Boeing Patente

An integrated system-wide contingency management system (ISCMS) (340) detects a contingency event associated with aircraft traffic. The ISCMS (340) determines, using a contingency state model, contingency management actions for one or more flights in a contingency state in connection with the detected contingency event. The ISCMS (340) determines, using a tactical state model, tactical management actions for flights in a tactical state based on the contingency management actions. The ISCMS (340) determines, using a strategic state model, strategic management actions for flights in a strategic state based on the contingency management actions and the tactical management actions. The ISCMS (340) transmits information to trigger the tactical management actions determined for the flights in the tactical state. The ISCMS (340) transmits information to trigger the strategic management actions determined for the flights in the strategic state.

A system and method of forming a composite layered assembly includes arranging a first fiberglass layer between a non-woven carbon fiber layer and a decorative layer. The decorative layer, the first fiberglass layer, and the non-woven carbon fiber layer are exposed to one or more curing conditions to form a composite layered assembly.

An adhesion promoter composition includes a species that may include BH_x and a solvent. Implementations of the adhesion promoter composition may include a method of providing a stable, surface-modified substrate. The adhesion promoter composition may include a surfactant such as an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or a nonionic surfactant, such as polyethylene glycol p-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenyl ether, a crown ether, a polysorbate, or a combination thereof. The adhesion promoter composition may include an activator such as ferric chloride, trimethyl borate, titanium tetrachloride, or a combination thereof. The species including BH_x or may include ammonia borane, dimethylamine borane, trimethylamine borane, triethylamine borane, dicyclohexylamine borane, ethylenediamine bis-borane, tert-butylamine borane, diphenylphosphine borane, pyridine borane, borohydrides, or a combination thereof.

There is provided a portable conduction welding apparatus for conduction welding of thermoplastic composite parts. The welding apparatus includes a support frame assembly, an air pressure assembly, a heating system, and controller(s) having power supply(ies). The air pressure assembly includes a linear pneumatic actuator assembly, a directional air valve assembly, and an air regulator assembly. The heating system includes a first heater assembly with first machined insulation plates, a first machined heater block, first heater element(s), and first thermocouple(s). The second heater assembly includes second machined insulation plates, a second machined heater block, a dovetail connector plate, an air cylinder isolator plate, second heater element(s), and second thermocouple(s). The welding apparatus welds together at a weldline, a first thermoplastic composite part aligned to the first heater assembly and a second thermoplastic composite part aligned to the second heater assembly, by applying force, and conducting heat during a thermal welding cycle.

A design system (214) comprises a computer system (212), a machine learning model system (225) and a design generator (130, 214). The design generator (130, 214) is configured to perform operations. The operations include identifying a reference image (134, 220, 300, 420, 500, 600, 700) of a design (201) of an interior (206) of an aircraft (204); identifying engineering data (137, 221, 380) for the design (201); receiving an element selection (222) of elements in the reference image (134, 220, 300, 420, 500, 600, 700) of the design (201) for modification; generating an enhanced image (135, 224, 314, 423) of the design (201) using the elements (223), the element selection (222), and the machine learning model system (225), wherein the elements in the enhanced image (135, 224, 314, 423) are enhanced elements (223); receiving an element modification (228) for modifying the enhanced elements (223); modifying the enhanced elements (223) using the element modification (228) that takes into account the engineering data (137, 221, 380) using the machine learning model system (225) to form a customized image (136, 229, 370, 425, 504, 604, 704) of the design (201) with modified elements (223) in place of enhanced elements (223); and displaying the customized image (136, 229, 370, 425, 504, 604, 704) on a display system (231). (Fig. 1)

A vehicle includes an internal cabin, a lavatory within the internal cabin, and a system within the lavatory. The system includes a waste flap. A motor is operatively coupled to the waste flap. The motor is configured to move the waste flap between an open position and a closed position. A sensor is configured to detect motion within a detection zone. An image emitter is configured to project one or more images into the detection zone. A control unit is configured to operate the motor to open the waste flap when the sensor detects the motion within the detection zone.

An apparatus comprises a tank and the tank comprises an inner wall configured to hold liquid, an outer wall surrounding the inner wall, and a gap separating the inner wall and the outer wall. The exemplary apparatus further comprises a flow component configured to, in a first mode, flow fluid into the gap and, in a second mode, flow the fluid out of the gap. A system includes the tank, the flow component, and a reservoir. In the first mode, the flow component is configured to flow the fluid from the reservoir into the gap. In the second mode, the flow component is configured to flow the fluid from the gap into the reservoir. A method comprises flowing the fluid into the gap of the tank and flowing the fluid out of the gap.

An apparatus comprises a first wall including a first orifice, a first seal component, a second wall including a second orifice, a second seal component, and an interstitial space between the first wall and the second wall. In a sealed configuration, the first seal component extends across the first orifice and the second seal component extends across the second orifice. In a vented configuration, the first seal component and second seal component do not extend across the respective orifices, a passage is defined between the first orifice and the second orifice, and an interior of the passage is fluidically isolated from the interstitial space. A method comprises rupturing a part of a first seal component of an apparatus, forming a passage between a first orifice and a second orifice to fluidically isolate an interior of the passage from an interstitial space, and rupturing a second seal component.

Techniques for automatically implementing a mode of autonomy for an uncrewed vehicle and a remote controller include:- obtaining contextual input data regarding the uncrewed vehicle; predicting future statuses of operational parameters for the uncrewed vehicle, where the operational parameters are in a plurality of operational categories;- determining a future mode of autonomy for a function that allocates authority over the function between the uncrewed vehicle and the remote controller, where the determining is based on the future statuses of the operational parameters, and wherein the future mode of autonomy is for a time corresponding to the future statuses of the operational parameters- implementing the future mode of autonomy for the function, where the future mode of autonomy allocates a level of control for the function, and allocates a level of override authority for the function- executing, in accordance with the implementing, the function.

A structured inspection management system, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium are disclosed for managing anomalies. The system organizes a plurality of inspection orders, each associated with an anomaly and defining inspection criteria for performing an inspection. The system presents inspection criteria for a selected inspection order and enforces restriction of allowable input to a predefined set of structured inspection responses associated with performance of the inspection. Based on at least one structured inspection response, the system automatically determines and stores an inspection status for the selected inspection order. When the inspection status indicates that the anomaly remains unresolved, the inspection order is maintained in an incomplete state for subsequent inspection or corrective action.

An aircraft includes a plurality of sensors. The aircraft also includes a computer system. The computer system is configured to obtain an altitude of the aircraft based on first output of one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors. The computer system is configured to obtain aircraft speed of the aircraft based on second output of one or more sensors of the plurality of sensors. The computer system is configured to compute an estimated true airspeed for the aircraft based on a static temperature estimate, the altitude, and the aircraft speed. The computer system is also configured to provide the estimated true airspeed to one or more flight systems of the aircraft to enable control of the aircraft.

An air conditioning system (106) is configured to provide conditioned air (118) to an internal cabin (120) of an aircraft (100). The air conditioning system (106) includes a first fluid circuit (128) configured to receive bleed air (114), a second fluid circuit (150) configured to receive ambient air (154), and a turbo-compressor (138) including a turbine (182) within the first fluid circuit (128) and a compressor (184) within the second fluid circuit (150). The turbine (182) is coupled to the compressor (184) by a shaft.

A syntactic foam is comprised of a polymer infusing matrix, a plurality of polymer beads or matrix cavities, and a plurality of interstitial microspheres. The polymer beads and matrix cavities have a width of 0.5-50 mm and are distributed throughout the infusing matrix. Each of the polymer beads or matrix cavities is surrounded by a polymer reinforcing binder containing bead-covering microspheres, and each of the matrix cavities is partially occupied by a polymer particle. The interstitial microspheres are distributed within the infusing matrix amongst the polymer beads or matrix cavities. The bead-covering microspheres have a size distribution of ±20 um or less.

A resin infusion tool and methods of resin infusion are presented. A resin infusion tool comprises a first tool portion of the resin infusion tool comprising a rigid material with a part infusion region and resin wells formed in the rigid material adjacent the part infusion region, and a second tool portion of the resin infusion tool comprising a rigid material and configured to seal to the first tool portion to form a part infusion chamber comprising the part infusion region.

Aircraft cabin fluid diverting assemblies positioned in an aircraft cabin to divert, redirect, cause a directed fluid flow and selected fluid flow evacuation away from, and facilitate a directed fluid flow and selected evacuation of fluid away from a moisture-sensitive compartment, elimination of fluids from an aircraft cabin floor, and methods of installing aircraft cabin fluid diverting assemblies are disclosed.

A system and a method include a control unit configured to receive one or more force signals from one or more force sensors coupled to one or both of a tool or an end effector. The one or more force signals are indicative of one or more forces exerted in relation to the tool or the end effector as the tool operates on one or more components. The control unit is further configured to classify a status of an operative portion of the tool based on the one or more forces. The control unit can be further configured predict a remaining life of the operative portion based on the one or more forces.

One aspect is directed to a method of monitoring cargo that is moving within a work area. The method comprises: capturing images of the cargo with cameras as the cargo moves through the work area; detecting the cargo in the images; generating an approximation of the cargo in the images with a three-dimensional bounding box that extends around the cargo; tracking a position of the cargo and movement of the cargo through the work area based on a location within a three-dimensional Cartesian frame of the bounding box in the images; and generating a three-dimensional mesh model of the cargo.

A holding system (108) is configured to hold a bucket (110). The bucket (110) is configured to receive adhesive fluid (106) from an adhesive meter mix machine (102). The holding system includes a base (112) including a main body, and a stem (130) extending from the main. The stem (130) includes an extension beam and a bent arm that is angled in relation to the extension beam. A holder is rotationally coupled to the bent arm. The holder is configured to retain the bucket (110).

A system for cleaning a workpiece comprises: a vaporization zone containing a first solvent and a second solvent, wherein the first and second solvents are at least partially immiscible with each other such that they form a liquid with at least two phases; a heating element configured to facilitate the vaporization of the first and second solvents, producing vaporized solvents; a condensing zone configured to receive the vaporized solvents from the vaporization zone; and a support configured to retain the workpiece in a position to receive the vaporized solvents for condensation on a surface of the workpiece.

Method and apparatus for real-time kinetic (RTK) positioning with a mobile base station (102) are disclosed. An example apparatus to generate virtual reference station (VRS) observations includes interface circuitry communicatively coupled to a receiver of a mobile base station, machine-readable instructions, and at least one processor circuit to be programmed by the machine-readable instructions to determine a variation in reception of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals between the mobile base station and a VRS (104), generate the VRS observations based on the determined variation, and cause transmission of the VRS observations to a rover platform (106a, 106b, 106c) for RTK navigation thereof.

A system for processing a workpiece includes a constraining container, a pressure-triggered coupling, and an expandable medium. The constraining container includes an interior volume and is configured to enclose at least a portion of the workpiece to be processed. The pressure-triggered coupling is configured to secure the constraining container in a closed configuration and is configured to release the constraining container upon an interior pressure of the interior volume of the constraining container reaching a trigger pressure. The expandable medium is configured to be disposed within the interior volume between at least a portion of the constraining container and at least a portion of the workpiece and is configured to expand such that the expandable medium applies a positive pressure to the constraining container and the workpiece.

A wire automation system includes a jig board, a pre-processing cell, a wire automation cell, a post-processing cell, and a transportation platform. The jig board is configured for routing of wires of a wire raceway along a linear path and a non-linear path. The pre-processing cell is configured for placement of wire raceway hardware and wire routing hardware on the jig board. The wire automation cell is configured for automated placement of the wires on the jig board. The wire automation cell is linked in series with the pre-processing cell. The post-processing cell is configured for removal of the wire raceway from the jig board. The post-processing cell is linked in series with the wire automation cell. The transportation platform is configured for moving the jig board sequentially through the pre-processing cell, the wire automation cell, and the post-processing cell.

A system and a method include a positioner, such as one or more arms. An end effector is coupled to the positioner. A tool is coupled to the end effector. The tool includes an operative portion coupled to one or more motors. A control unit is configured to automatically control the positioner and the tool. The control unit is configured to automatically move the positioner to automatically secure the tool to a jig, and automatically operate the tool to move the operative portion into a hole of the jig and perform a tooling operation in relation to a surface of a component on which the jig is positioned.

A surface inspection system (100) for inspecting a surface (102) of a structure (104) and methods for inspecting the surface (102) of a structure (104) are disclosed. In some examples, the surface inspection system (100) includes one or more image sensors (106) having two or more image sensor lines (108), one or more light sources (110), and one or more controllers (112). The one or more controllers (112) are configured to selectively control the one or more image sensors (106) and the one or more light sources (110) to perform an image capture cycle. Performing the image capture cycle comprises sequentially triggering each image sensor line (108) to capture a respective image segment of the surface (102) using each image sensor line (108), and when triggering each image sensor line (108), simultaneously triggering a corresponding configuration of the one or more light sources (110) to illuminate the surface (102) when capturing the respective image segment.

Methods of selecting and qualifying measurement equipment are presented. A layup of adjacent strips of material is repeatedly measured along a material interface by measurement equipment to form measurement data. A deadband of gaps and overlaps is identified for the measurement equipment within the measurement data.

A crew rest system is configured for an internal cabin of a vehicle, such as a commercial aircraft. The crew rest system includes steps moveable between a stairway deployed position and a stairway stowed position. The crew rest system also includes a seat moveable between a seating stowed position and a seating deployed position.

One example provides a method (700) for measuring a part (102). The method (700) comprises obtaining depth data of one or more features on the part as scanned by a plurality of depth imaging devices (704), and establishing an origin of a three-dimensional coordinate system in the depth data (708). The method (700) further comprises determining a measured distance for at least one feature of the one or more features from the depth data, and based at least upon the inspection plan and the origin of the three-dimensional coordinate system (712). The method (700) additionally comprises outputting a result including the measured distance for the at least one feature (726).

One example provides a measurement system (1200) for a part (106, 902, 1304). The measurement system (1200) comprises a part support (1202) arranged along a scan path (1302), a measurement head (1208), a plurality of depth sensors (102A, 102B, 1204) arranged on the measurement head (1208), and a calibration monument (1214, 1500) arranged along the scan path (1302). The calibration monument (1214, 1500) including a plurality of features (1502) representative of part geometry on the part (106, 902, 1304). The measurement system(1200) further comprises a controller(1224) configured to obtain, from the plurality of depth sensors, depth data of the calibration monument and the part along the scan path (1602), determine a calibration measurement for the plurality of features of the calibration monument from the depth data (1620), and when calibration measurement meets a predetermined calibration condition, determine a part measurement for the part from the depth data (1624).

A scanner system (100) for parts, the scanner system (100) comprising a plurality of scanners (106) mounted to a measurement head (104), a part support (114), a conveyor mechanism (124) to change a relative location of the part support (114) and the measurement head (104) along a scan path (112) during scanning, and an alignment artifact (108) located along the scan path (112).

Techniques for operating a plurality of autonomous aerial vehicles are presented. The techniques may include: receiving, by a computer, a plurality of trigger event indications, where the trigger event indications represent a plurality of trigger events concerning the autonomous aerial vehicles, where a respective trigger event indication is associated with a respective task; retrieving, from an electronic database, for each trigger event indication, respective priority data, from which priority data for the trigger event indications is obtained, where respective priority data for a respective trigger event indication includes respective task time data and respective severity data; ranking, by the computer, and in real time, a plurality of tasks associated with the trigger event indications, from which a ranked task list is obtained, where the ranking is based on at least the priority data for the trigger event indications; and providing the ranked task list.

A toggle clamp tool system (100) includes a pair of toggle clamps (102; 104, 106) and a tool (300). Each toggle clamp (102; 104, 106) includes a clamp base (108) and a clamp arm (140). The clamp base (108) is configured to be pivotably coupled to a mounting point (406) on a structure (400). The clamp arm (140) is pivotably coupled at one end to the clamp base (108) at an arm-base pivot point (406), and has a clamp foot (144) on an opposite end for bearing against a surface (404) of the structure (400). The clamp arm (140) is movable from a disengaged position (178) into an over-center position (368) from which the clamp arm (140) is unable to pivot away from the surface (404) and back toward the disengaged position (178). The tool (300) is configured to be removably mounted on the clamp base (108) of each of the toggle clamps (102; 104, 106) when coupled to the structure (400).

A computer-implemented method for assessing sustainability impacts of an alternative option. The method includes accessing a sustainability assessment tool (190) which includes pre-defined templates (300, 400, 500) to guide users through structured sustainability questions. The method includes receiving input data (800, 900) for an alternative option related to a plurality of sustainability categories (804, 806, 808) and integrating the input data into a framework comprising a plurality of sustainability sub-categories. The method includes analyzing the input data (206) and identifying relative risks and benefits (1320, 1324) associated with the alternative option in comparison with a baseline option. The method includes generating comparative visual outputs (1300) to visually represent the relative sustainability risks and benefits (1320, 1324) of the alternative option.

A laser directional stabilization system corrects pointing errors in a laser used to transmit data in free space optical links. The system includes a nutator that nutates a laser beam over the face of an optical fiber at a receiver. Light entering the fiber is used as a sensor to achieve for stabilization. The laser beam is nutated at a single, relatively high frequency using resonant amplifiers driving linear actuators. Knowledge of the nutation command and the time varying intensity of light received at the center of the fiber permits generation an error that is used in a feedback loop to reduce laser pointing error.

A compact bevel gear split torque gearbox is disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a first pinion to receive an input torque, a second pinion operatively coupled to the first pinion, an output gear operatively coupled to the first and second pinions, and a continuously variable (CV) adapter operatively coupled between the first and second pinions, the CV adapter having a helical spline.

A tracking unit 20 configured to connect to a robotic device 200 and move across a surface 101 of an object 100. The tracking unit 20 includes a body 21, one or more distance sensors 30 mounted to a first side of the body 21 and configured to detect a distance from the object 100, and one or more peripheral sensors 40 mounted to a second side of the body 21 and configured to detect a peripheral feature 110. A controller 90 is configured to receive signals from the one or more distance sensors 30 and the one or more peripheral sensors 40. The controller 90 is configured to position the body 21 a fixed distance away from the object 100 and to prevent contact between the body 21 and the peripheral feature 110.

An imaging system to capture images of a test object during testing that positions the test object. The imaging system includes a housing with a body that extends around an enclosed interior space. An opening extends through the housing and is in communication with the interior space. A shutter is positioned within the interior space with the shutter being movable between an open position that is positioned away from the opening and a closed position that extends across the opening. An imaging device is positioned within the interior space and aligned with the opening with the imaging device configured to capture an image of the test object when the shutter is in the open position.

A beacon detection system includes a camera, a motion detection device associated with the camera, and one or more processors. The one or more processors process, using a motion compensation technique, a video feed captured by the camera and determine light flickering frequency information associated with a plurality of regions of the video feed. The one or more processors determine, using a filtering technique associated with a beacon frequency, and based on the light flickering frequency information, a set of one or more regions, of the plurality of regions of the video feed, that are associated with the beacon frequency. The one or more processors provide a filtered video feed that includes video content of the video feed that is only associated with the set of one or more regions of the video feed.

A composite structure and methods of forming a composite structure are presented. The composite structure comprises a plurality of pre-kitted ply sets with a same ply layup positioned to form continuous plies. Each pre-kitted ply set of the plurality of pre-kitted ply sets comprises a first ply having a first shape and an overhang on a first side of the ply layup; and a second ply overlying the first ply, the second ply having a second shape.

A method of predicting the probability of fracture toughness failure of a metallic part. The method includes receiving static mechanical property data for a metallic part. The method further includes determining a predicted probability of fracture toughness failure for the metallic part using a selected statistical model. The method further includes flagging, to perform fracture toughness testing, the metallic part based on the predicted probability of fracture toughness failure being over a threshold.

Wing assemblies comprise a slat, wing support structures, and a gap-adjustment assembly configured to permit selective adjustment of the slat relative to the wing support structures. The gap-adjustment assembly comprises a track member and an adjustment member. The track member is pivotally coupled relative to the wing support structures about a track-member axis, the slat is operatively translationally coupled to the track member, and the track member is configured to constrain translation of the slat between a stowed position and a deployed position. The adjustment member is pivotally coupled relative to the wing support structures about an adjustment-member axis and pivotally coupled to the track member about a linkage axis. The adjustment member is configured to permit selective adjustment of a direct distance between the adjustment-member axis and the linkage axis.