WO2015042658A1

WO2015042658A1 - System and method for replacement of aircraft wheels

Info

Publication number: WO2015042658A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/050243
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ian DANLAG
Original assignee: Wilhelmsen Manufacturing Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-09-24
Filing date: 2014-09-22
Publication date: 2015-04-02

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for facilitating the removal and/or replacement of an aircraft wheel, the system comprising: wheel storage means, wheel transport means, and wheel handling means wherein the wheel storage means and wheel transport means and wheel handling means are configured such that, in use, the wheel storage means with wheel is passed to the wheel transport means substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel, and/or the wheel is passed from the wheel transport means to the wheel handling means substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel, and/or the wheel is passed from the wheel handling means to the aircraft wheel hub substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REPLACEMENT OF AIRCRAFT WHEELS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems For the maintenance and repair of aircraft, in particular, the systems are directed to changing the wheels and braking apparatus of commercial aircraft.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The landing gear of a commercial aircraft is subjected to significant forces (and therefore wear) during takeoff and landing. Particularly in landing, the central landing gear takes the entire weight of the aircraft when touching down on the runway.

Accordingiy. the landing gear of aircraft is subject to regular and stringent maintenance inspections, servicing and repair when necessary. Notably, the tyres must be changed after a given number of takeoff and landing cycles, when damaged or when otherwise unserviceable. For example, the eight main wheels and two nose wheels of an Airbus A330 typically go through 25 tyre changes per year. A Boeing 747-400 typically requires up to 50 tyre changes per year. The task of tyre changing is not trivial, taking two o three aircraft mechanics 45 minutes to an hour to replace a tyre on an A33Q, each of which weighs 220 kilograms. The tyre and wheel are changed as a unit, and generally requires use of a hydraulic jack, possibly a wheel doily, a spanner, a wrench and sometimes a lever bar to manipulate the wheel off the hub. There is no standard operating procedure for changing a wheel for a given aircraft, this being a problem of itseif. The lack of a standard method provides significant latitude for mechanics to institute their own procedures which may be unsafe, inefficient or otherwise undesirable.

However, a typical procedure for wheel changing commences with installing the landing gear safety locks to prevent movement. The aircraft is then lifted about 5 centimetres with a pneumatic jack. The wheel hub cap is removed along with the tyre pressure indicator sensor. With this done the tyre pressure is then reduced down to about 30 PSI.

With the wheel nut removed a protective sleeve is fitted over the axle threads and a long lever bar tool is used to manipulate the wheel so it can be removed. The manipulation often involves a first mechanic slipping the lever bar under the tyre and jostling the wheel up and down while second and third mechanics manually pull the wheel from the hub. Once

l removed, the spent wheel is lifted onto a trailer for transport back to a central bay for repair, retreading or disposal. In the meantime, a new tyre is transported from the central bay to the aircraft, typically on a trailer. Again, loading and unloading of the new and spent tyres at the central bay are manual tasks.

The new wheel is typically rolled up to the wheel hub and a lever bar inserted underneath. The wheel is jostled with the lever bar while other mechanics attempt to correctly locate the wheel on the hub. Once properly located, the hub nut is affixed.

As will be noted from the above, significant manual handling of the wheel is required. As an occupational health and safet issue, many injuries (acute and chronic) may arise from the task of wheel changing.

A further problem is the changing of aircraft brake components. While such actions are not required as often as wheel changes they are nonetheless regular occurrences in aircraft maintenance and repair. Typically, brake components are brought to the aircraft in a protective case (often termed a "brake box" or "brake container"). As for wheels, aircraft brakes are often repaired or reconditioned and so the old brakes are generally returned to a centra] bay for collection. Significant manual handling is required, although in some instances a dedicated dolly is used.

A further problem is that of the handling of aircraft parts such as tyres and brake components. Such components are often repaired or reconditioned and replaced on aircraft on a changeover basis. Thus, aircraft maintenance requires the transport and storage of components within the airport, and also outside of the airport. A component changes hands many times over the life of the component, with each handling requiring dedicated equipment, labour, cost and safety risks,

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a system for the handling and changing commercial aircraft wheels (and optionally brake components) that may lower the rates of injury to workers, or cost, or time; or to increase parameters such as efficiency, reproducibility, or safety. It is a further aspect to provide an alternative to prior art practices for handling and changing aircraft wheels (and optionally brake components).

The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or 75 were common genera! knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

so After considering this description it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how the invention is implemented in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not limitation. As such, this description of various alternative embodiments should not be

85 construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention. Furthermore, statements of advantages or other aspects apply to specific exemplary embodiments, and not necessarily to all embodiments covered by the claims.

Throughout the description and the claims of this specification the word "comprise" and 90 variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises" is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment 95 is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specificatio are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may.

In a first aspect the present invention provides a system for facilitating the removal and/or loo replacement of an aircraft wheel, the system comprising; wheel storage means, wheel transport means, and wheel handling means wherein the wheel storage means and wheel transport means and wheel handling means are configured such that, in use, the wheel storage means with wheel is passed to the wheel transport means substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel, and/or the wheel is passed from the wheel transport 105 means to the wheel handling means substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel, and/or the wheel is passed from the wheel handling means to the aircraft wheel hub substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel.

In one embodiment, the wheel storage means and wheel transport means are configured 110 such that in use the wheel storage means securely engages the wheel transport means. In one embodiment, the wheel handling means is configured such that, in use, a wheel retained by the wheel handling means is directiy locatable on the wheel hub of the aircraft substantially without a need for manual handiing of the wheel and/or any additional toot

115

in one embodiment, the wheel storage means and wheel transport means are configured such that a wheel stored on the wheel storage means is removable from the wheel storage means without removing the wheel storage means from the wheel transport means.

120 In one embodiment, the wheel transport means comprises wheel securing means configured to allow a wheel removed from the wheel storage means and placed on the ground to be securely retained against the wheel transport means. in one embodiment, the wheel storage means comprises wheel retaining means configured 125 to allow for the retaining of different sized wheels.

In one embodiment, the wheel retaining means comprises at least one wheel retaining member hingedly connected to the wheel storage means base, the member adapted to engage a surface^' of the tyre of the wheel.

130

In one embodiment, the wheel storage means comprises at least two wheel retaining members, each of the two wheel retaining members hingedly connected to the wheel storage means base, the members adapted to engage a surface of the tyre of the wheel.

135 In one embodiment, the wheel storage means comprises a length adjustable member or strap configured to engage and hold firm the two wheel retaining members about the whe l.

In one embodiment, the wheel storage means comprises a supporting pad configured to accept a curved surface of the tyre of the wheel.

140

In one embodiment, the wheel storage means is stackabie.

In one embodiment, the wheel storage means comprises means for engagement with a fork lift or similar apparatus.

145

In one embodiment, the wheel handling means is configured to remove a tyre on a wheel storage means while the wheel storage means is mounted on the wheel transport means. In one em odiment, the wheel handling means is configured to locate the wheel directly on 150 the wheel hub of the aircraft.

In one embodiment, the wheel handling means is configured to retain the wheel at an angle substantially equivalent to that at which the aircraft wheel hub is disposed when jacked up for fitting a replacement wheel.

155

In one embodiment, the wheel handling means comprises an adjustable member configured to retain a wheel thereon.

In one embodiment, the wheel handling means comprises adaptor means configured to 160 allow the wheel handling means to handie a brake container.

In one embodiment, the wheel handling means and/or wheel transport means is/are configured such that the wheel handling means is capable of securely engaging with the wheel transport means,

165

In one embodiment, the wheel storage means is a stillage and/or the wheel handling means is a trolley and/or the wheel transport means is a trailer,

In one embodiment the system comprises a jack capable of lifting the aircraft,

170

In one embodiment, the wheel handling means and/or wheel transport means and/or jack is/are configured such that the jack is capable of securely engagin with the wheel transport means and/or the wheel handling means.

175 In a second aspect, the present invention provides a wheel storage means configured to be operable in the system as described herein. in a third aspect the present invention provides a whee! transport means configured to be operabl in the system as described herein

180

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides wheel handling means configured to be operable in the system as described herein

In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for changing a spent wheel of an 185 aircraft, the method comprising the steps of providing; the wheel storage means as decribed herein, the wheel transport means as described herein, and the wheel handling means as described herein, the wheel storage means being disposed on the wheel transport means, removing a replacement wheel from the wheel storage means using the wheel handling means and without removing the wheel storage means from the wheel handling means, and 190 placing the replacement wheel on the wheel hub of the aircraft , and using the wheel handling means to place the spent wheel onto the wheel storage means without removing the wheel storage means from the wheel handling means.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of securely retaining the replacement 195 tyre removed from the tyre storage means against the tyre transport means.

In a six aspect the present invention provides a method for changing a brake component of an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of providing the wheel handling means as described herein and retaining a container enclosing the brake component

200

In embodiments of the methods of the fifth and sixth aspects the methods are substantially devoid of a manual handling step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

205 Fig. 1A is a perspective view of an aircraft wheel retained within a stillage.

Fig. 1 B is a lateral view of the stillage shown in Fig. 1A showing an outline of three wheel sizes demonstrating the position in which each wheel sits in the stillage.

210 Fig. 2A is a more detailed perspective view of the stillage and wheel shown in Fig. 1 to more clearly show the supporting pad.

Fig. 2B is a perspective view of a plurality of stallages shown in Figs. 1 and 2A in a stacked configuration.

215

Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a trolley for handling an aircraft wheel.

Fig. 3B is a lateral view Of the trolley shown in Fig. 3A, having circular outlines superimposed to demonstrate the range of wheel sizes that may be accommodated.

220

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the trolley of Figs. 3A and 38, the trolley fitted with adaptors allowing for the handling of an aircraft brake container. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a trailer carrying a range of aircraft wheels. The larger 225 wheels are retained in a stillage, each stillage being being mounted on the trailer. Also shown is a trolley approaching the trailer to remove a wheel.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a trailer having a space to receive a stillage with wheel. The stillage is transported by fork lift from the storage rack shown in Fig, 6 to the trailer,

230

Fig, 7 is a perspective view showing a trailer carrying two large wheel and two small wheels. The trailer has two spaces for accommodating two stii!ages.

Fig, 8 is a perspective view showing a trolley and jack affixed to the trailer.

235

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a storage rack carrying a number of stilfages with wheels.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the steps involved i replacing an aircraft wheel according to 240 the present methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides a system for facilitating the removal and/or 245 replacement of an aircraft wheel, the system comprising: wheel storage means, wheel transport means, and wheel handling means wherein the wheel storage means and wheel transport means and wheel handling means are configured such that, in use, the wheel storage means with wheel is passed to the wheel transport means substantially without a need for manuai handling of the wheel, and/or the wheel is passed from the wheel transport 250 means to the wheel handling means substantially without a need for manuai handling of the wheel, and/or the wheel is passed from the wheel handling means to the aircraft wheel hub substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel. As discussed in the Background section, changing of aircraft wheels has hitherto been an unstructured and ill- defined activity prone to causing injuries and efficiency issues. Applicant proposes the 255 aforementidned system which is retiant on apparatus having specific functionality to overcome or ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art.

In particular, the system requires the use of a wheel storage means (such as a stillage) which is capable of holding a replacement wheel, and also the spent wheel once the 260 replacement wheel is removed for fitting on the aircraft . Also required is a wheel handling means (which may be a trolley) for relocating a wheel from the storage means to the aircraft wheel hub or wee versa. The wheel transport means is also integral to the system, being responsible for relocating the wheel from the tarmac to a central bay (typicall within a hangar, workshop, or storage area) and vice versa:

265

An advantage of the present systems is that there is no need for the manual handling of a wheel. As used herein, the term "manuai handling" is intended to mean substantive handling such that the handler must bear at least some of the weight of the wheel when held, or must apply a significant force to the wheel when the wheel is moved. The term is not intended to 270 include any insubstantial of non-purposive contact by the handler with the wheel.

It will be appreciated that in the present systems there is not an absolute requirement for manual handling of the wheel. The present systems include within their scope embodiments whereby in the course of changing a wheel by the present systems, the wheel is contacted in 275 an insubstantial or non-purposive manner.

The wheel handling means may be a trolley that is configured such that a replacement wheel can be directly located on the aircraft wheel hub. This type of wheel handling means avoids the need for a handier (who is typically an aircraft mechanic) to Sift the wheel onto the hub. 280 Prior art methods require the use of personnel to physically lift the wheel to exactly the required height, sometimes with the aid of a lever bar or similar tool. Once at the required height, the wheel is then manually pushed onto the hub.

The handling means may be so configured in terms of the height at which the wheel is 285 presented to the hu {including the ability to vary that height to suit a particular aircraft) , the angle at which the wheel is presented, the inclusion of wheels or rollers to provide mobility to the handling means.

With respect to the angle of presentation, Applicant has found that at least some of the 290 difficulty experienced by handlers in easily and fully locating the wheel on the hub (even where a trolley is used to present the wheel at the correct height) is due to a slight inclination of the hub which results from jacking up the aircraft.

The wheel storage means is capable of securely retaining the wheel, and in addition is 295 capable of being securely mounted on the wheel transport means. For example, the storage means may be a stillage which is shaped, dimensioned or otherwise constructed so as to sit securely in a trailer (the transport means). In this way, the wheel is never handled and the stiliage is loaded into the trailer fay a fork lift, for example.

300 Typically the trailer has a recess of sufficient dimension to accept the stiliage, but with little free play such that the stiliage will not substantially shift during transport over the tarmac. Various locking means may be included on the stiliage and/or trailer to further lower any chance of the stiliage shifting.

305 According to the present systems a wheel may be removed from the storage means or placed onto the storage means without removal of the storage means from the transport means. This approach obviates the need to have a forklift or a hand lifting apparatus on the tarmac to remove the storage means from the trailer. In some prior art systems, the tyre is simply manually rolled of a trailer and in these cases such manual handling is obviated by

310 this embodiment of the system.

Typically, a stiliage and trailer are co-designed so that a wheei may be directly removed from or placed onto the trailer. Given that clear access to the wheel will be required the trailer is generally devoid of an permanently affixed extensions (such as side walls) such that the 315 wheel handling means can directly approach the trailer to easily remove the wheel.

When the replacement wheel is removed from the storage means (which is disposed on the trailer), and where the wheel is not fitted immediately to the wheel hub, it is desirable to prevent the wheel from rolling or presenting a tripping hazard. Accordingly, the wheel 320 transport means may be fitted with a wheel securing means to securely retain the wheel.

The securing means may be a strap, or a rigid member that can swing down or across a wheel sitting upright and against a trailer. The securing means is preferably adjustable so that wheels of various sizes can be accommodated.

325 Similarly, the wheel storage means may comprise wheel retaining means to retain a wheel disposed thereon. The wheel retaining means may be adjustable to allow for the accommodation of wheels of various sizes, in one embodiment the wheel retaining means comprises a member hingedly connected to the stiliage, the hinged connection allowing the member to pivot onto and contact the wheel (and preferably contact th ground-contacting

330 surface of the tyre) which. It is contemplated that two members are hingedly connected to the tyre storage means, the members preferably opposed such that the members both pivot inwardly and toward the wheel thereby contacting the tyre on two opposing regions of the ground-contacting surface of the tyre. 335 The wheel retaining member(s) may be alternately bckable and unlockable to retain and release the wheel respectively. In one embodiment a strap or linking member is fitted to the wheel retaining members to maintain the wheel retaining members in position about the wheel. The strap or linking member is preferably adjustable so as to accommodate wheels of various sizes. The ability to adjust also allows for some pressure to be applied to wheel

340 by the retaining member(s). The strap or linking member may be adjusted to be sufficiently short such that the retaining mernber(s) are urged onto a wheel surface thereby more securely retaining the wheel.

Storage of a wheel in a stillage for extended periods may cause a problem in that the tyre 345 (being flexible) mat develop indentations or flat regions where contact with the stillage is made. To overcome that problem, the present wheel storage means may comprise a supporting pad to prevent or minimise any deformation of the tyre during storage. The supporting pad may be fabricated from a flexible and resilient materia! to accommodate a range of wheel sizes, or may be specifically curved to broadly conform with the shape of a 350 certain wheel size, or range of wheel sizes.

For ease of storage when not in use_s the storage means may be shaped or dimensioned so as to be stackabie. For example, the upper side of the storage means may comprise fcvo substantially hollow ridges positioned on either side of the wheel, thereby acting to limiting 355 horizontal movement of the wheel The hollow nature of the ridges allows for a second storage means (having the same holiow ridges) to be stacked on top such that the ridges of the first storage means insert into the hollows of the ridges of the second storage means.

Where wheel retaining member(s) are included, the members may be pivotable or otherwise 360 collapsible so as to minimise the overall height of the storage means thereby facilitating stacking. The retaining member(s) may also be positioned so as to avoid interference with the ridges in the paragraph supra,

For added security, the wheel retaining member(s) may be bent or curved such that a 365 portion of the member(s) is disposed directly above the wheel. In this way, any vertical motion of the wheel when retained is limited thereby reducing the chance of dtsiodgement during transport. The wheel retaining means typically comprises means for engagement with a lifting 370 apparatus such as a forklift (hand operated or vehicular). This allows for the efficient and safe movement of a loaded stillage from a storage rack to a trailer and vice versa.

The wheel handling means performs a central role in ensuring that manual handling of aircraft wheels is avoided. The wheel handling means is typically a trolley having rollers or 375 wheels on the underside, a bar or handle for manually rolling the trolley about the aircraft, and wheel engagement members projecting outwardly. The wheel engagement members are generall parallel to each other and spaced apart to allow for insertion between the stillage and the lower surfaces of the tyre. The wheel engagement members may consist of or comprise elongate cylinders, which may be longitudinally rotatably mounted on the trolley.

380

It is preferable that the trolley is configured such that the wheei engagement members are vertically moveable so as to be variably posttionable to engage a wheei at least at the height presented on the trailer and also the height required to directly locate the wheel on the aircraft wheel hub. For maximum utilit with respect to various aircraft types and various 385 wheel sizes, the trolley is configured such that the height of the wheel engagement mem bers is continuously variable. Suitably, the trolley may comprise a hand or motor-operated winching mechanism capable of disposing the wheel engagement members at a desired height, and locking the members at the desired height.

390 Once removed from the stillage (the stillage remaining on the trailer), the wheel may be placed on the tarmac while the spent tyre is removed from the aircraft. In these circumstances, the wheel may be securely retained safely against the trailer as discussed supra.

395 In any event, the trolley is used to transport the wheel the short distance between the trailer and the aircraft wheel hub. Once at the hub, the height of the wheel may need to be altered by actuating the winch mechanism of the trolley to align with the height of the wheel hub. Once properly aligned, the wheel is gently urged towards the hub by the mechanic. This urging is insubstantial manual handling given that the mechanic is not required to bear any

400 weight of the wheel, not to push the wheel with any significant force to locate the wheel on the hub.

Location of the wheel on the hub is facilitated even further where the wheel handling means is configured to present the wheel at an angle deviating slightly from the vertical such that 405 the broad face of the wheel is directed slightly downwardly. Applicant has recognised that when jacked u for wheel replacement, the wheel hub of an aircraft is presented at an angle deviating slightly from the vertical such that the hub is directed slightly upwardly. It has been shown that by presenting the replacement wheel at a complementary angle, little effort is needed to locate the wheel on the hub. In some embodiments, the wheel handling means is 410 configured to present the wheel to the hub at about 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14 or 15 degrees from vertical.

To improve safety of the wheel changing task further, the wheel handling means comprises an adjustable member configured to ensure that the wheel does not fail. The adjustability is 415 in respect of the diameter and/or depth of the wheel to accommodate the various types of aircraft wheel.

As will be appreciated, dislodgement of a wheel from a trolley could lead to injury of the mechanic, or damage to proximaf objects given the ability of the wheel to roll. The

420 adjustable member is typically a substantially upright member having a bent or curved terminus capable of extending over and about an upper region of the tyre thereby minimising vertical and lateral motion of the wheel. Preferably, the member is adjustable by an ability of the member to slide up and down through an eye or a sleeve of the trolley, or by the use of telescoping portions of the member per $e. The adjustable member is generally loekabie

425 (typically by the use of a screw or insertable pin) to prevent movement of the member once properly adjusted.

The trolley may comprise means for accommodating wheel of various depths, thereby assisting on the more secure retaining of the wheel. For example, the trolley may comprise 430 two rests which contact the rearward broad face of the tyre. The rests may be adjustable to, for example, dispose a small tyre in a more forward position to allow for better engagement with the adjustable member.

The present systems also handle the spent tyre in an efficient manner not requiring 435 substantial manual handling. The securing nuf(s) is/are removed from the tyre hub, and the wheel handling means manoeuvred under the wheei, with the wheei engagement means being disposed at a height such that wheel is disposed at (or slightly above) the level of the wheel engagement means. The mechanic then urges the wheel from the hub and onto the wheel engagement means of the trofley. This urging may be facilitated where the wheel 440 engagement means are at a complementary angle to the aircraft wheel hub, and the engagement means are winched upwardly to firmly contact the wheel. This firm contact against the angled engagement means causes the wheel itself to tilt slightly, thereb easing removal. Again, some manual handling may be required to remove the wheel but that handling is insubstantial.

445

Once on the wheel handling means, the spent wheel is transported the short distance to the trailer. The wheel engagement means may be raised or lowered to allow the spent wheel to be placed in a vacant stiHage on the trailer (typically the stillage used for the wheel just fitted to the aircraft), in this process, the wheel engagement means of the trolley are inserted into 450 or slightly above recesses of the stillage configured to accept the engagement means and the winch mechanism actuated to lower the wheel onto the stillage until the stillage bears substantially th entire weight of the wheel. The engagement means are then lowered further by actuation of the winch such that contact is no longer made with the tyre, and th trolley able to be freely reversed away from the trailer. By this arrangement, the slight angle 455 of the wheel engagement means (which facilitates locating the wheel on the hub) does not inhibit removal to the stillage since the wheel engagement means are lowered to be completely clear of the tyre before the trolley is removed.

As discussed in the Background section, brake components of an aircraft often require replacement. Where a trolley was used to move a brake container to the aircraft, it was a trolley dedicated for that purposed. Advantageously, the present systems provide wheel handling means that is also capable of acting as a brake container handling means. Brake containers are of lesser width than a brake container, and accordingly the wheel handling means may comprise an integral adaptor allowing for the engagement of a brake container.

465 Typically, the adaptor is configured to narrow the space between the wheel engagement means. Thus, the adaptor may comprise two elongate members configured to be disposed internal to the wheei engagement means. The two elongate members may be configured to be alternately effective and ineffective at decreasing the space between the wheel engagement means, and may be capable of swinging into that space and away from that

470 space.

It is desirable to have all tools required for a wheel replacement at hand, and accordingly in one embodiment the wheel handling means and/or wheel transport means are configured such that they are interconnectable. This interconnectability allows for a mechanic to 475 dispose the trolley on the trailer (and typically at the rear end of the trailer) thereby facilitating movement of wheels and tools between aircraft on the tarmac, in an exemplary embodiment the trailer is fitted with one or more brackets or hooks (or other suitable means) allowing for the trolley to be hung on the trailer. Alternatively, the trolley may be fitted with brackets or hooks (or other suitable means). 480

The present systems may comprise a jack capable of lifting an aircraft sufficient to change a wheel. Accordingl in one embodiment the jack and/or wheel transport means and/or the wheel handling means are configured to provide for interconnecabilty. Typically, the jack comprises wheels or rollers and may be configured to roll behind the trailer, rather than 485 being carried by the trailer. Again, this embodiment of the system allow for the easy transport of tools and wheels between aircraft.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that an aircraft wheel may be changed b one or two mechanics given the lack of any substantial manual handling required. This leads to 430 substantial labour cost savings to airlines.

Also provided by the present invention are apparatus per se, including wheel transport means, wheel storage means and wheel handling means operable in any embodiment of the system described herein.

495

It will be apparent that in reference to the system, various features of the apparatus involved are disclosed. It will be understood that any of those features may be preferred embodiments of the present wheel transport means, wheel storage means or wheel handling means. For the sake of clarity and brevit those features will not be repeated at this point in 500 the specification butt are incorporated herein by reference.

The present systems, wheel storage means, wheel handling means and wheel transport means provide significant advantage not only wit respect to the physical act of aircraft wheel replacement on the tarmac, but also in a broader consideration of materials handling 505 in the airline industry.

Aircraft wheels are handled, transported and stored by a various entities tncludtng part manufacturers, repairers, reconditioners, testing organizations, transport companies, warehouses, aircraft maintenance crews, et cetera. The provision of a wheel storage means 510 that allows the wheel to remain thereon throughout the transport and storage steps which are necessary part of the complete life cycle of the wheel is of significant advantage. The wheel storage means allows for a forklift to handle the wheel in storage and transport, and keep the wheel secured thereon while still allowing for wheel handling means at the tarmac to have access to the wheel so that it may be removed directly from the trailer.

515 The invention may be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features. Wherein the foregoing 520 description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

The present invention will now be more fully described by reference to the following non- limiting preferred embodiments.

525

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Fig. 1A shows a stillage (wheel storage means) of the present invention having a base, generally shown as 10, having recesses for the insertion of a fork lift 12, members 14 hingedly connected to the base of the stillage means 10, with an adjustable strap 16 530 extending over the wheel 18. Non-adjustable straps form a web 20 to further secure the wheel 18.

The components of Fig B are numbered as for Fig. 1A, and showing a lateral view of the stillage of Fig. 1A The outlines of three wheels 21 are superimposed to demonstrate the 535 space occupied by the different sized wheels .

Fig. 2A shows the lower region of the stillage of Fig, 1 A to more clearly show the supporting pad 22 disposed under the tyre 18. Also shown is the space (generally shown as the region 24) within which elongat members of a trolley may insert to engage the tyre 18.

540

Fig. 2B shows a plurality of stillages 10 in a stacked configuration, it wifl be noted that the members 14 are folded downwardly to facilitate stacking.

Fig. 3A shows a troliey (wheel handling means) of the present invention, having elongate 545 members 26 configured to insert into the region 24 of the stillage (shown in Fig, 2A). The elongate members 24 have rollers fitted 26 which allow the wheel (not shown) to rotate when engaged. An adjustable member 28 i shown folded away in an inoperable position. When rotated the member 28 extends over a wheel (not shown) engaged with the elongate members 26 thereb preventing vertical movement of the wheel. The padded region 30 of 550 the member 28 urges against the front face of the wheel to more firmly retain same.

The adjustable member 28 is mounted on a rod (not shown), the rod slidingly attached to the trolley frame and lockable with the screw mechanism 36. The trolley comprises two moveable rests 38 which contact the rearward broad face of the wheel. The rests 38 are slidably mounted on the trolley frame with screw mechanisms 40 acting to lock the positions of the rests as required.

A winching mechanism 42 is attached to the trolley frame, being actuatable by a hand crank 44 which acts to raise and lower the elongate members 24. The trolley is disposed upon lockabie castors 46.

The trolley of Fig. 3A is shown in Fig. 3B in lateral view from the front, except with the adjustable member 28 placed in an operable position, being extended upwardly on the rod 48 and extending out of the page. The outlines of three wheels 50 are superimposed to demonstrate the space occupied by the different sized wheels.

Fig 4 shows a trolley substantially the same as that of the preceding figures by having adaptor members 52 capable of receiving a brake container. If will be noted that the adaptor members 52 act to narrow the space between the elongate members 24, thereby allowing carriage of the smaller brake container. Fig. 5 shows generally a trailer 60 (transport means) of the present invention having mounted thereon stillages (two at front shown as 62), the stillages retaining wheels 64. It will be noted that the stillages 62 are mounted onto the trailer 60 by way of shallow shelf-like flanges 66 which support the left, right and rear edges of the stillage 62.

The trailer has two wheels to the rear 66 and two smaller wheels at the front (not shown). Some embodiments of the trailer do not require the two smaller wheels at the front.

The empty trolley 68 is show approaching the trailer 60 with elongate members 70 extended toward the front right hand stillage 62. The elongate members 70 are set a height that will allow insertion about the lower regions of the wheel 64, and clearing the recesses 72 for insertion of a forklr t, thereby allowing the elongate members to lift the wheel. This region where the elongate members insert is shown more clearly as 24 in Fig. 2A.

The trailer 60 further includes a holding area 74 for smaller nose wheels 76, and having a ramp 78.

Fig. 6 shows the loading of a stillage/wheel 80 by a forklift 82 into a trailer 84. The shelf-like flanges that support the stillage are shown at 88. This loading step takes place in a central storage area where replacement tyres are held. Fig 7 shows a trailer 90 with two empty spaces 92, 94 capable of receiving stil!ages. There is a divider 96 dividing the spaces. The sheif-like flange upon which the stil!age is mounted is clearly shown at 98.

Fig. 8 shows a hydraulic jack 100 interconnected with the trailer 102 b way of a connecting 590 rod 104 coupled to an eye 106 on the trailer 102. A trolley 108 is also attached to the trailer such that all tools and wheels required for a wheel change a moveable as a single unit.

Fig, 9 shows a rack 110 for storage of stillags/wheels 112. Such a rack may be disposed in a storage area and may hold replacement wheels ready to fitted to an aircraft, or spent wheels to be transported to a reconditioner or disposal facility.

595 Fig. 10 is a flow chart instructing in the implementation of the present systems for transporting a replacement wheel to an aircraft on the tarmac, replacing the wheel, and returning the spent wheel to a centra! storage area.

The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments

600 will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is to be understood that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention.

605 It is further understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that ma become obvious to those skilled in the art.

It will be appreciated that in the detailed description and the description of preferred embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped

610 together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for -the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of

615 a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby expressly incorporated into this description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features 620 included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and from different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For exampie, in the claims appended to this description, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. In the description provided herein, numerous specific detaiis are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific detaiis. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Claims

630 CLAIMS:

1. A system for facilitating the removal and/or replacement of an aircraft wheel, the system comprising:

wheel storage means,

635 wheel transport means, and

wheel handling means

wherein the wheel storage means and wheel transport means and wheel handling means are configured such that, in use,

the wheel storage means with wheel is passed to the wheel transport means

640 substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel, and/or

the wheel is passed from the wheel transport means to the wheel handling means substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel, and/or the wheel is passed from the wheel handling means to the aircraft wheel hub substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel.

645

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the wheel storage means and wheel transport means are configured such that in use the wheel storage means securely engages the wheel transport means.

650 3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the wheel handling means is configured such that, in use, a wheel retained by the wheel handling means is directly locatable on the wheel hub of the aircraft substantially without a need for manual handling of the wheel and/or any additional tool.

655 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the wheel storage means and wheel transport means are configured such that a wheel stored on the wheel storage means is removable from the wheel storage means without removing the wheel storage means from the wheel transport means.

660 5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the wheel storage means comprises wheel retaining means configured to allow for the retaining of different sized wheels.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the wheel retaining means comprises at least one wheel retaining member hingediy connected to the wheel storage means base, 665 the member adapted to engage a surface of the tyre of the wheel.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the wheel storage means comprises at least two wheel retaining members, each of the two wheel retaining members hingedly connected to the wheel storage means base, the members adapted to engage a surface of

670 the tyre of the wheel.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the wheel storage means is stackab!e.

675 9. The system of claims 1 to 8 wherein the wheel handling means is configured to

remove a tyre on a wheel storage means while the wheel storage means is mounted on the wheel transport means.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the wheel handling means is 680 configured to locate the wheel directly on the wheel hub of the aircraft.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the wheel handling means is configured to retain the wheel at an angle substantially equivalent to that at which the aircraft wheel hub is disposed when jacked up for fitting a replacement wheel.

6S5

12. The system of claim 1 1 wherein the wheel handling means comprises an adjustable member configured to retain a wheel thereon.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the wheel handling means

690 comprises adaptor means configured to allow the wheel handling means to handle a brake container.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the wheel handling means and/o wheel transport means is/are configured such that the wheel handling means is capable of

695 securely engaging with the wheel transport means. 5. A wheel storage means configured to be operable in the system of any one of claims 1 to 14.

700 16. The wheel storage means of claim 15 substantially as hereinbefore described b reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A wheel transport means configured to be operable in the system of any one of claims 1 to 14.

705

18. The wheel transport means of claim 17 substantially as hereinbefore described by reference to the accompanying drawings. 9. A wheel handling means configured to be operable in the system of any one of 710 claims 1 to 14.

20. The wheel handling means of claim 19 substantially as hereinbefore described by reference to the accompanying drawings.

715 21. A method for changing a spent wheel of an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of providing: the wheel storage means of claim 15 or claim 16,

the wheel transport means of claim 1 or claim 18, and

720 the wheel handling means of claim 19 or claim 20,

the wheel storage means being disposed on the wheel transport means, removing a replacement wheel from the wheel storage means using the wheel handling means and without removing the wheel storage means from the wheel handling means, and

725

placing the replacement wheel on the wheel hub of the aircraft , and using the wheel handling means to place the spent wheel onto the wheel storag means without removing the wheel storage means from the wheel handling means.

730

22. A method for changing a brake component of an aircraft, the method comprising the steps of providing the wheel handling means of claim 19 or claim 20 and retaining a container enclosing the brake component

735 23. The method of claim 21 or claim 22 substantially devoid of a manual handling step.

24. The method of any one of claims 21 to 23 substantially as hereinbefore described by reference to the accompanying drawings.