration of viscous material removal environment  100  in  FIG. 1  is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. Other components in addition to or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may be unnecessary. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined, divided, or combined and divided into different blocks when implemented in an illustrative embodiment. 
     For example, in some illustrative examples, only a single wall may be present in number of walls  144 . In other illustrative examples, elongate member  126  and base section  128  may be separate pieces connected to each other. In still other illustrative examples, viscous material  106  may comprise adhesive  114  and sealant  116 . 
     Further, in some illustrative examples, a portion of viscous material  106  may be left on surface  120  of first part  110  and second part  112  of structure  108 . For example, the portion of viscous material  106  may be left after the use of scoop  124  when viscous material  106  takes the form of sealant  116 . In some cases, sealant  116  may only be applied to surface  120  and not between first part  110  and second part  112  at interface  118 . The configuration of sides  140  may allow a desired portion of sealant  116  to remain on surface  120 . 
     With reference next to  FIG. 2 , an illustration of a viscous material removal environment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As depicted, viscous material removal environment  200  is an example of a physical implementation of viscous material removal environment  100  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     As depicted, structure  202  may be assembled on table  204 . Structure  202  may be an example of a physical implementation of structure  108  in  FIG. 1 . In this particular example, structure  202  may include bracket  206  and panel  208 . Bracket  206  and panel  208  may be examples of parts  113  in  FIG. 1 . For example, bracket  206  may be an example of a physical implementation for second part  112 , and panel  208  may be an example of a physical implementation for first part  110  in  FIG. 1 . In this illustrative example, adhesive  210  may be used to bond bracket  206  and panel  208  to each other. In some illustrative examples, adhesive  210  may also function as a sealant. 
     Adhesive  210  may be located on surface  212  of structure  202 . Surface  212  may be located on at least one of bracket  206  or panel  208 . In this illustrative example, adhesive  210  on surface  212  may be excess adhesive and may be referred to as squeeze out. 
     As depicted, adhesive scoop  214  and adhesive scoop  216  may be used to remove adhesive  210  from surface  212  on structure  202 . In this illustrative example, adhesive scoop  214  may be operated by human operator  218 . Adhesive scoop  216  may be operated by robot  220 . As depicted, robot  220  may be a robotic arm, crawler, or some other form of robot. In this type of implementation, adhesive scoop  216  may be end effector  222  for robot  220 . 
     With reference next to  FIG. 3 , an illustration of an adhesive scoop is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, adhesive scoop  214  is an example of one implementation for scoop  124  in  FIG. 1 . 
     As depicted, adhesive scoop  214  may have elongate member  300  and base section  302 . In this illustrative example, elongate member  300  may have handle  304  for use by human operator  218  in  FIG. 3 . 
     In this illustrative example, adhesive scoop  214  may have length  306 . Elongate member  300  may have length  308  and base section  302  may have length  310 . In this particular example, length  306  may be about 6.6 inches; length  308  may be about 5.6 inches; and length  310  may be about 1.0 inches. An enlarged view of base section  302  in section  312  is shown in  FIG. 4  and described below with respect to  FIG. 4 . 
     In  FIG. 4 , an illustration of an enlarged view of a base section for an adhesive scoop is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this view of section  312  from  FIG. 3 , sides  400  in base section  302  are shown. Sides  400  may include bottom side  402 , wall  404 , and wall  406 . As depicted, sides  400  may form pocket  408 . 
     In this illustrative example, base section  302  has leading edge  410 . In particular, leading edge  410  may be located on bottom side  402  in sides  400  on base section  302 . 
     As depicted, elongate member  300  of adhesive scoop  214  also may have indicator  412  in the form of arrow  414 . Arrow  414  may indicate that adhesive scoop  214  should be moved in the direction of arrow  416  by human operator  218  in  FIG. 2 . 
     In this view, sides  400  have outer surface  418  and inner surface  420 . Outer surface  418  may have first contour  422 , while inner surface  420  may have second contour  424 . Of course, in other illustrative examples, indicator  412  may be located on base section  302 . 
     First contour  422  of outer surface  418  of sides  400  may be configured to substantially correspond to a portion of structure  202  such as bracket  206 . As can be seen in this example, surface  212  of structure  202  at bracket  206  is substantially planar. 
     In a similar fashion, first contour  422  of outer surface  418  at wall  404  may substantially correspond by being substantially planar. In this illustrative example, panel  208  may also be substantially planar. First contour  422  of outer surface  418  at bottom side  402  may substantially correspond to surface  212  at panel  208  by being substantially planar. 
     If surface  212  of structure  202  at bracket  206  has a curve, first contour  422  of outer surface  418  at wall  404  may also have a curve to substantially correspond to the curve of surface  212  at bracket  206 , such that wall  404  may abut or touch surface  212  at bracket  206  without a gap or without an undesired gap. 
     In other words, number of walls  144  in  FIG. 1  may have first contour  422  at outer surface  418  that allows for easy and quick removal of adhesive  210  from surface  212  through the selection or design of first contour  422 . In other words, first contour  422  may be selected such that adhesive  210  may be removed with a desired amount of ease and speed as adhesive scoop  214  is moved along structure  202 . In the illustrative examples, first contour  422  may be designed to remove adhesive  210  in a single pass operation. 
     As another illustrative example, front edge  442  of wall  404  and front edge  444  of wall  406  may taper. This taper in front edge  442  and front edge  444  may help guide adhesive to return into pocket  408  in this illustrative example. 
     Additionally, the configuration of leading edge  410  also may be selected to remove adhesive  210  with a desired amount of ease and speed as adhesive scoop  214  is moved along surface  212  of structure  202  by human operator  218 . 
     As depicted, second contour  424  of inner surface  420  for sides  400  may be configured to aid in guiding a viscous material (not shown) on surface  212  of structure  202  into pocket  408  of base section  302  when sides  400  of base section  302  move along a portion of structure  202 . In this example, the portion may be at least one of bracket  206  or panel  208 . 
     Also, second contour  424  may be comprised of fillets. For example, fillet  426 , fillet  428 , fillet  430 , fillet  432 , fillet  434 , fillet  436 , fillet  438 , and fillet  440  may be in second contour  424  for wall  404  in sides  400 . Each of these fillets may be configured to aid in moving adhesive  210  into pocket  408 . Additionally, these fillets also may be configured for cleaning of adhesive scoop  214 . For example, these and other fillets in second contour  424  may be designed to reduce snagging of a towel or other device used to clean adhesive scoop  214 , remove adhesive  210  from adhesive scoop  214 , or both clean adhesive scoop  214  and remove adhesive  210  from adhesive scoop  214 . 
     Turning next to  FIG. 5 , an illustration of an adhesive scoop is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this figure, a front view of adhesive scoop  214  is seen in the direction of lines  5 - 5  in  FIG. 4  is shown. 
     With reference next to  FIG. 6 , another illustration of an adhesive scoop is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As depicted in this figure, another front view of adhesive scoop  214  is seen in the direction of lines  6 - 6  in  FIG. 4 . 
     In this view, wall  404  may extend at angle  600  relative to bottom side  402 . Wall  404  in this example may be substantially perpendicular to bottom side  402 . Angle  600  may be about 90 degrees in this illustrative example. Of course, other angles may be selected depending on the particular implementation. The selection of the angles may be made such that outer surface  418  at wall  404  in sides  400  may touch bracket  206  (not shown) and outer surface  418  of leading edge  410  on bottom side  402  may touch panel  208  (not shown). 
     In  FIG. 6 , section  602  of adhesive  210  may be a film of adhesive  210  as compared to section  604  of adhesive  210 . Section  602  may have at least one of an amount, shape, or other characteristic that is desired for section  604 . In the illustrative examples, adhesive  210  in section  604  also may be removed using another device such as a cloth with a solvent (not shown). The removal may be performed easily with the use of adhesive scoop  214 . A remaining portion of adhesive  210  in section  604  may have at least one of a desired amount or a desired shape. In some illustrative examples, it may be desirable to have at least one of a particular shape or amount of adhesive  210  remaining on surface  212  of structure  202 . The amount, shape or both may be based on factors including at least one of aesthetics, sealing capability, specifications for the structure, or other suitable factors. 
     With reference next to  FIG. 7 , an illustration of a side view of an adhesive scoop is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Adhesive scoop  214  is shown in a side view in the direction of lines  7 - 7  in  FIG. 3 . 
     In this view, base section  302  may have angle  700  relative to elongate member  300 . Angle  700  may be selected such that leading edge  410  may contact surface  212  at panel  208  without other portions of outer surface  418  on bottom side  402  contacting panel  208 . 
     The illustration of adhesive scoop  214  in  FIGS. 2-7  is an example of a physical implementation for scoop  124  shown in block form in  FIG. 1 . Illustration of adhesive scoop  214  in  FIGS. 2-7  is not meant to limit the manner in which other illustrative examples may be implemented. For example, indicator  412  may be omitted in other implementations. As another illustrative example, first contour  422  of outer surface  418  of sides  400  may be curved instead of substantially planar as shown in these examples. 
     In yet another illustrative example, guide structure  702  may be physically associated with bottom side  402  of base section  302  such that leading edge  410  contacts panel  208  in a desired manner to remove adhesive  210  on surface  212 . Guide structure  702  may be shaped such that base section  302  has desired angle  704  when leading edge  410  contacts surface  212  of panel  208  and maintains angle  704  as adhesive  210  moves along surface  212 . Angle  704  may be a predetermined angle of attack that causes removal of adhesive  210  from surface  212  in a desired manner. 
     In another illustrative example, length  310  of base section  302  may be increased in length. The length may be increased such that more adhesive, sealant, or both may be scooped up using adhesive scoop  214 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8-10 , an illustration of a process for removing a viscous material such as an adhesive from a structure is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. These figures illustrate removal of adhesive from a structure. 
     With reference to  FIG. 8 , an illustration of an adhesive scoop used to remove adhesive from a structure is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this depicted example, adhesive scoop  800  may be used to remove adhesive  802  from surface  804  of structure  806 . 
     In this illustrative example, structure  806  may be formed from bonding bracket  808  to panel  810  with adhesive  802 . As can be seen, adhesive  802  can be seen on surface  804  of bracket  808  and panel  810  at edge  812  of bracket  808 . 
     In this example, adhesive scoop  800  may be moved in the direction of arrow  814  to remove adhesive  802  from surface  804  of structure  806 . This removal also may be referred to as “scooping” in this illustrative example. 
     As depicted, indicator  816  in the form of arrow  818  may be present on adhesive scoop  800 . Arrow  818  may indicate a direction of movement for using adhesive scoop  800 . 
     In  FIG. 9 , an illustration of the removal of adhesive from the surface of a structure using an adhesive scoop is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this figure, adhesive scoop  800  has been moved along edge  812  of bracket  808 . This movement may result in the removal of adhesive  802  located on surface  804  of structure  806  at edge  812  of bracket  808 . 
     As can be seen in this illustrative example, adhesive  802  may be removed from surface  804  and guided into pocket  900  in base section  902  of adhesive scoop  800  as adhesive scoop  800  is moved in the direction of arrow  814 . Adhesive scoop  800  is an example of one physical implementation for scoop  124  shown in block form in  FIG. 1 . 
     As depicted in this illustrative example, wall  904  in base section  902  is configured to remove adhesive  802  from edge  812  at bracket  808  and guide adhesive  802  into pocket  900 . Additionally, leading edge  906  in base section  902  is configured to remove adhesive  802  from surface  804  of panel  810  and guide adhesive  802  into pocket  900 . In this illustrative example, the guiding of adhesive  802  may result in adhesive  802  “rolling” into pocket  900 . 
     In  FIG. 10 , another illustration of the removal of adhesive from the surface of a structure using an adhesive scoop is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this figure, adhesive scoop  800  has been moved further along structure  806  in the direction of arrow  814 . 
     Any remaining amounts of adhesive  802  on surface  804  of structure  806  may be removed using another tool. The tool may be, for example, without limitation, a towel (not shown) with a solvent to remove any amounts of adhesive  802  that may still be on surface  804  of structure  806 . With the use of adhesive scoop  800 , the amount of time needed to remove adhesive  802  may be reduced as compared to currently used techniques. In addition, the ease of removing adhesive  802  also may be increased as compared to currently used techniques. 
     After adhesive  802  has been guided into pocket  900 , adhesive scoop  800  may be cleaned. In these illustrative examples, adhesive scoop  800  may be configured for cleaning that may be as quick and easy as desired. This cleaning may be achieved through the configuration of surface  804  of adhesive scoop  800 . Surface  804  may be curved such that a rag or other cleaning device does not catch on adhesive scoop  800  while cleaning adhesive scoop  800 . 
     The illustrations of the different operations performed in  FIGS. 8-10  are not meant to limit the manner in which operations may be performed to remove adhesive  802  from surface  804 . For example, more than one adhesive scoop may be used at the same time to remove adhesive  802  from surface  804  of structure  806 . In other illustrative examples, adhesive scoop  800  may also be used to remove sealant (not shown) from structure  806  in addition to or in place of adhesive  802 . 
     The different components shown in  FIGS. 2-10  may be combined with components in  FIG. 1 , used with components in  FIG. 1 , or a combination of the two. Additionally, some of the components in  FIGS. 2-10  may be illustrative examples of how components shown in block form in  FIG. 1  can be implemented as physical structures. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 11 , an illustration of a flowchart of a process for removing a viscous material from a structure is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated  FIG. 11  may be implemented in viscous material removal environment  100  using scoop  124  in  FIG. 1  to remove viscous material  106  of structure  108 . 
     The process may begin by positioning scoop  124  relative to surface  120  of structure  108  (operation  1100 ). In operation  1100 , leading edge  160  of the scoop may be placed on a first part of a structure. In operation  1100 , the positioning may also include setting the angle of scoop  124  and in particular setting leading edge  160  relative to surface  120  of first part  110  to desired angle  704  while leading edge  160  contacts surface  120  of first part  110  using guide structure  702  that may be physically associated with bottom side  142  of base section  128  of scoop  124 . 
     The process may then move scoop  124  along surface  120  of structure  108  (operation  1102 ). In this example, scoop  124  may include elongate member  126  and base section  128  that may be physically associated with an end of elongate member  126  in which base section  128  may be configured to move along surface  120  of structure  108 . Viscous material  106  on surface  120  of structure  108  may be guided into pocket  138  in base section  128  of scoop  124  (operation  1104 ). 
     Any additional amounts of viscous material  106  may be removed from surface  120  of structure  108  after removal of viscous material  106  by adhesive scoop  214  (operation  1106 ). Operation  1106  may be performed using a tool such as a towel with a solvent. Viscous material  106  may be removed from pocket  138  of base section  128  of adhesive scoop  214  (operation  1108 ), with the process terminating thereafter. Removal of viscous material  106  from pocket  138  may be performed in a similar fashion to the removal of viscous material  106  in operation  1106 . 
     The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatuses and methods in an illustrative embodiment. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent at least one of a module, a segment, a function, or a portion of an operation or step. 
     In some alternative implementations of an illustrative embodiment, the function or functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be performed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also, other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in a flowchart or block diagram. 
     For example, operation  1108  may be performed prior to operation  1106 . In some illustrative examples, operation  1108  and operation  1106  may be performed at the same time by different operators. In these illustrative examples, the different operations illustrated in the flowchart of  FIG. 11  may be performed by at least one of a human operator or a robot. 
     Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method  1200  as shown in  FIG. 12  and aircraft  1300  as shown in  FIG. 13 . Turning first to  FIG. 12 , an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft manufacturing and service method is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method  1200  may include specification and design  1202  of aircraft  1300  in  FIG. 13  and material procurement  1204 . 
     During production, component and subassembly manufacturing  1206  and system integration  1208  of aircraft  1300  in  FIG. 13  takes place. Thereafter, aircraft  1300  in  FIG. 13  may go through certification and delivery  1210  in order to be placed in service  1212 . While in service  1212  by a customer, aircraft  1300  in  FIG. 13  is scheduled for routine maintenance and service  1214 , which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service. 
     Each of the processes of aircraft manufacturing and service method  1200  may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator. In these examples, the operator may be a customer. For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, a leasing company, a military entity, a service organization, and so on. 
     With reference now to  FIG. 13 , an illustration of a block diagram of an aircraft is depicted in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft  1300  is produced by aircraft manufacturing and service method  1200  in  FIG. 12  and may include airframe  1302  with plurality of systems  1304  and interior  1306 . Examples of systems  1304  include one or more of propulsion system  1308 , electrical system  1310 , hydraulic system  1312 , and environmental system  1314 . Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different illustrative embodiments may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Apparatuses and methods embodied herein may be employed during at least one of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method  1200  in  FIG. 12 . 
     In one illustrative example, components or subassemblies produced in component and subassembly manufacturing  1206  in  FIG. 12  may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft  1300  is in service  1212  in  FIG. 12 . As yet another example, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized during production stages, such as component and subassembly manufacturing  1206  and system integration  1208  in  FIG. 12 . For example, without limitation, an illustrative embodiment may be used during component and subassembly manufacturing  1206 , system integration  1208 , or both, to remove a viscous material such as an adhesive, sealant in the form of squeeze out, resulting from bonding parts to each other. An illustrative embodiment may also be used during certification and delivery  1210  to remove an adhesive, sealant, or both from surfaces of aircraft  1300 . 
     As another illustrative example, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while aircraft  1300  is in service  1212  during maintenance and service  1214  in  FIG. 12 , or both to remove excess adhesive that may result from bonding parts to each other to form structures. The use of a number of the different illustrative embodiments may substantially expedite the assembly of aircraft  1300 , reduce the cost of aircraft  1300 , or both expedite the assembly of aircraft  1300  and reduce the cost of aircraft  1300 . In one or more illustrative examples, an illustrative embodiment may be used to remove an adhesive, a sealant, or both from airframe  1302 , systems  1304 , interior  1306 , or other locations in aircraft  1300 . 
     Thus, the different illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for removing adhesive. For example, an illustrative embodiment apparatus, method, or both, may be used to remove excess adhesive from parts bonded to each other using adhesive. 
     For example, without limitation, the illustrative embodiments may be used to remove adhesive in a manner that reduces at least one of time, effort, or cost of manufacturing a platform, such as an aircraft. 
     The description of the different illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features as compared to other desirable embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.