Abstract: Methods and devices related to preventing accidental operation of a switch are disclosed. An example device includes a main body, and a latch element rotatably connected to the main body and is configured to move relative to the main body between an unlatched position and a latched position. In the latched position, the main body and the latch element encapsulate the switch. Also, in the latched position, the main body and the latch element form a cavity configured to accommodate wiring to the switch. Further, the main body is configured with a cutout to reveal a status of the switch. The switch has Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) index pin compatibility.

Abstract: Methods and devices related to preventing accidental operation of a switch are disclosed. An example device includes a main body, and a latch element rotatably connected to the main body and is configured to move relative to the main body between an unlatched position and a latched position. In the latched position, the main body and the latch element encapsulate the switch. Also, in the latched position, the main body and the latch element form a cavity configured to accommodate wiring to the switch. Further, the main body is configured with a cutout to reveal a status of the switch. The switch has Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) index pin compatibility.

Abstract: Methods and devices related to preventing accidental operation of a switch are disclosed. An example device includes a main body, and a latch element rotatably connected to the main body and is configured to move relative to the main body between an unlatched position and a latched position. In the latched position, the main body and the latch element encapsulate the switch. Also, in the latched position, the main body and the latch element form a cavity configured to accommodate wiring to the switch. Further, the main body is configured with a cutout to reveal a status of the switch. The switch has Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) index pin compatibility.

Abstract: A method including placing first and second measurement devices proximate first and second aircraft doors, respectively, and determining a first position of the second measurement device relative to a second position of the first measurement device. The method includes placing first and second pluralities of reflective devices inside the aircraft proximate the first and second doors, respectively. The method includes measuring first and second distances from the first and second measurement devices to the first and second pluralities of reflective devices, respectively, and measuring second distances from the second measurement device to the second plurality of reflective devices. Based on a determined position of the second measurement device and further based on the first distances and second distances, third distances are determined between each of the first and second pluralities of reflective devices. The third distances provide a measurement baseline for points on a fuselage and wings.

Abstract: A method including placing first and second measurement devices proximate first and second aircraft doors, respectively, and determining a first position of the second measurement device relative to a second position of the first measurement device. The method includes placing first and second pluralities of reflective devices inside the aircraft proximate the first and second doors, respectively. The method includes measuring first and second distances from the first and second measurement devices to the first and second pluralities of reflective devices, respectively, and measuring second distances from the second measurement device to the second plurality of reflective devices. Based on a determined position of the second measurement device and further based on the first distances and second distances, third distances are determined between each of the first and second pluralities of reflective devices. The third distances provide a measurement baseline for points on a fuselage and wings.

Abstract: Methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a structure is supported at a number of support locations. An upward force is applied to the structure by the force application devices to counteract an equivalent downward force from the structure at each support location. The forces applied by the force application devices are monitored to detect whenever one or more of the upward forces deviates outside of a threshold range of force values, which includes a quantity of force sufficient to counteract internal forces within a material of the structure. Each force may be adjusted to ensure no deviation outside of the allowed threshold range.

Abstract: Methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a structure is supported at a number of support locations. An upward force is applied to the structure by the force application devices to counteract an equivalent downward force from the structure at each support location. The forces applied by the force application devices are monitored to detect whenever one or more of the upward forces deviates outside of a threshold range of force values, which includes a quantity of force sufficient to counteract internal forces within a material of the structure. Each force may be adjusted to ensure no deviation outside of the allowed threshold range.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during assembly, machining, manufacturing, and/or transportation operations. According to embodiments described herein, a contour control system includes a number of force control modules that are communicatively linked to a control system. The control system receives or retrieves data indicating the shape of the structure and a shape associated with a desired structure, and determines if the structure is consistent with the design specifications and any associated tolerances. The control system controls the force control modules to apply calculated forces to the structure to control the contours of the structure and/or to maintain the structure in a desired configuration. According to embodiments, the force control modules include support cradles, air cushion pads, vacuum cups, and/or other structures for selectively applying dynamic and/or static forces to the structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.

Abstract: A method for teaching an aircraft assembly method to students at locations separate from the location of an instructor is described. The method includes providing, from the instructor location, a first video feed based on a line of sight of the instructor and a second video feed being a field view of the assembly area. The video feeds are received at the disparate locations for display within a line of sight of the students such that the students may view the instructor performing the assembly method concurrent with the students performing the assembly method. Like video feeds are provided from the student locations such that the instructor may view at least one of the students performing the assembly method concurrent with the instructor performing the assembly method.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during assembly, machining, manufacturing, and/or transportation operations. According to embodiments described herein, a contour control system includes a number of force control modules that are communicatively linked to a control system. The control system receives or retrieves data indicating the shape of the structure and a shape associated with a desired structure, and determines if the structure is consistent with the design specifications and any associated tolerances. The control system controls the force control modules to apply calculated forces to the structure to control the contours of the structure and/or to maintain the structure in a desired configuration. According to embodiments, the force control modules include support cradles, air cushion pads, vacuum cups, and/or other structures for selectively applying dynamic and/or static forces to the structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide for the controlled application of forces to a structure during leveling and securing procedures. According to embodiments described herein, a force distribution system includes a number of force application devices that are communicatively linked to a computing system. The computing system controls the force application devices to apply calculated forces to the structure, monitor the forces, and adjust the forces when deviations occur. According to one embodiment, the force application devices include jack assemblies and the system is operative to level a structure and maintain the level position when the structure shifts. According to another embodiment, the force application devices include clamp assemblies and the system is operative to apply and maintain a constant and uniform pressure on a structure to secure the structure during machining. Other embodiments include using force application devices to secure a structure during transport.