US20180264502A1 - Reusable applicators and related methods - Google Patents
Reusable applicators and related methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180264502A1 US20180264502A1 US15/460,164 US201715460164A US2018264502A1 US 20180264502 A1 US20180264502 A1 US 20180264502A1 US 201715460164 A US201715460164 A US 201715460164A US 2018264502 A1 US2018264502 A1 US 2018264502A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- body portion
- applicator
- cavity
- sealant plug
- tip
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
- B05C5/02—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
- B05C17/002—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces with feed system for supplying material from an external source; Supply controls therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
- B05C17/005—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes
- B05C17/00503—Details of the outlet element
- B05C17/00506—Means for connecting the outlet element to, or for disconnecting it from, the hand tool or its container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
- B05C5/02—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work
- B05C5/0225—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work characterised by flow controlling means, e.g. valves, located proximate the outlet
- B05C5/0229—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work characterised by flow controlling means, e.g. valves, located proximate the outlet the valve being a gate valve or a sliding valve
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
- B05B1/30—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
- B05B1/3033—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the control being effected by relative coaxial longitudinal movement of the controlling element and the spray head
- B05B1/304—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the control being effected by relative coaxial longitudinal movement of the controlling element and the spray head the controlling element being a lift valve
- B05B1/3046—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the control being effected by relative coaxial longitudinal movement of the controlling element and the spray head the controlling element being a lift valve the valve element, e.g. a needle, co-operating with a valve seat located downstream of the valve element and its actuating means, generally in the proximity of the outlet orifice
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
- B05B1/30—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
- B05B1/3033—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the control being effected by relative coaxial longitudinal movement of the controlling element and the spray head
- B05B1/3073—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the control being effected by relative coaxial longitudinal movement of the controlling element and the spray head the controlling element being a deflector acting as a valve in co-operation with the outlet orifice
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
- B05C17/005—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes
- B05C17/00503—Details of the outlet element
- B05C17/00506—Means for connecting the outlet element to, or for disconnecting it from, the hand tool or its container
- B05C17/00509—Means for connecting the outlet element to, or for disconnecting it from, the hand tool or its container of the bayonet type
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05C5/00—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work
- B05C5/02—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work
- B05C5/0225—Apparatus in which liquid or other fluent material is projected, poured or allowed to flow on to the surface of the work the liquid or other fluent material being discharged through an outlet orifice by pressure, e.g. from an outlet device in contact or almost in contact, with the work characterised by flow controlling means, e.g. valves, located proximate the outlet
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates to reusable applicators for glutinous substances and to associated methods.
- Sealant applicators may lose functionality due to internal accumulation of solidified sealant. Production of replacement applicators increases costs and manufacturing lead time. Moreover, additional expenses may be incurred in conjunction with environmentally responsible disposal of dysfunctional applicators.
- Applicator for delivering a glutinous substance.
- Applicator comprises a first body portion, comprising a base portion, an end-effector interface, extending from the base portion, and a side cover to be removably coupled to the base portion.
- a first cavity is formed in the first body portion when the side cover is removably coupled to the base portion.
- the first cavity is at least partially defined by the base portion, the side cover, and the end-effector interface.
- Applicator also comprises a second body portion, extending from the base portion of the first body portion. The second body portion is non-parallel to the first body portion.
- a second cavity extends through the second body portion and intersects the first cavity.
- Applicator further comprises a tip portion to be removably coupled to the second body portion.
- the tip portion comprises a nozzle portion and a third cavity that communicatively couples with the second cavity when the tip portion is removably coupled to the second body portion.
- the applicator additionally comprises an inner sleeve to be coaxially received inside the third cavity of the tip portion.
- the applicator also comprises an actuator interface, extending from the second body portion opposite the tip portion.
- First cavity 114 , second cavity 168 , and third cavity 220 form a continuous channel from end-effector interface 112 to nozzle portion 192 for glutinous substance 298 to flow through.
- Use of actuator interface 108 provides an option for further flow control by means of an actuator and plunger, described below.
- Tip portion 106 may be removed to uncover inner sleeve 210 . This arrangement mechanically separates tapered second end 214 of inner sleeve 210 from tip portion 106 .
- Another example of the subject matter according to the invention relates to a method of assembling an applicator for delivering a glutinous substance.
- the method comprises attaching a side cover to a base portion of a first body portion of the applicator.
- An end-effector interface extends from the base portion at a first end of the first body portion.
- the applicator comprises a second body portion, extending from the base portion at a second end of the first body portion.
- a first cavity formed in the first body portion is at least partially defined by the base portion the end-effector interface and the side cover.
- the second body portion is non-parallel to the first body portion.
- a second cavity, extending through the second body portion is in fluid communication with the first cavity of the first body portion.
- the method also comprises assembling a tip portion of the applicator by inserting an inner sleeve into the tip portion such that the inner sleeve is coaxial with the tip portion.
- a third cavity extends through the inner sleeve.
- the method additionally comprises coupling the tip portion to the second body portion such that the tip portion and the second body portion are coaxial and the third cavity of the inner sleeve is in fluid communication with the second cavity of the second body portion.
- first cavity 114 Assembling first cavity 114 , second cavity 168 , and third cavity 220 in fluid communication allows glutinous substance 298 to flow through applicator 100 from end-effector interface 112 through tip portion 106 . In this manner, applicator 100 may deliver glutinous substance 298 .
- the various components are also configured for ease of assembly and disassembly.
- Yet another example of the subject matter according to the invention relates to a method for removing a glutinous substance from an applicator.
- the method comprises removing an actuator and a plunger, extending from the actuator, from the applicator before the glutinous substance has solidified.
- the method also comprises allowing the glutinous substance to solidify inside the applicator, such that the glutinous substance that has solidified comprises a first sealant plug, located inside a first body portion of the applicator, a second sealant plug, integral with the first sealant plug and located partially inside a second body portion of the applicator, and a third sealant plug, integral with the first sealant plug and located inside an end-effector interface, extending from a base portion of the first body portion.
- the method additionally comprises detaching a side cover from the base portion of the first body portion to expose the first sealant plug.
- the method further comprises severing the first sealant plug from the second sealant plug at a first junction between the first body portion and the second body portion.
- the method also comprises severing the first sealant plug from the third sealant plug at a second junction between the base portion of the first body portion and the end-effector interface.
- the method additionally comprises detaching a tip portion of the applicator from the second body portion to expose a portion of the second sealant plug.
- the method further comprises extracting the second sealant plug from the second body portion by pulling the portion of the second sealant plug, exposed by detaching the tip portion from the second body portion away from the second body portion in a direction along the second body portion.
- the method comprises separating the first sealant plug from the base portion of the first body portion.
- the method also comprises extracting the third sealant plug from the end-effector interface of the first body portion.
- Allowing glutinous substance 298 to solidify prior to disassembly provides a manageably discrete set of sealant plugs that is cleaner and more straightforward to remove from applicator 100 than a non-hardened glutinous substance 298 .
- Removing plunger 342 and actuator 340 prior to solidification of glutinous substance 298 allows portions of the sealant plug to be severed during removal steps.
- Use of removable components e.g. side cover 110 , and tip portion 106 ) allows access to the sealant plugs (i.e. first sealant plug 302 , second sealant plug 304 , and third sealant plug 300 ) at key geometries of applicator 100 .
- first sealant plug 302 from second sealant plug 304 allows second sealant plug 304 to be pulled from applicator 100 without being trapped against first junction 150 .
- severing first sealant plug 302 from third sealant plug 300 allows both first sealant plug 302 and third sealant plug 300 to be removed without being trapped against second junction 310 .
- FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a reusable applicator, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 2 is a schematic, side elevation view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 1 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 3 is a schematic, bottom plan view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 4 is a schematic, top plan view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 5 is a schematic, front elevation view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 6 is a schematic, rear elevation view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 7 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 8 is a schematic, isometric, exploded view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 9 is a schematic, bottom plan, exploded view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 is a schematic, partial, detail view of a connection portion of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , in a first configuration, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 11 is a schematic, partial, detail view of the connection portion of FIG. 10 , in a second configuration, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 12 is a schematic, partial, detail view of the connection portion of FIG. 10 , in a third configuration, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 13 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , including a glutinous substance in interior cavities, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 14 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , with an actuator and plunger portion removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 15 is a schematic, side elevation view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 2 , with an access door removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 16 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 15 , with a portion of the glutinous substance removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure;
- FIG. 17 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 16 , with an actuator interface removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 18 is a schematic, side elevation view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 17 , with an outer sleeve portion removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 19 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 18 , with another portion of the glutinous substance removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 20 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator of FIG. 19 , with a body portion removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a method of assembling the reusable applicator of FIG. 1 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIGS. 22A and 22B collectively are a block diagram of a method of utilizing the reusable applicator of FIG. 1 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure
- FIG. 23 is a block diagram of aircraft production and service methodology.
- FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft.
- solid lines, if any, connecting various elements and/or components may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinations thereof.
- “coupled” means associated directly as well as indirectly.
- a member A may be directly associated with a member B, or may be indirectly associated therewith, e.g., via another member C. It will be understood that not all relationships among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the block diagrams may also exist.
- Dashed lines, if any, connecting blocks designating the various elements and/or components represent couplings similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplings represented by the dashed lines may either be selectively provided or may relate to alternative examples of the present disclosure.
- elements and/or components, if any, represented with dashed lines indicate alternative examples of the present disclosure.
- One or more elements shown in solid and/or dashed lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
- Environmental elements, if any, are represented with dotted lines. Virtual (imaginary) elements may also be shown for clarity.
- FIGS. 21, 22A, and 22B referred to above, the blocks may represent operations and/or portions thereof and lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof. Blocks represented by dashed lines indicate alternative operations and/or portions thereof. Dashed lines, if any, connecting the various blocks represent alternative dependencies of the operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented.
- FIGS. 21, 22A, and 22B and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the method(s) set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to be understood that the sequence of the operations may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described need be performed.
- first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.
- a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification.
- the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function.
- “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification.
- a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function.
- Applicator 100 for delivering glutinous substance 298 is disclosed.
- Applicator 100 comprises first body portion 102 , comprising base portion 111 , end-effector interface 112 , extending from base portion 111 , and side cover 110 to be removably coupled to base portion 111 .
- First cavity 114 is formed in first body portion 102 when side cover 110 is removably coupled to base portion 111 .
- First cavity 114 is at least partially defined by base portion 111 , side cover 110 , and end-effector interface 112 .
- Applicator 100 also comprises second body portion 104 , extending from base portion 111 of first body portion 102 .
- Second body portion 104 is non-parallel to first body portion 102 .
- Second cavity 168 extends through second body portion 104 and intersects first cavity 114 .
- Applicator 100 also comprises tip portion 106 to be removably coupled to second body portion 104 .
- Tip portion 106 comprises nozzle portion 192 , and third cavity 220 that communicatively couples with second cavity 168 when tip portion 106 is removably coupled to second body portion 104 .
- Applicator 100 also comprises inner sleeve 210 to be coaxially received inside third cavity 220 of tip portion 106 .
- Applicator 100 also comprises actuator interface 108 , extending from second body portion 104 opposite tip portion 106 .
- First cavity 114 , second cavity 168 , and third cavity 220 form a continuous channel from end-effector interface 112 to nozzle portion 192 for glutinous substance 298 to flow through.
- Use of actuator interface 108 provides an option for further flow control by means of an actuator and plunger, described below.
- Tip portion 106 may be removed to uncover inner sleeve 210 . This arrangement mechanically separates tapered second end 214 of inner sleeve 210 from tip portion 106 .
- Side cover 110 may include first end 130 and second end 132 , and is configured to cover side opening 125 in base portion 111 . Removing side cover 110 may provide access to a junction or intersection 176 between first cavity 113 and second cavity 168 .
- First cavity 113 has inner diameter 116 , e.g., a continuous inner diameter, defining a hollow passage for glutinous substance 298 .
- Second body portion has outer surface 164 and inner surface 166 .
- Inner surface 166 of second body portion 104 may comprise multiple inner diameters.
- second cavity 168 has a narrowing portion 170 adjacent distal end 158 , where second cavity 168 transitions from larger first diameter 172 to smaller second diameter 174 .
- Tip portion 106 may have first end 184 , second end 186 , outer surface 194 , and inner surface 196 .
- Inner sleeve 210 may itself comprise first end 212 , tapered second end 214 , outer surface 216 generally facing inner surface 196 of tip portion 106 , and inner surface 218 .
- Actuator interface 108 also may have a first end 240 and a second end 242 .
- actuator 340 is coupled to actuator interface 108 .
- Actuator 340 comprises plunger 342 .
- Plunger 342 extends from actuator 340 through second cavity 168 .
- Glutinous substance 298 may be provided to applicator 100 via end-effector interface 112 at a selected pressure. Coupling actuator 340 to actuator interface 108 of applicator 100 allows control over the flow of glutinous substance 298 through applicator 100 , e.g., by throttling. In some examples, actuator 340 may be actuated by a controllable mechanism, facilitating automatic control of the flow of glutinous substance 298 .
- Actuator 340 may be coupled to actuator interface 108 by any suitable releasably securable mechanism.
- actuator 340 may be coupled to a twist-lock or bayonet-style connector 250 on first end 240 of actuator interface 108 .
- plunger 342 of actuator 340 further comprises head portion 344 .
- Actuator 340 is operable to transition head portion 344 inside tip portion 106 between first position 346 , with head portion 344 forward of inner sleeve 210 and inside nozzle portion 192 , and second position 348 , with head portion 344 at least partially within inner sleeve 210 .
- head portion 344 on plunger 342 allows actuator 340 to effectively turn on, turn off, and variably throttle a flow of glutinous substance 298 .
- glutinous substance 298 can flow around head portion 344 and out of nozzle portion 192 .
- head portion 344 blocks glutinous substance 298 from flowing out of inner sleeve 210 . Transition of head portion 344 from first position 346 to second position 348 may encourage any portion of glutinous substance 298 present in nozzle portion 192 to return toward inner sleeve 210 , functioning as a “snuff-back” mechanism to prevent unwanted outflow of glutinous substance 298 .
- second body portion 104 is monolithic with base portion 111 of first body portion 102 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 3, above.
- body portion 104 and base portion 111 provide structural support and rigidity to applicator 100 , and retains body portion 104 and base portion 111 at a fixed angle. Monolithic construction simplifies the overall mechanism, requiring fewer connections and reducing manufacturing cost.
- nozzle portion 192 of tip portion 106 comprises fourth cavity 193 , communicatively coupled with third cavity 220 . At least a portion of fourth cavity 193 is tapered.
- nozzle portion 192 allows for improved flow control of glutinous substance 298 .
- a smaller exit diameter of nozzle portion 192 reduces pressure and increases exit flow velocity of glutinous substance 298 .
- Fourth cavity 193 accommodates head portion 344 of plunger 342 , allowing a transition of plunger 342 from first position 346 to second position 348 to facilitate the snuff-back effect described above.
- inner sleeve 210 comprises first inner diameter 224 and second inner diameter 226 .
- Second inner diameter 226 is smaller than first inner diameter 224 .
- Constriction 222 may be contoured and sized to receive head portion 344 , allowing head portion 344 to block flow of glutinous substance 298 .
- tip portion 106 and inner sleeve 210 are interlocked when inner sleeve is received inside third cavity 220 of tip portion 106 , such that inner sleeve 210 is prevented from rotating with respect to tip portion 106 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 6, above.
- Inner sleeve 210 can be removably locked to tip portion 106 , with matching rotational orientations.
- a selectable number of orientations may be provided. For instance, in this example, one orientation is provided.
- inner sleeve 210 comprises splined outer surface 228 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to example 7, above.
- tip portion 106 comprises proximal connector portion 188 .
- Second body portion 104 comprises distal connector portion 160 .
- Tip portion 106 is to be removably coupled to second body portion 104 at least in part by engaging proximal connector portion 188 of tip portion 106 with distal connector portion 160 of second body portion 104 so that tip portion 106 is rotationally fixed relative to second body portion 104 .
- Engaging proximal connector portion 188 with distal connector portion 160 provides a reliable, convenient, and secure connection between first end 184 of tip portion 106 and distal end 158 of second body portion 104 .
- proximal connector portion 188 of tip portion 106 comprises pair of opposing fingers 190 , having respective flanged tips 191 .
- opposing fingers 190 facilitates connection with a connector on second body portion 104 , for example opposing flanges as described below.
- Interlocked fingers and flanges also provide a seating surface for a circlip.
- distal connector portion 160 of second body portion 104 comprises pair of opposing flanges 162 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subject matter according to example 10, above.
- opposing flanges 162 allows distal connector portion 160 at distal end 158 of second body portion 104 to interlock with opposing fingers 190 of proximal connector portion 188 , to facilitate a secure connection between second body portion 104 and tip portion 106 , and provide a seating surface for a circlip.
- pair of opposing fingers 190 of proximal connector portion 188 of tip portion 106 are configured to interlock with pair of opposing flanges 162 of distal connector portion 160 of second body portion 104 so that gap 163 is formed between respective flanged tips 191 of pair of opposing fingers 190 of proximal connector portion 188 and pair of opposing flanges 162 of distal connector portion 160 .
- First circlip 284 is to be received into gap 163 to secure tip portion 106 to second body portion 104 to prevent tip portion 106 from translating relative to second body portion 104 .
- opposing fingers 190 that are interlocked and opposing flanges 162 with a circlip provides a removable connection for coupling tip portion 106 and second body portion 104 that is secure, repeatable, and reliable.
- a simple connector and clip connection is convenient and cost-effective.
- actuator interface 108 is monolithic with second body portion 104 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 12, above.
- actuator interface 108 that is monolithic with second body portion 104 may simplify construction and reduce manufacturing costs of applicator 100 .
- actuator interface 108 is detachable from second body portion 104 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 12, above.
- actuator interface 108 that is detachable facilitates disassembly of applicator 100 for cleaning.
- actuator interface 108 comprises interface connector portion 260 , interlockable with proximal connector portion 154 of second body portion 104 .
- Second circlip 282 is to secure actuator interface 108 to second body portion 104 to prevent actuator interface 108 from translating relative to second body portion 104 .
- Engaging interface connector portion 260 with proximal connector portion 154 provides a reliable, convenient, and secure connection between proximal end 152 of second body portion 104 and second end 242 of actuator interface 108 .
- Proximal connector portion 154 and interface connector portion 260 may include any suitable releasably securable connection mechanism.
- proximal connector portion 154 may comprise a pair of opposing fingers 156 configured to interlock with a corresponding pair of opposing flanges or projections 262 , in similar fashion to the interlocking mechanism, shown in FIGS. 10-12 .
- Second circlip 282 may secure fingers 156 to projections 262 .
- actuator interface 108 comprises aperture 244 , passing therethrough.
- Aperture 244 is communicatively coupled with second cavity 168 when actuator interface 108 is removably coupled to second body portion 104 .
- Aperture 244 allows plunger 342 to extend into second cavity 168 and acts as a guide to align plunger 342 with a central axis of second body portion 104 and tip portion 106 .
- Plunger 342 may extend from actuator 340 through aperture 244 , which has inner diameter 248 configured to allow passage of a shaft or rod of plunger 342 .
- applicator 100 also comprises first sensor port 118 , formed in first body portion 102 .
- first sensor port 118 formed in first body portion 102 .
- first sensor port 118 allows a first sensor to be removably coupled to applicator 100 , for sensing pressure, flow rate, and the like.
- first sensor port 118 is formed in base portion 111 of first body portion 102 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includes the subject matter according to example 17, above.
- Forming first sensor port 118 in base portion 111 facilitates a seamless sensor port and simplifies the design of side cover 110 .
- applicator 100 also comprises second sensor port 120 , formed in first body portion 102 .
- second sensor port 120 formed in first body portion 102 .
- second sensor port 120 allows a second sensor to be removably coupled to applicator 100 , for sensing pressure, flow rate, and the like.
- second sensor port 120 is formed in base portion 111 of first body portion 102 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20 also includes the subject matter according to example 19, above.
- Forming second sensor port 120 in base portion 111 facilitates a seamless sensor port and simplifies the design of side cover 110 .
- first sensor port 118 is formed opposite second sensor port 120 .
- first sensor port 118 is formed opposite second sensor port 120 .
- opposed sensor ports allow a first sensor and a second sensor to independently sense characteristics of a flow of glutinous substance 298 through first body portion 102 . Such placement prevents interference between the first sensor and the second sensor, and also interference between cables associated with the sensors.
- applicator 100 also comprises seal 140 .
- Seal 140 is positionable between side cover 110 and base portion 111 , wherein seal 140 is positionable between two three-dimensional surfaces.
- seal 140 prevents leakage of glutinous substance 298 from an interface between side cover 110 and base portion 111 .
- the ability to conform to a three dimensional shape allows seal 140 to conform to a contour of the interface, and thereby prevent kinks or leakage that might result from folding as seal 140 follows the interface.
- Seal 140 may include any suitable gasket or other sealing member, and may include a flexible and/or resilient band. Seal 140 may be positionable between a contoured or three-dimensional surface 128 of side cover 110 and a corresponding surface of base portion 111 .
- applicator 100 also comprises first annular seal 288 , positionable between second body portion 104 and tip portion 106 .
- First annular seal 288 is positionable between a first two two-dimensional surfaces.
- first annular seal 288 allows a connection between second body portion 104 and tip portion 106 to be sealed.
- First annular seal 288 may include any suitable annular sealing mechanism, such as an o-ring or gasket.
- applicator 100 also comprises second annular seal 286 , positionable between second body portion 104 and actuator interface 108 , wherein second annular seal 286 is positionable between a second two two-dimensional surfaces.
- second annular seal 286 is positionable between a second two two-dimensional surfaces.
- second annular seal 286 allows a connection between second body portion 104 and actuator interface 108 to be sealed.
- Second annular seal 286 may include any suitable annular sealing mechanism, such as an o-ring or gasket.
- Method 400 comprises (block 402 ) attaching side cover 110 to base portion 111 of first body portion 102 of applicator 100 .
- End-effector interface 112 extends from base portion 111 at first end 142 of first body portion 102 .
- Applicator 100 comprises second body portion 104 , extending from base portion 111 at second end 144 of first body portion 102 .
- First cavity 114 formed in first body portion 102 , is at least partially defined by base portion 111 , end-effector interface 112 , and side cover 110 .
- Second body portion 104 is non-parallel to first body portion 102 .
- Second cavity 168 extending through second body portion 104 , is in fluid communication with first cavity 114 of first body portion 102 .
- Method 400 additionally comprises (block 404 ) assembling tip portion 106 of applicator 100 by inserting inner sleeve 210 into tip portion 106 , such that inner sleeve 210 is coaxial with tip portion 106 .
- Third cavity 220 extends through inner sleeve 210 .
- Method 400 also comprises (block 406 ) coupling tip portion 106 to second body portion 104 , such that tip portion 106 and second body portion 104 are coaxial and third cavity 220 of inner sleeve 210 is in fluid communication with second cavity 168 of second body portion 104 .
- first cavity 114 Assembling first cavity 114 , second cavity 168 , and third cavity 220 in fluid communication allows glutinous substance 298 to flow through applicator 100 from end-effector interface 112 through tip portion 106 . In this manner, applicator 100 may deliver glutinous substance 298 .
- the various components are also configured for ease of assembly and disassembly.
- Guiding indicia on various components of applicator 100 may be used to carry out or align portions of the applicator when carrying out steps of method 400 , including further steps described below.
- small triangles or arrow-like indicia may be present on different components to show where neighboring components align radially.
- triangle 290 on actuator interface 108 , triangle 292 on second body portion 104 , triangle 294 on inner sleeve 210 , and triangle 296 on tip portion 106 are all meant to align when applicator 100 is properly assembled.
- method 400 further comprises (block 410 ) coupling actuator interface 108 to proximal end 152 of second body portion 104 , opposing tip portion 106 .
- Actuator interface 108 comprises aperture 244 to receive plunger 342 , extending from actuator 340 .
- actuator interface 108 allows an actuator to be connected to applicator 100 , and provides a guide to align actuator plunger 342 with a central axis of second body portion 104 and tip portion 106 .
- method 400 further comprises (block 412 ) inserting plunger 342 , extending from actuator 340 , through aperture 244 of actuator interface 108 and coupling actuator 340 to actuator interface 108 .
- Plunger 342 extends through second cavity 168 .
- plunger 342 allows control over flow of glutinous substance 298 through applicator 100 .
- actuator 340 may provide automatic control of plunger 342 and thereby automatic control of the flow of glutinous substance 298 .
- assembling tip portion 106 further comprises (block 414 ) engaging splined outer surface 228 of inner sleeve 210 with splined inner surface 200 of tip portion 106 .
- splined outer surface 228 and splined inner surface 200 prevents rotation of inner sleeve 210 with respect to tip portion 106 , and facilitates reliable and secure assembly.
- coupling tip portion 106 to second body portion 104 comprises (block 416 ) engaging proximal connector portion 188 of tip portion 106 with distal connector portion 160 of second body portion 104 .
- proximal connector portion 188 and distal connector portion 160 provides a reliable, convenient, and secure connection between tip portion 106 and second body portion 104 .
- method 400 further comprises (block 408 ) securing proximal connector portion 188 of tip portion 106 to distal connector portion 160 of second body portion 104 using first circlip 284 .
- first circlip 284 provides a removable connection for coupling tip portion 106 and second body portion 104 that is secure, repeatable, and reliable.
- a simple connector and clip connection may be convenient and cost-effective.
- Method 500 for removing glutinous substance 298 from applicator 100 is disclosed.
- Method 500 comprises (block 502 ) removing actuator 340 and plunger 342 , extending from actuator 340 , from applicator 100 before glutinous substance 298 has solidified.
- Method 500 also comprises (block 504 ) allowing glutinous substance 298 to solidify inside applicator 100 , such that glutinous substance 298 that has solidified comprises first sealant plug 302 , located inside first body portion 102 of applicator 100 , second sealant plug 304 , integral with first sealant plug 302 and located partially inside second body portion 104 of applicator 100 , and third sealant plug 300 , integral with first sealant plug 302 and located inside end-effector interface 112 , extending from base portion 111 of first body portion 102 .
- Method 500 additionally comprises (block 506 ) detaching side cover 110 from base portion 111 of first body portion 102 to expose first sealant plug 302 .
- Method 500 further comprises (block 508 ) severing first sealant plug 302 from second sealant plug 304 at first junction 150 between first body portion 102 and second body portion 104 .
- Method 500 also comprises (block 510 ) severing first sealant plug 302 from third sealant plug 300 at second junction 310 between base portion 111 of first body portion 102 and end-effector interface 112 .
- Method 500 additionally comprises (block 512 ) detaching tip portion 106 of applicator 100 from second body portion 104 to expose a portion of second sealant plug 304 .
- Method 500 further comprises (block 514 ) extracting second sealant plug 304 from second body portion 104 by pulling the portion of second sealant plug 304 , exposed by detaching tip portion 106 from second body portion 104 away from second body portion 104 in direction 320 along second body portion 104 .
- Method 500 also comprises (block 516 ) separating first sealant plug 302 from base portion 111 of first body portion 102 .
- Method 500 further comprises (block 518 ) extracting third sealant plug 300 from end-effector interface 112 of first body portion 102 .
- Allowing glutinous substance 298 to solidify prior to disassembly provides a manageably discrete set of sealant plugs that is cleaner and more straightforward to remove from applicator 100 than glutinous substance 298 that has not solidified.
- Removing plunger 342 and actuator 340 prior to solidification of glutinous substance 298 allows portions of the sealant plug to be severed during removal steps.
- Use of removable components e.g. side cover 110 , and tip portion 106 ) allows access to the sealant plugs (i.e. first sealant plug 302 , second sealant plug 304 , and third sealant plug 300 ) at key geometries of applicator 100 .
- first sealant plug 302 from second sealant plug 304 allows second sealant plug 304 to be pulled from applicator 100 without being trapped against first junction 150 .
- severing first sealant plug 302 from third sealant plug 300 allows both first sealant plug 302 and third sealant plug 300 to be removed without being trapped against second junction 310 .
- separating first sealant plug 302 from base portion 111 of first body portion 102 comprises (block 532 ) separating a first portion of first sealant plug 302 from first sensor-port wall 119 of first sensor port 118 of applicator 100 and separating a second portion of first sealant plug 302 from second sensor-port wall 121 of second sensor port 120 of applicator 100 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 32 of the present disclosure, wherein example 32 also includes the subject matter according to example 31, above.
- first sealant plug 302 Separating first sealant plug 302 from first sensor-port wall 119 and second sensor-port wall 121 prevents first sealant plug 302 from becoming stuck in first sensor port 118 or second sensor port 120 .
- glutinous substance 298 that has solidified further comprises fourth sealant plug 306 , integral with second sealant plug 304 and located in nozzle portion 192 of tip portion 106 .
- Method 500 further comprises (block 520 ) removing tip portion 106 from inner sleeve 210 , coaxial with tip portion 106 , to expose fourth sealant plug 306 .
- Method 500 also comprises severing fourth sealant plug 306 from second sealant plug 304 .
- Severing fourth sealant plug 306 from second sealant plug 304 (at junction 308 therebetween) allows inner sleeve 210 to be removed in a later step without being trapped by fourth sealant plug 306 .
- detaching tip portion 106 of applicator 100 from second body portion 104 comprises (block 528 ) disengaging first circlip 284 from proximal connector portion 188 of tip portion 106 .
- first circlip 284 provides a secure and reliable connection, and allows tip portion 106 to be detached from second body portion 104 without interference from solidified glutinous substance 298 .
- proximal connector portion 188 of tip portion 106 interfaces with distal connector portion 160 of second body portion 104 .
- the preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 35 of the present disclosure, wherein example 35 also includes the subject matter according to example 34, above.
- Interfacing proximal connector portion 188 with distal connector portion 160 provides a reliable, convenient, and secure connection between tip portion 106 and second body portion 104 .
- detaching side cover 110 from base portion 111 of first body portion 102 comprises (block 524 ) unfastening one or more fasteners 122 from side cover 110 .
- fasteners 122 allows first body portion 102 to be more securely connected to side cover 110 , which interfaces with pressurized first cavity 114 during operation of applicator 100 .
- Fasteners 122 may include any suitable fastening device, such as bolts, screws, clips, and/or the like, or any combination of these.
- fasteners 122 include bolts having corresponding nuts, wherein the bolts are configured to pass through openings 124 in base portion 111 and corresponding openings 126 in side cover 110 .
- example 37 of the present disclosure characterizes example 37 of the present disclosure, wherein example 37 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 31 to 36, above.
- Exposing first junction 150 facilitates easy access in order that first sealant plug 302 can be severed from second sealant plug 304 .
- a knife might be used to cut first sealant plug 302 from second sealant plug 304 .
- method 500 further comprises (block 522 ) detaching actuator interface 108 of applicator 100 from second body portion 104 .
- Detaching actuator interface 108 allows complete clearance of glutinous substance 298 from applicator 100 , and ensures second sealant plug 304 is not stuck to actuator interface.
- illustrative method 600 may include specification and design (block 604 ) of aircraft 602 and material procurement (block 606 ).
- material procurement block 606
- component and subassembly manufacturing block 608
- system integration block 610
- aircraft 602 may go through certification and delivery (block 612 ) to be placed in service (block 614 ).
- routine maintenance and service block 616 ). Routine maintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of aircraft 602 .
- Each of the processes of illustrative method 600 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer).
- 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
- an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on.
- aircraft 602 produced by illustrative method 600 may include airframe 618 with a plurality of high-level systems 620 and interior 622 .
- high-level systems 620 include one or more of propulsion system 624 , electrical system 626 , hydraulic system 628 , and environmental system 630 . Any number of other systems may be included.
- propulsion system 624 the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft 602 , the principles disclosed herein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc.
- Apparatus(es) and method(s) shown or described herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method 600 .
- components or subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly manufacturing (block 608 ) may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft 602 is in service (block 614 ).
- one or more examples of the apparatus(es), method(s), or combination thereof may be utilized during production stages 608 and 610 , for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft 602 .
- one or more examples of the apparatus or method realizations, or a combination thereof may be utilized, for example and without limitation, while aircraft 602 is in service (block 614 ) and/or during maintenance and service (block 616 ).
Abstract
A method (500) for removing glutinous substance (298) from applicator (100) comprises removing plunger (342) from applicator (100) before glutinous substance (298) has solidified; allowing glutinous substance (298) to solidify inside applicator (100); detaching side cover (110) from base portion (111) of first body portion (102) to expose first sealant plug (302); severing first sealant plug (302) from second sealant plug (304); severing first sealant plug (302) from third sealant plug (300); detaching tip portion (106) of applicator (100) from second body portion (104) to expose a portion of second sealant plug (304); extracting second sealant plug (304) from second body portion (104) by pulling portion of second sealant plug (304) in direction (320) along second body portion (104); separating first sealant plug (302) from base portion (111) of first body portion (102); and extracting third sealant plug (300) from end-effector interface (112) of first body portion (102).
Description
- The present disclosure relates to reusable applicators for glutinous substances and to associated methods.
- Sealant applicators may lose functionality due to internal accumulation of solidified sealant. Production of replacement applicators increases costs and manufacturing lead time. Moreover, additional expenses may be incurred in conjunction with environmentally responsible disposal of dysfunctional applicators.
- Accordingly, apparatuses and methods, intended to address at least the above-identified concerns, would find utility.
- The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according to the invention.
- One example of the subject matter according to the invention relates to an applicator for delivering a glutinous substance. Applicator comprises a first body portion, comprising a base portion, an end-effector interface, extending from the base portion, and a side cover to be removably coupled to the base portion. A first cavity is formed in the first body portion when the side cover is removably coupled to the base portion. The first cavity is at least partially defined by the base portion, the side cover, and the end-effector interface. Applicator also comprises a second body portion, extending from the base portion of the first body portion. The second body portion is non-parallel to the first body portion. A second cavity extends through the second body portion and intersects the first cavity. Applicator further comprises a tip portion to be removably coupled to the second body portion. The tip portion comprises a nozzle portion and a third cavity that communicatively couples with the second cavity when the tip portion is removably coupled to the second body portion. The applicator additionally comprises an inner sleeve to be coaxially received inside the third cavity of the tip portion. The applicator also comprises an actuator interface, extending from the second body portion opposite the tip portion.
- Use of removably coupled components (
e.g. side cover 110 and base portion 111) as set forth above allows for disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly ofapplicator 100.First cavity 114,second cavity 168, andthird cavity 220 form a continuous channel from end-effector interface 112 tonozzle portion 192 forglutinous substance 298 to flow through. Use ofactuator interface 108 provides an option for further flow control by means of an actuator and plunger, described below.Tip portion 106 may be removed to uncoverinner sleeve 210. This arrangement mechanically separates taperedsecond end 214 ofinner sleeve 210 fromtip portion 106. This permits the exposure of a plug of glutinous substance innozzle portion 192 during disassembly by removingtip portion 106. Without the separation oftip portion 106 andinner sleeve 210, the internal narrowing would prevent removal oftip portion 106 due to the plug innozzle portion 192. - Another example of the subject matter according to the invention relates to a method of assembling an applicator for delivering a glutinous substance. The method comprises attaching a side cover to a base portion of a first body portion of the applicator. An end-effector interface extends from the base portion at a first end of the first body portion. The applicator comprises a second body portion, extending from the base portion at a second end of the first body portion. A first cavity formed in the first body portion is at least partially defined by the base portion the end-effector interface and the side cover. The second body portion is non-parallel to the first body portion. A second cavity, extending through the second body portion, is in fluid communication with the first cavity of the first body portion. The method also comprises assembling a tip portion of the applicator by inserting an inner sleeve into the tip portion such that the inner sleeve is coaxial with the tip portion. A third cavity extends through the inner sleeve. The method additionally comprises coupling the tip portion to the second body portion such that the tip portion and the second body portion are coaxial and the third cavity of the inner sleeve is in fluid communication with the second cavity of the second body portion.
- Assembling
first cavity 114,second cavity 168, andthird cavity 220 in fluid communication allowsglutinous substance 298 to flow throughapplicator 100 from end-effector interface 112 throughtip portion 106. In this manner,applicator 100 may deliverglutinous substance 298. The various components are also configured for ease of assembly and disassembly. - Yet another example of the subject matter according to the invention relates to a method for removing a glutinous substance from an applicator. The method comprises removing an actuator and a plunger, extending from the actuator, from the applicator before the glutinous substance has solidified. The method also comprises allowing the glutinous substance to solidify inside the applicator, such that the glutinous substance that has solidified comprises a first sealant plug, located inside a first body portion of the applicator, a second sealant plug, integral with the first sealant plug and located partially inside a second body portion of the applicator, and a third sealant plug, integral with the first sealant plug and located inside an end-effector interface, extending from a base portion of the first body portion. The method additionally comprises detaching a side cover from the base portion of the first body portion to expose the first sealant plug. The method further comprises severing the first sealant plug from the second sealant plug at a first junction between the first body portion and the second body portion. The method also comprises severing the first sealant plug from the third sealant plug at a second junction between the base portion of the first body portion and the end-effector interface. The method additionally comprises detaching a tip portion of the applicator from the second body portion to expose a portion of the second sealant plug. The method further comprises extracting the second sealant plug from the second body portion by pulling the portion of the second sealant plug, exposed by detaching the tip portion from the second body portion away from the second body portion in a direction along the second body portion. In addition, the method comprises separating the first sealant plug from the base portion of the first body portion. The method also comprises extracting the third sealant plug from the end-effector interface of the first body portion.
- Allowing
glutinous substance 298 to solidify prior to disassembly provides a manageably discrete set of sealant plugs that is cleaner and more straightforward to remove fromapplicator 100 than a non-hardenedglutinous substance 298. Removingplunger 342 andactuator 340 prior to solidification ofglutinous substance 298 allows portions of the sealant plug to be severed during removal steps. Use of removable components (e.g. side cover 110, and tip portion 106) allows access to the sealant plugs (i.e.first sealant plug 302,second sealant plug 304, and third sealant plug 300) at key geometries ofapplicator 100. Severingfirst sealant plug 302 fromsecond sealant plug 304 allowssecond sealant plug 304 to be pulled fromapplicator 100 without being trapped againstfirst junction 150. Similarly, severingfirst sealant plug 302 fromthird sealant plug 300 allows bothfirst sealant plug 302 andthird sealant plug 300 to be removed without being trapped againstsecond junction 310. - Having thus described one or more examples of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a reusable applicator, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 2 is a schematic, side elevation view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 1 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 3 is a schematic, bottom plan view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic, top plan view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic, front elevation view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic, rear elevation view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic, isometric, exploded view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic, bottom plan, exploded view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 10 is a schematic, partial, detail view of a connection portion of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , in a first configuration, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 11 is a schematic, partial, detail view of the connection portion ofFIG. 10 , in a second configuration, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 12 is a schematic, partial, detail view of the connection portion ofFIG. 10 , in a third configuration, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 13 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , including a glutinous substance in interior cavities, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 14 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , with an actuator and plunger portion removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 15 is a schematic, side elevation view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 2 , with an access door removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 16 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 15 , with a portion of the glutinous substance removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 17 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 16 , with an actuator interface removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 18 is a schematic, side elevation view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 17 , with an outer sleeve portion removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 19 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 18 , with another portion of the glutinous substance removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 20 is a schematic, sectional side view of the reusable applicator ofFIG. 19 , with a body portion removed, according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a method of assembling the reusable applicator ofFIG. 1 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIGS. 22A and 22B collectively are a block diagram of a method of utilizing the reusable applicator ofFIG. 1 , according to one or more examples of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 23 is a block diagram of aircraft production and service methodology; and -
FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of an aircraft. - In
FIG. 1 , referred to above, solid lines, if any, connecting various elements and/or components may represent mechanical, electrical, fluid, optical, electromagnetic and other couplings and/or combinations thereof. As used herein, “coupled” means associated directly as well as indirectly. For example, a member A may be directly associated with a member B, or may be indirectly associated therewith, e.g., via another member C. It will be understood that not all relationships among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the block diagrams may also exist. Dashed lines, if any, connecting blocks designating the various elements and/or components represent couplings similar in function and purpose to those represented by solid lines; however, couplings represented by the dashed lines may either be selectively provided or may relate to alternative examples of the present disclosure. Likewise, elements and/or components, if any, represented with dashed lines, indicate alternative examples of the present disclosure. One or more elements shown in solid and/or dashed lines may be omitted from a particular example without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Environmental elements, if any, are represented with dotted lines. Virtual (imaginary) elements may also be shown for clarity. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that some of the features illustrated inFIG. 1 may be combined in various ways without the need to include other features described inFIG. 1 , other drawing figures, and/or the accompanying disclosure, even though such combination or combinations are not explicitly illustrated herein. Similarly, additional features not limited to the examples presented, may be combined with some or all of the features shown and described herein. - In
FIGS. 21, 22A, and 22B , referred to above, the blocks may represent operations and/or portions thereof and lines connecting the various blocks do not imply any particular order or dependency of the operations or portions thereof. Blocks represented by dashed lines indicate alternative operations and/or portions thereof. Dashed lines, if any, connecting the various blocks represent alternative dependencies of the operations or portions thereof. It will be understood that not all dependencies among the various disclosed operations are necessarily represented.FIGS. 21, 22A, and 22B and the accompanying disclosure describing the operations of the method(s) set forth herein should not be interpreted as necessarily determining a sequence in which the operations are to be performed. Rather, although one illustrative order is indicated, it is to be understood that the sequence of the operations may be modified when appropriate. Accordingly, certain operations may be performed in a different order or simultaneously. Additionally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that not all operations described need be performed. - In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed concepts, which may be practiced without some or all of these particulars. In other instances, details of known devices and/or processes have been omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with specific examples, it will be understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.
- Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.
- Reference herein to “one example” means that one or more feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one implementation. The phrase “one example” in various places in the specification may or may not be referring to the same example.
- As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function.
- Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may or may not be claimed, of the subject matter according the present disclosure are provided below.
- Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,applicator 100 for deliveringglutinous substance 298 is disclosed.Applicator 100 comprisesfirst body portion 102, comprisingbase portion 111, end-effector interface 112, extending frombase portion 111, andside cover 110 to be removably coupled tobase portion 111.First cavity 114 is formed infirst body portion 102 whenside cover 110 is removably coupled tobase portion 111.First cavity 114 is at least partially defined bybase portion 111,side cover 110, and end-effector interface 112.Applicator 100 also comprisessecond body portion 104, extending frombase portion 111 offirst body portion 102.Second body portion 104 is non-parallel tofirst body portion 102.Second cavity 168 extends throughsecond body portion 104 and intersectsfirst cavity 114.Applicator 100 also comprisestip portion 106 to be removably coupled tosecond body portion 104.Tip portion 106 comprisesnozzle portion 192, andthird cavity 220 that communicatively couples withsecond cavity 168 whentip portion 106 is removably coupled tosecond body portion 104.Applicator 100 also comprisesinner sleeve 210 to be coaxially received insidethird cavity 220 oftip portion 106.Applicator 100 also comprisesactuator interface 108, extending fromsecond body portion 104opposite tip portion 106. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 1 of the present disclosure. - Use of removably coupled components (e.g.
side cover 110 and base portion 111) as set forth above allows for disassembly, cleaning, and reassembly ofapplicator 100.First cavity 114,second cavity 168, andthird cavity 220 form a continuous channel from end-effector interface 112 tonozzle portion 192 forglutinous substance 298 to flow through. Use ofactuator interface 108 provides an option for further flow control by means of an actuator and plunger, described below.Tip portion 106 may be removed to uncoverinner sleeve 210. This arrangement mechanically separates taperedsecond end 214 ofinner sleeve 210 fromtip portion 106. This permits the exposure of a plug of glutinous substance innozzle portion 192 during disassembly by removingtip portion 106. Without the separation oftip portion 106 andinner sleeve 210, the internal narrowing would prevent removal oftip portion 106 due to the plug innozzle portion 192. -
Side cover 110 may includefirst end 130 andsecond end 132, and is configured to coverside opening 125 inbase portion 111. Removingside cover 110 may provide access to a junction or intersection 176 between first cavity 113 andsecond cavity 168. First cavity 113 hasinner diameter 116, e.g., a continuous inner diameter, defining a hollow passage forglutinous substance 298. Second body portion hasouter surface 164 andinner surface 166.Inner surface 166 ofsecond body portion 104 may comprise multiple inner diameters. In some examples,second cavity 168 has a narrowingportion 170 adjacentdistal end 158, wheresecond cavity 168 transitions from largerfirst diameter 172 to smallersecond diameter 174.Tip portion 106 may havefirst end 184,second end 186,outer surface 194, andinner surface 196.Inner sleeve 210 may itself comprisefirst end 212, taperedsecond end 214,outer surface 216 generally facinginner surface 196 oftip portion 106, andinner surface 218.Actuator interface 108 also may have afirst end 240 and asecond end 242. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 7 ,actuator 340 is coupled toactuator interface 108.Actuator 340 comprisesplunger 342.Plunger 342 extends fromactuator 340 throughsecond cavity 168. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 2 of the present disclosure, wherein example 2 also includes the subject matter according to example 1, above. -
Glutinous substance 298 may be provided toapplicator 100 via end-effector interface 112 at a selected pressure.Coupling actuator 340 toactuator interface 108 ofapplicator 100 allows control over the flow ofglutinous substance 298 throughapplicator 100, e.g., by throttling. In some examples,actuator 340 may be actuated by a controllable mechanism, facilitating automatic control of the flow ofglutinous substance 298. -
Actuator 340 may be coupled toactuator interface 108 by any suitable releasably securable mechanism. For example,actuator 340 may be coupled to a twist-lock or bayonet-style connector 250 onfirst end 240 ofactuator interface 108. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 7 ,plunger 342 ofactuator 340 further compriseshead portion 344.Actuator 340 is operable to transitionhead portion 344 insidetip portion 106 betweenfirst position 346, withhead portion 344 forward ofinner sleeve 210 and insidenozzle portion 192, andsecond position 348, withhead portion 344 at least partially withininner sleeve 210. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 3 of the present disclosure, wherein example 3 also includes the subject matter according to example 2, above. - Use of
head portion 344 onplunger 342 allowsactuator 340 to effectively turn on, turn off, and variably throttle a flow ofglutinous substance 298. Infirst position 346,glutinous substance 298 can flow aroundhead portion 344 and out ofnozzle portion 192. Insecond position 348,head portion 344 blocksglutinous substance 298 from flowing out ofinner sleeve 210. Transition ofhead portion 344 fromfirst position 346 tosecond position 348 may encourage any portion ofglutinous substance 298 present innozzle portion 192 to return towardinner sleeve 210, functioning as a “snuff-back” mechanism to prevent unwanted outflow ofglutinous substance 298. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,second body portion 104 is monolithic withbase portion 111 offirst body portion 102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 4 of the present disclosure, wherein example 4 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 3, above. - Use of a single part for
body portion 104 andbase portion 111 provides structural support and rigidity toapplicator 100, and retainsbody portion 104 andbase portion 111 at a fixed angle. Monolithic construction simplifies the overall mechanism, requiring fewer connections and reducing manufacturing cost. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,nozzle portion 192 oftip portion 106 comprisesfourth cavity 193, communicatively coupled withthird cavity 220. At least a portion offourth cavity 193 is tapered. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 5 of the present disclosure, wherein example 5 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 4, above. - Use of
nozzle portion 192 allows for improved flow control ofglutinous substance 298. A smaller exit diameter ofnozzle portion 192 reduces pressure and increases exit flow velocity ofglutinous substance 298.Fourth cavity 193 accommodateshead portion 344 ofplunger 342, allowing a transition ofplunger 342 fromfirst position 346 tosecond position 348 to facilitate the snuff-back effect described above. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 7 ,inner sleeve 210 comprises firstinner diameter 224 and secondinner diameter 226. Secondinner diameter 226 is smaller than firstinner diameter 224. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 6 of the present disclosure, wherein example 6 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 5, above. - Use of smaller second
inner diameter 226 provides a narrowed neck orconstriction 222 for receivinghead portion 344 ofplunger 342 when insecond position 348.Constriction 222 may be contoured and sized to receivehead portion 344, allowinghead portion 344 to block flow ofglutinous substance 298. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 7 through 9 ,tip portion 106 andinner sleeve 210 are interlocked when inner sleeve is received insidethird cavity 220 oftip portion 106, such thatinner sleeve 210 is prevented from rotating with respect to tipportion 106. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 7 of the present disclosure, wherein example 7 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 6, above. - Preventing rotation of
inner sleeve 210 with respect to tipportion 106 when interlocked helps to ensure proper assembly ofapplicator 100.Inner sleeve 210 can be removably locked to tipportion 106, with matching rotational orientations. A selectable number of orientations may be provided. For instance, in this example, one orientation is provided. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 7 through 9 ,inner sleeve 210 comprises splinedouter surface 228. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 8 of the present disclosure, wherein example 8 also includes the subject matter according to example 7, above. - Use of a spline surface facilitates a reliable and convenient interlock, which simplifies assembly and reduces assembly errors.
- Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 12 ,tip portion 106 comprisesproximal connector portion 188.Second body portion 104 comprisesdistal connector portion 160.Tip portion 106 is to be removably coupled tosecond body portion 104 at least in part by engagingproximal connector portion 188 oftip portion 106 withdistal connector portion 160 ofsecond body portion 104 so thattip portion 106 is rotationally fixed relative tosecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 9 of the present disclosure, wherein example 9 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 8, above. - Engaging
proximal connector portion 188 withdistal connector portion 160 provides a reliable, convenient, and secure connection betweenfirst end 184 oftip portion 106 anddistal end 158 ofsecond body portion 104. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 12 ,proximal connector portion 188 oftip portion 106 comprises pair of opposingfingers 190, having respectiveflanged tips 191. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 10 of the present disclosure, wherein example 10 also includes the subject matter according to example 9, above. - Use of opposing
fingers 190 facilitates connection with a connector onsecond body portion 104, for example opposing flanges as described below. Interlocked fingers and flanges also provide a seating surface for a circlip. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 1 through 12 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 10 through 12 ,distal connector portion 160 ofsecond body portion 104 comprises pair of opposingflanges 162. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 11 of the present disclosure, wherein example 11 also includes the subject matter according to example 10, above. - Use of opposing
flanges 162 allowsdistal connector portion 160 atdistal end 158 ofsecond body portion 104 to interlock with opposingfingers 190 ofproximal connector portion 188, to facilitate a secure connection betweensecond body portion 104 andtip portion 106, and provide a seating surface for a circlip. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 1 through 12 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 10 through 12 , pair of opposingfingers 190 ofproximal connector portion 188 oftip portion 106 are configured to interlock with pair of opposingflanges 162 ofdistal connector portion 160 ofsecond body portion 104 so thatgap 163 is formed between respectiveflanged tips 191 of pair of opposingfingers 190 ofproximal connector portion 188 and pair of opposingflanges 162 ofdistal connector portion 160.First circlip 284 is to be received intogap 163 to securetip portion 106 tosecond body portion 104 to preventtip portion 106 from translating relative tosecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 12 of the present disclosure, wherein example 12 also includes the subject matter according to example 11, above. - Use of opposing
fingers 190 that are interlocked and opposingflanges 162 with a circlip provides a removable connection forcoupling tip portion 106 andsecond body portion 104 that is secure, repeatable, and reliable. A simple connector and clip connection is convenient and cost-effective. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,actuator interface 108 is monolithic withsecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 13 of the present disclosure, wherein example 13 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 12, above. - Use of
actuator interface 108 that is monolithic withsecond body portion 104 may simplify construction and reduce manufacturing costs ofapplicator 100. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,actuator interface 108 is detachable fromsecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 14 of the present disclosure, wherein example 14 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 12, above. - Use of
actuator interface 108 that is detachable facilitates disassembly ofapplicator 100 for cleaning. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,actuator interface 108 comprisesinterface connector portion 260, interlockable withproximal connector portion 154 ofsecond body portion 104.Second circlip 282 is to secureactuator interface 108 tosecond body portion 104 to preventactuator interface 108 from translating relative tosecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 15 of the present disclosure, wherein example 15 also includes the subject matter according to example 14, above. - Engaging
interface connector portion 260 withproximal connector portion 154 provides a reliable, convenient, and secure connection betweenproximal end 152 ofsecond body portion 104 andsecond end 242 ofactuator interface 108. -
Proximal connector portion 154 andinterface connector portion 260 may include any suitable releasably securable connection mechanism. For example,proximal connector portion 154 may comprise a pair of opposingfingers 156 configured to interlock with a corresponding pair of opposing flanges orprojections 262, in similar fashion to the interlocking mechanism, shown inFIGS. 10-12 .Second circlip 282 may securefingers 156 toprojections 262. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 6 through 8 ,actuator interface 108 comprisesaperture 244, passing therethrough.Aperture 244 is communicatively coupled withsecond cavity 168 whenactuator interface 108 is removably coupled tosecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 16 of the present disclosure, wherein example 16 also includes the subject matter according to example 14 or 15, above. -
Aperture 244 allowsplunger 342 to extend intosecond cavity 168 and acts as a guide to alignplunger 342 with a central axis ofsecond body portion 104 andtip portion 106. -
Plunger 342 may extend fromactuator 340 throughaperture 244, which hasinner diameter 248 configured to allow passage of a shaft or rod ofplunger 342. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,applicator 100 also comprisesfirst sensor port 118, formed infirst body portion 102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 17 of the present disclosure, wherein example 17 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 16, above. - Use of
first sensor port 118 allows a first sensor to be removably coupled toapplicator 100, for sensing pressure, flow rate, and the like. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,first sensor port 118 is formed inbase portion 111 offirst body portion 102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 18 of the present disclosure, wherein example 18 also includes the subject matter according to example 17, above. - Forming
first sensor port 118 inbase portion 111 facilitates a seamless sensor port and simplifies the design ofside cover 110. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,applicator 100 also comprisessecond sensor port 120, formed infirst body portion 102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 19 of the present disclosure, wherein example 19 also includes the subject matter according to example 17 or 18, above. - Use of
second sensor port 120 allows a second sensor to be removably coupled toapplicator 100, for sensing pressure, flow rate, and the like. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,second sensor port 120 is formed inbase portion 111 offirst body portion 102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 20 of the present disclosure, wherein example 20 also includes the subject matter according to example 19, above. - Forming
second sensor port 120 inbase portion 111 facilitates a seamless sensor port and simplifies the design ofside cover 110. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 2 through 9 ,first sensor port 118 is formed oppositesecond sensor port 120. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 21 of the present disclosure, wherein example 21 also includes the subject matter according to example 19 or 20, above. - Use of opposed sensor ports allows a first sensor and a second sensor to independently sense characteristics of a flow of
glutinous substance 298 throughfirst body portion 102. Such placement prevents interference between the first sensor and the second sensor, and also interference between cables associated with the sensors. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 8 ,applicator 100 also comprisesseal 140.Seal 140 is positionable betweenside cover 110 andbase portion 111, whereinseal 140 is positionable between two three-dimensional surfaces. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 22 of the present disclosure, wherein example 22 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 21, above. - Use of
seal 140 prevents leakage ofglutinous substance 298 from an interface betweenside cover 110 andbase portion 111. The ability to conform to a three dimensional shape allowsseal 140 to conform to a contour of the interface, and thereby prevent kinks or leakage that might result from folding asseal 140 follows the interface. -
Seal 140 may include any suitable gasket or other sealing member, and may include a flexible and/or resilient band.Seal 140 may be positionable between a contoured or three-dimensional surface 128 ofside cover 110 and a corresponding surface ofbase portion 111. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 7 through 9 ,applicator 100 also comprises firstannular seal 288, positionable betweensecond body portion 104 andtip portion 106. Firstannular seal 288 is positionable between a first two two-dimensional surfaces. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 23 of the present disclosure, wherein example 23 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 22, above. - Use of first
annular seal 288 allows a connection betweensecond body portion 104 andtip portion 106 to be sealed. - First
annular seal 288 may include any suitable annular sealing mechanism, such as an o-ring or gasket. - Referring generally to
FIG. 1 and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 7 through 9 ,applicator 100 also comprises secondannular seal 286, positionable betweensecond body portion 104 andactuator interface 108, wherein secondannular seal 286 is positionable between a second two two-dimensional surfaces. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 24 of the present disclosure, wherein example 24 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 1 to 23, above. - Use of second
annular seal 286 allows a connection betweensecond body portion 104 andactuator interface 108 to be sealed. - Second
annular seal 286 may include any suitable annular sealing mechanism, such as an o-ring or gasket. - Referring generally, e.g., to
FIGS. 1-12 and particularly toFIG. 21 ,method 400 of assemblingapplicator 100 for deliveringglutinous substance 298 is disclosed.Method 400 comprises (block 402) attachingside cover 110 tobase portion 111 offirst body portion 102 ofapplicator 100. End-effector interface 112 extends frombase portion 111 atfirst end 142 offirst body portion 102.Applicator 100 comprisessecond body portion 104, extending frombase portion 111 atsecond end 144 offirst body portion 102.First cavity 114, formed infirst body portion 102, is at least partially defined bybase portion 111, end-effector interface 112, andside cover 110.Second body portion 104 is non-parallel tofirst body portion 102.Second cavity 168, extending throughsecond body portion 104, is in fluid communication withfirst cavity 114 offirst body portion 102.Method 400 additionally comprises (block 404) assemblingtip portion 106 ofapplicator 100 by insertinginner sleeve 210 intotip portion 106, such thatinner sleeve 210 is coaxial withtip portion 106.Third cavity 220 extends throughinner sleeve 210.Method 400 also comprises (block 406)coupling tip portion 106 tosecond body portion 104, such thattip portion 106 andsecond body portion 104 are coaxial andthird cavity 220 ofinner sleeve 210 is in fluid communication withsecond cavity 168 ofsecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 25 of the present disclosure. - Assembling
first cavity 114,second cavity 168, andthird cavity 220 in fluid communication allowsglutinous substance 298 to flow throughapplicator 100 from end-effector interface 112 throughtip portion 106. In this manner,applicator 100 may deliverglutinous substance 298. The various components are also configured for ease of assembly and disassembly. - Guiding indicia on various components of
applicator 100 may be used to carry out or align portions of the applicator when carrying out steps ofmethod 400, including further steps described below. For example, small triangles or arrow-like indicia may be present on different components to show where neighboring components align radially. For example, as depicted inFIG. 9 ,triangle 290 onactuator interface 108,triangle 292 onsecond body portion 104,triangle 294 oninner sleeve 210, andtriangle 296 ontip portion 106 are all meant to align whenapplicator 100 is properly assembled. - Referring generally, e.g., to
FIGS. 1-12 and particularly toFIG. 21 ,method 400 further comprises (block 410)coupling actuator interface 108 toproximal end 152 ofsecond body portion 104, opposingtip portion 106.Actuator interface 108 comprisesaperture 244 to receiveplunger 342, extending fromactuator 340. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 26 of the present disclosure, wherein example 26 also includes the subject matter according to example 25, above. - Use of
actuator interface 108 allows an actuator to be connected toapplicator 100, and provides a guide to alignactuator plunger 342 with a central axis ofsecond body portion 104 andtip portion 106. - Referring generally, e.g., to
FIG. 7 and particularly toFIG. 21 ,method 400 further comprises (block 412) insertingplunger 342, extending fromactuator 340, throughaperture 244 ofactuator interface 108 andcoupling actuator 340 toactuator interface 108.Plunger 342 extends throughsecond cavity 168. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 27 of the present disclosure, wherein example 27 also includes the subject matter according example 26, above. - Use of
plunger 342 allows control over flow ofglutinous substance 298 throughapplicator 100. For example,actuator 340 may provide automatic control ofplunger 342 and thereby automatic control of the flow ofglutinous substance 298. - Referring generally, e.g., to
FIGS. 7 through 9 and particularly toFIG. 21 , according tomethod 400, assemblingtip portion 106 further comprises (block 414) engaging splinedouter surface 228 ofinner sleeve 210 with splinedinner surface 200 oftip portion 106. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 28 of the present disclosure, wherein example 28 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 25 to 27, above. - Use of splined
outer surface 228 and splinedinner surface 200 prevents rotation ofinner sleeve 210 with respect to tipportion 106, and facilitates reliable and secure assembly. - Referring generally, e.g., to
FIGS. 1-12 and particularly toFIG. 21 , according tomethod 400,coupling tip portion 106 tosecond body portion 104 comprises (block 416) engagingproximal connector portion 188 oftip portion 106 withdistal connector portion 160 ofsecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 29 of the present disclosure, wherein example 29 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 25 to 28, above. - Use of
proximal connector portion 188 anddistal connector portion 160 provides a reliable, convenient, and secure connection betweentip portion 106 andsecond body portion 104. - Referring generally, e.g., to
FIGS. 1-12 and particularly toFIG. 21 ,method 400 further comprises (block 408) securingproximal connector portion 188 oftip portion 106 todistal connector portion 160 ofsecond body portion 104 usingfirst circlip 284. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 30 of the present disclosure, wherein example 30 also includes the subject matter according to example 29. - Use of
first circlip 284 provides a removable connection forcoupling tip portion 106 andsecond body portion 104 that is secure, repeatable, and reliable. A simple connector and clip connection may be convenient and cost-effective. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 22A-22B and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 13 through 20 ,method 500 for removingglutinous substance 298 fromapplicator 100 is disclosed.Method 500 comprises (block 502) removingactuator 340 andplunger 342, extending fromactuator 340, fromapplicator 100 beforeglutinous substance 298 has solidified.Method 500 also comprises (block 504) allowingglutinous substance 298 to solidify insideapplicator 100, such thatglutinous substance 298 that has solidified comprisesfirst sealant plug 302, located insidefirst body portion 102 ofapplicator 100,second sealant plug 304, integral withfirst sealant plug 302 and located partially insidesecond body portion 104 ofapplicator 100, andthird sealant plug 300, integral withfirst sealant plug 302 and located inside end-effector interface 112, extending frombase portion 111 offirst body portion 102.Method 500 additionally comprises (block 506) detachingside cover 110 frombase portion 111 offirst body portion 102 to exposefirst sealant plug 302.Method 500 further comprises (block 508) severingfirst sealant plug 302 fromsecond sealant plug 304 atfirst junction 150 betweenfirst body portion 102 andsecond body portion 104.Method 500 also comprises (block 510) severingfirst sealant plug 302 fromthird sealant plug 300 atsecond junction 310 betweenbase portion 111 offirst body portion 102 and end-effector interface 112.Method 500 additionally comprises (block 512) detachingtip portion 106 ofapplicator 100 fromsecond body portion 104 to expose a portion ofsecond sealant plug 304.Method 500 further comprises (block 514) extractingsecond sealant plug 304 fromsecond body portion 104 by pulling the portion ofsecond sealant plug 304, exposed by detachingtip portion 106 fromsecond body portion 104 away fromsecond body portion 104 indirection 320 alongsecond body portion 104.Method 500 also comprises (block 516) separatingfirst sealant plug 302 frombase portion 111 offirst body portion 102.Method 500 further comprises (block 518) extractingthird sealant plug 300 from end-effector interface 112 offirst body portion 102. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 31 of the present disclosure. - Allowing
glutinous substance 298 to solidify prior to disassembly provides a manageably discrete set of sealant plugs that is cleaner and more straightforward to remove fromapplicator 100 thanglutinous substance 298 that has not solidified. Removingplunger 342 andactuator 340 prior to solidification ofglutinous substance 298 allows portions of the sealant plug to be severed during removal steps. Use of removable components (e.g.side cover 110, and tip portion 106) allows access to the sealant plugs (i.e.first sealant plug 302,second sealant plug 304, and third sealant plug 300) at key geometries ofapplicator 100. Severingfirst sealant plug 302 fromsecond sealant plug 304 allowssecond sealant plug 304 to be pulled fromapplicator 100 without being trapped againstfirst junction 150. Similarly, severingfirst sealant plug 302 fromthird sealant plug 300 allows bothfirst sealant plug 302 andthird sealant plug 300 to be removed without being trapped againstsecond junction 310. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 22A-22B and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 13 through 15 , according tomethod 500, separatingfirst sealant plug 302 frombase portion 111 offirst body portion 102 comprises (block 532) separating a first portion offirst sealant plug 302 from first sensor-port wall 119 offirst sensor port 118 ofapplicator 100 and separating a second portion offirst sealant plug 302 from second sensor-port wall 121 ofsecond sensor port 120 ofapplicator 100. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 32 of the present disclosure, wherein example 32 also includes the subject matter according to example 31, above. - Separating
first sealant plug 302 from first sensor-port wall 119 and second sensor-port wall 121 preventsfirst sealant plug 302 from becoming stuck infirst sensor port 118 orsecond sensor port 120. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 22A-22B and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 16 through 18 , according tomethod 500,glutinous substance 298 that has solidified further comprisesfourth sealant plug 306, integral withsecond sealant plug 304 and located innozzle portion 192 oftip portion 106.Method 500 further comprises (block 520) removingtip portion 106 frominner sleeve 210, coaxial withtip portion 106, to exposefourth sealant plug 306.Method 500 also comprises severingfourth sealant plug 306 fromsecond sealant plug 304. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 33 of the present disclosure, wherein example 33 also includes the subject matter according to example 31 or 32, above. - Severing
fourth sealant plug 306 from second sealant plug 304 (atjunction 308 therebetween) allowsinner sleeve 210 to be removed in a later step without being trapped byfourth sealant plug 306. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 22A-22B and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 17 through 18 , according tomethod 500, detachingtip portion 106 ofapplicator 100 fromsecond body portion 104 comprises (block 528) disengagingfirst circlip 284 fromproximal connector portion 188 oftip portion 106. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 34 of the present disclosure, wherein example 34 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 31 to 33, above. - Use of
first circlip 284 provides a secure and reliable connection, and allowstip portion 106 to be detached fromsecond body portion 104 without interference from solidifiedglutinous substance 298. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 22A-22B and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 10 through 12 , according tomethod 500, (block 530)proximal connector portion 188 oftip portion 106 interfaces withdistal connector portion 160 ofsecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 35 of the present disclosure, wherein example 35 also includes the subject matter according to example 34, above. - Interfacing
proximal connector portion 188 withdistal connector portion 160 provides a reliable, convenient, and secure connection betweentip portion 106 andsecond body portion 104. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 22A-22B and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 2 , according tomethod 500, detachingside cover 110 frombase portion 111 offirst body portion 102 comprises (block 524) unfastening one ormore fasteners 122 fromside cover 110. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 36 of the present disclosure, wherein example 36 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 31 to 35, above. - Use of
fasteners 122 allowsfirst body portion 102 to be more securely connected toside cover 110, which interfaces with pressurizedfirst cavity 114 during operation ofapplicator 100. -
Fasteners 122 may include any suitable fastening device, such as bolts, screws, clips, and/or the like, or any combination of these. In the example shown in the drawings,fasteners 122 include bolts having corresponding nuts, wherein the bolts are configured to pass throughopenings 124 inbase portion 111 andcorresponding openings 126 inside cover 110. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 22A-22B and particularly to, e.g.,FIG. 15 , according tomethod 500, (block 526) detachingside cover 110 frombase portion 111 offirst body portion 102 exposesfirst junction 150 betweenfirst body portion 102 andsecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 37 of the present disclosure, wherein example 37 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 31 to 36, above. - Exposing
first junction 150 facilitates easy access in order thatfirst sealant plug 302 can be severed fromsecond sealant plug 304. For example, a knife might be used to cutfirst sealant plug 302 fromsecond sealant plug 304. - Referring generally to
FIGS. 22A-22B and particularly to, e.g.,FIGS. 16 through 17 ,method 500 further comprises (block 522) detachingactuator interface 108 ofapplicator 100 fromsecond body portion 104. The preceding subject matter of this paragraph characterizes example 38 of the present disclosure, wherein example 38 also includes the subject matter according to any one of examples 31 to 37, above. - Detaching
actuator interface 108 allows complete clearance ofglutinous substance 298 fromapplicator 100, and ensuressecond sealant plug 304 is not stuck to actuator interface. - Examples of the present disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and
service method 600 as shown inFIG. 23 andaircraft 602 as shown inFIG. 24 . During pre-production,illustrative method 600 may include specification and design (block 604) ofaircraft 602 and material procurement (block 606). During production, component and subassembly manufacturing (block 608) and system integration (block 610) ofaircraft 602 may take place. Thereafter,aircraft 602 may go through certification and delivery (block 612) to be placed in service (block 614). While in service,aircraft 602 may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service (block 616). Routine maintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems ofaircraft 602. - Each of the processes of
illustrative method 600 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., 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, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on. - As shown in FIG.24,
aircraft 602 produced byillustrative method 600 may includeairframe 618 with a plurality of high-level systems 620 and interior 622. Examples of high-level systems 620 include one or more ofpropulsion system 624,electrical system 626,hydraulic system 628, andenvironmental system 630. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Accordingly, in addition toaircraft 602, the principles disclosed herein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc. - Apparatus(es) and method(s) shown or described herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and
service method 600. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly manufacturing (block 608) may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced whileaircraft 602 is in service (block 614). Also, one or more examples of the apparatus(es), method(s), or combination thereof may be utilized duringproduction stages aircraft 602. Similarly, one or more examples of the apparatus or method realizations, or a combination thereof, may be utilized, for example and without limitation, whileaircraft 602 is in service (block 614) and/or during maintenance and service (block 616). - Different examples of the apparatus(es) and method(s) disclosed herein include a variety of components, features, and functionalities. It should be understood that the various examples of the apparatus(es) and method(s) disclosed herein may include any of the components, features, and functionalities of any of the other examples of the apparatus(es) and method(s) disclosed herein in any combination, and all of such possibilities are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
- Many modifications of examples set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.
- Therefore, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not to be limited to the specific examples illustrated and that modifications and other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although the foregoing description and the associated drawings describe examples of the present disclosure in the context of certain illustrative combinations of elements and/or functions, it should be appreciated that different combinations of elements and/or functions may be provided by alternative implementations without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, parenthetical reference numerals in the appended claims are presented for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter to the specific examples provided in the present disclosure.
Claims (25)
1. An applicator (100) for delivering a glutinous substance (298), the applicator (100) comprising:
a first body portion (102), comprising:
a base portion (111);
an end-effector interface (112), extending from the base portion (111); and
a side cover (110) to be removably coupled to the base portion (111);
wherein:
a first cavity (114) is formed in the first body portion (102) when the side cover (110) is removably coupled to the base portion (111), and
the first cavity (114) is at least partially defined by the base portion (111), the side cover (110), and the end-effector interface (112);
a second body portion (104), extending from the base portion (111) of the first body portion (102), wherein the second body portion (104) is non-parallel to the first body portion (102) and a second cavity (168) extends through the second body portion (104) and intersects the first cavity (114);
a tip portion (106) to be removably coupled to the second body portion (104), wherein the tip portion (106) comprises:
a nozzle portion (192), and
a third cavity (220) that communicatively couples with the second cavity (168) when the tip portion (106) is removably coupled to the second body portion (104);
an inner sleeve (210) to be coaxially received inside the third cavity (220) of the tip portion (106); and
an actuator interface (108), extending from the second body portion (104) opposite the tip portion (106).
2. The applicator (100) according to claim 1 , further comprising an actuator (340), coupled to the actuator interface (108) and comprising a plunger (342), wherein the plunger (342) extends from the actuator (340) through the second cavity (168).
3. The applicator (100) according to claim 2 , wherein:
the plunger (342) of the actuator (340) further comprises a head portion (344); and
the actuator is operable to transition the head portion (344) inside the tip portion (106) between a first position (346), with the head portion (344) forward of the inner sleeve (210) and inside the nozzle portion (192), and a second position (348), with the head portion (344) at least partially within the inner sleeve (210).
4. (canceled)
5. The applicator (100) according to claim 1 , wherein:
the nozzle portion (192) of the tip portion (106) comprises a fourth cavity (193), communicatively coupled with the third cavity (220); and
at least a portion of the fourth cavity (193) is tapered.
6. The applicator (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the inner sleeve (210) comprises a first inner diameter (224) and a second inner diameter (226), which is smaller than the first inner diameter.
7. The applicator (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the tip portion (106) and the inner sleeve (210) are interlocked when the inner sleeve is received inside the third cavity (220) of the tip portion (106), such that the inner sleeve (210) is prevented from rotating with respect to the tip portion (106).
8. (canceled)
9. The applicator (100) according to claim 1 , wherein:
the tip portion (106) comprises a proximal connector portion (188);
the second body portion (104) comprises a distal connector portion (160); and
the tip portion (106) is to be removably coupled to the second body portion (104) at least in part by engaging the proximal connector portion (188) of the tip portion (106) with the distal connector portion (160) of the second body portion (104) so that the tip portion (106) is rotationally fixed relative to the second body portion (104).
10. The applicator (100) according to claim 9 , wherein the proximal connector portion (188) of the tip portion (106) comprises a pair of opposing fingers (190), having respective flanged tips (191).
11. The applicator (100) according to claim 10 , wherein the distal connector portion (160) of the second body portion (104) comprises a pair of opposing flanges (162).
12. The applicator (100) according to claim 11 , wherein:
the pair of opposing fingers (190) of the proximal connector portion (188) of the tip portion (106) are configured to interlock with the pair of opposing flanges (162) of the distal connector portion (160) of the second body portion (104) so that a gap (163) is formed between the respective flanged tips (191) of the pair of opposing fingers (190) of the proximal connector portion (188) and the pair of opposing flanges (162) of the distal connector portion (160); and
a first circlip (284) is to be received into the gap (163) to secure the tip portion (106) to the second body portion (104) to prevent the tip portion (106) from translating relative to the second body portion (104).
13. The applicator (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator interface (108) is monolithic with the second body portion (104).
14. The applicator (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the actuator interface (108) is detachable from the second body portion (104).
15. The applicator (100) according to claim 14 , wherein:
the actuator interface (108) comprises an interface connector portion (260), interlockable with a proximal connector portion (154) of the second body portion (104); and
a second circlip (282) is to secure the actuator interface (108) to the second body portion (104) to prevent the actuator interface (108) from translating relative to the second body portion (104).
16. The applicator (100) according to claim 14 , wherein:
the actuator interface (108) comprises an aperture (244), passing therethrough; and
the aperture (244) is communicatively coupled with the second cavity (168) when the actuator interface (108) is removably coupled to the second body portion (104).
17. The applicator (100) according to claim 1 , further comprising a first sensor port (118), formed in the first body portion (102).
18. The applicator (100) according to claim 17 , wherein the first sensor port (118) is formed in the base portion (111) of the first body portion (102).
19. The applicator (100) according to claim 17 , further comprising a second sensor port (120), formed in the first body portion (102).
20. The applicator (100) according to claim 19 , wherein the second sensor port (120) is formed in the base portion (111) of the first body portion (102).
21-24. (canceled)
25. A method (400) of assembling an applicator (100) for delivering a glutinous substance (298), the method comprising:
attaching a side cover (110) to a base portion (111) of a first body portion (102) of the applicator (100), wherein:
an end-effector interface (112) extends from the base portion (111) at a first end (142) of the first body portion (102),
the applicator (100) comprises a second body portion (104), extending from the base portion (111) at a second end (144) of the first body portion (102),
a first cavity (114), formed in the first body portion (102), is at least partially defined by the base portion (111), the end-effector interface (112), and the side cover (110),
the second body portion (104) is non-parallel to the first body portion (102), and
a second cavity (168), extending through the second body portion (104), is in fluid communication with the first cavity (114) of the first body portion (102);
assembling a tip portion (106) of the applicator (100) by inserting an inner sleeve (210) into the tip portion (106), such that the inner sleeve (210) is coaxial with the tip portion (106), wherein a third cavity (220) extends through the inner sleeve (210); and
coupling the tip portion (106) to the second body portion (104), such that the tip portion (106) and the second body portion (104) are coaxial and the third cavity (220) of the inner sleeve (210) is in fluid communication with the second cavity (168) of the second body portion (104).
26-30. (canceled)
31. A method (500) for removing a glutinous substance (298) from an applicator (100), the method comprising:
removing an actuator (340) and a plunger (342), extending from the actuator (340), from the applicator (100) before the glutinous substance (298) has solidified;
allowing the glutinous substance (298) to solidify inside the applicator (100), such that the glutinous substance (298) that has solidified comprises a first sealant plug (302), located inside a first body portion (102) of the applicator (100), a second sealant plug (304), integral with the first sealant plug (302) and located partially inside a second body portion (104) of the applicator (100), and a third sealant plug (300), integral with the first sealant plug (302) and located inside an end-effector interface (112), extending from a base portion (111) of the first body portion (102);
detaching a side cover (110) from the base portion (111) of the first body portion (102) to expose the first sealant plug (302);
severing the first sealant plug (302) from the second sealant plug (304) at a first junction (150) between the first body portion (102) and the second body portion (104);
severing the first sealant plug (302) from the third sealant plug (300) at a second junction (310) between the base portion (111) of the first body portion (102) and the end-effector interface (112);
detaching a tip portion (106) of the applicator (100) from the second body portion (104) to expose a portion of the second sealant plug (304);
extracting the second sealant plug (304) from the second body portion (104) by pulling the portion of the second sealant plug (304), exposed by detaching the tip portion (106) from the second body portion (104) away from the second body portion (104) in a direction (320) along the second body portion (104);
separating the first sealant plug (302) from the base portion (111) of the first body portion (102); and
extracting the third sealant plug (300) from the end-effector interface (112) of the first body portion (102).
32-38. (canceled)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/460,164 US10081031B1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2017-03-15 | Reusable applicators and related methods |
EP21198726.8A EP3950144A1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-02-08 | Method for removing a glutinous substance from an applicator |
EP18155715.8A EP3375535B1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-02-08 | Reusable applicator and related method |
US16/138,833 US10456803B2 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-21 | Methods of removing a glutinous substance from an applicator |
US16/138,874 US10661298B2 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-21 | Reusable applicators and related methods |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/460,164 US10081031B1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2017-03-15 | Reusable applicators and related methods |
Related Child Applications (2)
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US16/138,833 Division US10456803B2 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-21 | Methods of removing a glutinous substance from an applicator |
US16/138,874 Continuation US10661298B2 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-21 | Reusable applicators and related methods |
Publications (2)
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US20180264502A1 true US20180264502A1 (en) | 2018-09-20 |
US10081031B1 US10081031B1 (en) | 2018-09-25 |
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US15/460,164 Active US10081031B1 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2017-03-15 | Reusable applicators and related methods |
US16/138,874 Active US10661298B2 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-21 | Reusable applicators and related methods |
US16/138,833 Expired - Fee Related US10456803B2 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-21 | Methods of removing a glutinous substance from an applicator |
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US16/138,874 Active US10661298B2 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-21 | Reusable applicators and related methods |
US16/138,833 Expired - Fee Related US10456803B2 (en) | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-21 | Methods of removing a glutinous substance from an applicator |
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US10081031B1 (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2018-09-25 | The Boeing Company | Reusable applicators and related methods |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10081031B1 (en) | 2018-09-25 |
US20190022691A1 (en) | 2019-01-24 |
US10661298B2 (en) | 2020-05-26 |
US20190022690A1 (en) | 2019-01-24 |
US10456803B2 (en) | 2019-10-29 |
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