Endoscopic inspection of aircraft tanks
Currently, technicians performing safety-relevant inspection tasks in aircraft tanks have to do so in a confined space, in dark surroundings and in the presence of toxic residual fumes. It is important that they are supported in the best possible way and that the physical, cognitive and psychological stresses associated with the work are reduced as much as possible. Based on this problem and a process analysis, various ideas for solutions were identified at the DLR Institute of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul in Hamburg, from which a bionic-inspired approach was designed, and a first demonstrator subsequently constructed.
The innovative device, named ‘eeloscope’, is an endoscopic robotic system for inspecting an aircraft tank filled with kerosene. The Eeloscope can be inserted into the tank in a way that avoids having to open large inspection ports. From there, the robotic system moves independently through the individual tank chambers. The body of the ‘eeloscope’ does not need any electrical actuators but moves with the help of specially arranged nozzles. This in-situ exploration makes it possible to monitor the condition in much greater detail and on a more regular basis, without the need for prior draining and time-consuming preparations. The resulting interdisciplinary possibilities enable the implementation of predictive maintenance concepts and the avoidance of unplanned repairs.
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
Florian Heilemann · Email florian.heilemann@dlr.de
