Large-size composite material stringer stiffened wall plate appearance detection tool

Abstract

The invention provides a method and a tool for detecting the appearance of a large-size composite stringer stiffened wall plate, and belongs to the field of manufacturing of aircraft composite parts. The appearance detection tool comprises a part supporting frame, an inner shape clamping plate, a wall plate positioning support, a clamping plate support, an overturning connecting joint, a hoisting ring, a left side end part lifting base assembly, a right side end part lifting base assembly and a horizontal transmission mechanism assembly. The tool can simulate the assembly working condition of the wallboard, achieves the detection of the inner shape, the stress application state shape and the non-stress state shape of the large-size stringer stiffened wallboard, meets the detection requirements of the large-size stringer stiffened wallboard, and is easy to operate, stable, repeatable, reliable in data, high in efficiency, complete in detection characteristics and high in detection efficiency compared with a traditional detection method. Detection data can be used for process improvement and the like.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aircraft composite material parts manufacturing, specifically relating to a tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material stringer stiffened panel. Background Technology

[0002] Due to the aerospace industry's demand for lightweight airframe structures, large-size composite stringer-stiffened panels are widely used in main load-bearing components such as wings and fuselages because of their high specific strength and designability. However, these components are large in size (up to 10m in length), have complex structures (including multiple longitudinal stringers combined with skin), and the composite material itself has low rigidity. After curing, residual stress release can easily cause overall deformation, leading to multiple challenges in their shape inspection.

[0003] Traditional panel inspection methods often rely on examining the original molding die to check the external shape, sometimes even depending on optical scanning equipment. The former uses a combination of ball-bearing thickness gauges and coating thickness gauges to calculate the difference, indirectly achieving the purpose of detecting the aerodynamic shape. However, it cannot detect the internal shape that fits against the frame during assembly. Furthermore, this method only applies force from the inner surface to the aerodynamic shape, which is inconsistent with the force direction in assembly (from the outside in). It also suffers from poor accessibility of the handheld instrument and low measurement efficiency. Optical scanning equipment is sensitive to clamping stability and has limited resources. In summary, none of the above inspection methods can meet the requirements for full-feature, high-precision, and more stable inspection of large-size composite panel panels under simulated assembly conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a tooling for inspecting the shape of large-size composite material stringer-reinforced wall panels, which can solve the aforementioned problems and meet the acceptance requirements of stringer-reinforced wall panel products. At the same time, the tooling described in this invention can simulate the posture of the wall panel under assembly conditions.

[0005] The tooling ensures that, under the premise of meeting the model acceptance specifications, the composite panel can simulate the assembly condition during the parts inspection stage. This means that the same force direction, force point, and spatial posture as the assembly condition are used. This solves the problem that traditional inspection methods, due to differences from the assembly state, may result in unqualified fitting gaps during the assembly process even if the parts pass the inspection. The aforementioned inspection tooling allows for reasonable and stable inspection of the panel's shape. It can also inspect the panel's internal shape assembly and fitting surfaces using an internal shape clamp, meeting the full-feature, high-precision, stable, and efficient inspection requirements for large-size composite panel under simulated assembly conditions, ultimately ensuring assembly requirements.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer stiffened wall panel is provided, including a part support frame 1, an inner shape clamping plate 2, a wall panel positioning support 3, a clamping plate support 4, a flip connection joint 5, a lifting ring 6, a left end lifting base assembly 7, a right end lifting base assembly 8, and a horizontal transmission mechanism assembly 9.

[0007] The inner shaped clamping plate 2 is set according to the position of the assembly skeleton ribs, and is positioned and clamped by the clamping plate support 4. The flip-connecting joint 5 is located at both ends of the part support frame 1 and is connected to the left end lifting base assembly 7 and the right end lifting base assembly 8. The left end lifting base assembly 7 and the right end lifting base assembly 8 are adjusted in position and posture of the wall panel detection through a reducer and a commutator, so as to realize the detection of the wall panel shape.

[0008] The component support frame 1 adopts a square tube structure with a size of 200×150mm and a wall thickness of 6mm. The square tubes are connected together by welding, and some areas are reinforced by additional flat plates to ensure the overall rigidity and strength of the frame.

[0009] The inner shaped card plate 2 is set according to the position of the skeleton ribs during the wall panel assembly, with a total of 13 locations, to ensure that each assembly area can be detected; it is made of ordinary steel.

[0010] A 3mm gap is reserved at the joint between the inner shaped card plate 2 and the wall panel skin and stringer to ensure that there are still gaps at each position after force is applied during the testing process, so that the card plate has no force on the wall panel and meets the requirements of the acceptance specification. The contour requirement of the inner shaped card plate 2 relative to the theoretical surface is ±0.125mm. The inner shaped card plate 2 is grooved at the wall panel stringer to avoid interference.

[0011] The inner clamping plate 2 is positioned and connected to the clamping plate support 4 on the part support frame 1 through two pre-drilled positioning holes at both ends, and is secured by pins and a locking mechanism on the clamping plate support. Therefore, the inner clamping plate 2 is detachable, facilitating rework.

[0012] The card plate support 4 is a flat plate welded structure. It is screwed to the part support frame 1 through the bolt holes on the card plate support base and the part support frame 1. The card plate support 4 has a hole on the contact surface with the inner card plate 2 and a bushing is installed. After processing and adjustment, the position of the bushing hole is guaranteed to be no higher than Φ0.2mm, which meets the positioning accuracy requirements of the inner card plate 2.

[0013] The wall panel positioning support 3 is similar to the card plate support 4, and plays the role of positioning and supporting the wall panel. The wall panel positioning support 3 is arranged according to the position of the ear hole reserved during the manufacturing of the wall panel, with a total of 9 positions. The wall panel positioning support 3 and the wall panel are manufactured according to the theoretical inner shape of the wall panel skin to ensure the contour accuracy ±0.125mm.

[0014] The positioning hole at the root support of the large end of the wall panel is a round hole, the positioning hole on the wall panel positioning support 3 at the edge of the small end of the wall panel is an oblong hole, and the holes on the remaining wall panel positioning supports 3 are round holes with circumferential gaps, ensuring stable positioning of the wall panel without interference.

[0015] The flip-connecting joint 5 is a flat welded structure, connected to the part support frame 1, with one at each of the front and rear ends of the frame, and screwed into the end lifting base assembly through bolt holes to form a whole, so that it can be flipped through the flipping device on the lifting base assembly to achieve the purpose of adjusting the wall panel detection posture.

[0016] The component support frame has four lifting rings 6 evenly distributed on it. The center of gravity needs to be considered when arranging the components to facilitate the installation of the component support frame and assist in its rotation.

[0017] The left end lifting base assembly 7, the right end lifting base assembly 8, and the base connection assembly together form the end lifting base assembly, which can lift the wall panel inspection fixture longitudinally, making it convenient to raise the frame when measuring the gap between the inner shape of the wall panel and the mold, and making it convenient for personnel to operate.

[0018] The aforementioned end-lifting base assembly enables longitudinal raising and lowering of the panel inspection fixture, facilitating frame elevation during panel inner shape and tire clearance measurement for easier operator access. When measuring the panel's aerodynamic shape, the height is lowered to allow digital measuring equipment such as laser trackers to receive optical signals.

[0019] When measuring the aerodynamic shape of the wall panel, the height is reduced so that digital measuring equipment such as laser trackers can receive the light signal.

[0020] The left end lifting base assembly 7 includes a support frame 7-1, a longitudinal transmission structure 7-2, a ball screw assembly 7-3, a frame flipping transmission mechanism assembly 7-4, a moving wheel 7-5, and a protective cover.

[0021] The support frame 7-1 is 1900mm high, ensuring that personnel can move freely under the frame when measuring the inner shape of the wall panel. The support frame is a hollow square tube structure, in which the reducer and belt drive device of the longitudinal transmission structure can be installed.

[0022] The longitudinal transmission structure 7-2 includes a 90-degree shaft worm gear reducer with a reduction ratio of 10:1; and a 90-degree bevel gear reducer cross reversing device with a reduction ratio of 1:1. The two reducers are driven by pulleys. The output end of the bevel gear reducer is connected to the transmission shaft through a coupling and drives the ball screw assembly to rotate, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the part support frame 1.

[0023] The ball screw assembly 7-3 is connected to the longitudinal coupling of the cross commutator via a pin at the end. Through the transmission of the coupling, the screw is driven to rotate, thereby controlling the lifting and lowering of the component support frame 1.

[0024] The frame flipping transmission mechanism assembly 7-4 includes a 90-degree shaft worm gear reducer, a brake disc, a flipping connection joint, a handwheel, etc. It is connected to the part support frame 1 through the connection joint and controls the flipping of the part support frame 1.

[0025] The right end lifting base assembly 8 is similar to the left end lifting base assembly 7. It is connected to the cross reversing device through several transmission shafts and couplings of the base connecting assembly, so that the ball screw rotates and thus synchronously controls the lifting and lowering of the part support frame 1.

[0026] The horizontal transmission mechanism assembly 9 includes a transmission shaft 9-1, an end frame 9-2, a connecting partition 9-3, a self-aligning ball bearing 9-4, a bushing 9-5 with radial pin holes, a top protective cover, and other components. It is connected to the left and right lifting base assemblies through the transmission shaft to realize the synchronous lifting and lowering of the part support frame 1.

[0027] According to another aspect of this application, a method for detecting the shape of a large-size stiffened truss panel is provided, which is implemented based on the aforementioned tooling for detecting the shape of a large-size stiffened truss panel. The method for detecting the shape of a large-size stiffened truss panel includes the following steps:

[0028] Step 1, Panel Outline (Pneumatic Outline) Contour Inspection: First, adjust the support frame 1 of the inspection fixture to a suitable height, then place the panel horizontally through the lug holes as shown in the image. Figure 6 The positioning fixture is shown and clamped. Standard weights (maximum not exceeding 45N) are evenly distributed on the wall panel at intervals of at least 300mm. A universal height-adjustable support is placed below the part support frame 1 to provide auxiliary support and fixation, ensuring the frame is vibration-free during measurement and guaranteeing measurement accuracy. Then, a laser tracker is used to measure the aerodynamic shape and cutting edge accuracy of the wall panel.

[0029] Step 2, Measure the wall panel thickness: After measuring the shape of the wall panel, use a magnetic thickness gauge to measure the thickness according to the inspection procedure and record the test results in the manufacturing documents.

[0030] Step 3, Contour inspection of the inner surface of the wall panel (the surface that fits with the frame during assembly): After the thickness inspection is completed, raise the wall panel support frame to a position where the inspectors can easily inspect from below. Place a universal height-adjustable support under the part support frame 1 to provide auxiliary support and fixation, ensuring the safety of the operators. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the inner shape plate 2 and the inner surface of the wall panel according to the inspection procedure, and record it in the manufacturing document.

[0031] Step 4, Panel stringer axis detection: Move the panel to the forming mold and position it through the lug holes. Place standard weights (maximum not exceeding 45N) evenly on the panel at intervals of at least 300mm. Use a laser tracker to detect the panel axis.

[0032] According to another aspect of this application, a method for detecting the shape of a wall panel under no-load conditions is provided. That is, the wall panel is pressed... Figure 7 The panel is mounted on a testing fixture in a neutral orientation. First, two shims of equal thickness are placed between the two positioning lugs at the center of the upper part of the panel and the fixture, and clamped in place to ensure that the inner shape of the panel does not contact the clamping plate, etc. The free clearance between the other lug positions and the lug positioning supports is measured, and shims of the same thickness are placed between the lugs and supports, and clamped in place. This minimizes the force of the panel in contact with the shims in the normal direction, which is considered to be in an approximately unloaded state. Then, digital measuring equipment such as a laser tracker and a blue light scanner are used to measure the shape, thereby measuring the deformation of the panel in the unloaded state after curing.

[0033] The advantages of this application are:

[0034] This invention provides a tooling for inspecting the shape of large-size composite stringer-reinforced panels, belonging to the field of aircraft composite material parts manufacturing. The tooling includes 1. a part support frame, 2. an inner shape clamping plate, 3. a panel positioning support, 4. a clamping plate support, 5. a flip-connecting joint, 6. a lifting ring, 7. a left-side end lifting base assembly, 8. a right-side end lifting base assembly, and 9. a horizontal transmission mechanism assembly. This tooling can simulate panel assembly conditions, enabling the inspection of the inner shape, shape under applied force, and shape under unloaded conditions of large-size stringer-reinforced panels, meeting the shape inspection requirements for large-size stringer-reinforced panels. Compared to traditional inspection methods, this method is easy to operate, stable and repeatable, provides reliable data, is highly efficient, offers comprehensive inspection features, and the inspection data can be used for process improvement. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 An isometric view of the entire figure;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame for the component;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the end-lift base assembly;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the left end lifting base assembly;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a partial view of the horizontal transmission mechanism assembly.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the external shape inspection.

[0041] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram for detecting weak wall panel strength.

[0042] In the picture:

[0043] 1. Part support frame; 2. Inner shape clamping plate; 3. Wall panel positioning support; 4. Clamping plate support; 5. Flip-over connection joint; 6. Lifting ring; 7. Left end lifting base assembly; 8. Right end lifting base assembly; 9. Horizontal transmission mechanism assembly.

[0044] 7-1 Support frame; 7-2 Longitudinal transmission structure; 7-3 Ball screw assembly; 7-4 Frame tilting transmission mechanism assembly; 7-5 Moving wheel; 9-1 Drive shaft; 9-2 End frame; 9-3 Connecting partition; 9-4 Self-aligning ball bearing; 9-5 Bushing with radial pin hole. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present application is described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, but the present application is not limited to these embodiments.

[0046] Example 1

[0047] A method and fixture for inspecting the shape of large-size composite material long stringer stiffened wall panels, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes 1. Part support frame; 2. Inner shaped clamping plate; 3. Wall panel positioning support; 4. Clamping plate support; 5. Flip-over connection joint; 6. Lifting ring; 7. Left end lifting base assembly; 8. Right end lifting base assembly; 9. Horizontal transmission mechanism assembly.

[0048] Based on the aforementioned testing fixtures, this invention discloses a method for detecting the shape of a composite material stringer-reinforced panel, which will be further explained below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0049] A method for inspecting the shape of a composite material stringer-reinforced panel, based on the aforementioned shape inspection fixture, includes the following steps:

[0050] Step 1, Panel Outline (Pneumatic Outline) Contour Inspection: First, adjust the support frame of the inspection fixture to a suitable height, then place the panel horizontally through the lug holes as shown in the image. Figure 6 Use the positioning fixture shown and clamp it in place. Place standard weights (maximum not exceeding 45N) evenly on the panel at intervals of at least 300mm. Place a universal height-adjustable support under the part support frame to prevent frame vibration during measurement and ensure measurement accuracy. Then, use a laser tracker to measure the aerodynamic shape and cutting edge accuracy of the panel.

[0051] Step 2, Measure the wall panel thickness: After measuring the shape of the wall panel, use a magnetic thickness gauge to measure the thickness according to the inspection procedure and record the test results in the manufacturing documents.

[0052] Step 3, Contour inspection of the inner surface of the wall panel (the surface that fits with the frame during assembly): After the thickness inspection is completed, raise the wall panel support frame to a position where the inspectors can easily inspect from below. Place a universal height-adjustable support under the part support frame to ensure the safety of the operators. Use a feeler gauge to measure the gap between the inner shape plate and the inner surface of the wall panel according to the inspection procedure and record it in the manufacturing document.

[0053] Step 4, Panel stringer axis detection: Move the panel to the forming mold and position it through the lug holes. Place standard weights (maximum not exceeding 45N) evenly on the panel at intervals of at least 300mm. Use a laser tracker to detect the panel axis.

[0054] For large-sized stiffened panel panels, significant deformation occurs after curing, increasing assembly difficulty. The panel's shape is affected by its own weight and poor rigidity, resulting in large measurement errors. A stable measurement method is typically needed to measure the panel's true shape in an approximately unloaded state (the ideal unloaded state can be understood as a stable shape floating in space), thereby verifying the amount of deformation after curing and using this information to improve the molding tooling profile.

[0055] This invention provides a method for detecting the shape of a wall panel under no-load conditions. Specifically, the wall panel is... Figure 7 The panel is mounted on a testing fixture in a neutral orientation. First, two shims of equal thickness are placed between the two locating lugs at the center of the upper part of the panel and the fixture, and clamped in place to ensure the inner shape of the panel does not contact the clamping plate. The free clearance between the other lug positions and the lug locating supports is measured, and shims of the same thickness are placed between the lugs and supports, clamped in place. This minimizes the force exerted on the panel in the normal direction relative to the shims, considered an approximately unloaded state. Then, digital measuring equipment such as a laser tracker and a blue light scanner are used to measure the external shape, thereby determining the amount of deformation of the panel in the unloaded state after curing.

[0056] The aforementioned methods for detecting the internal shape, external shape under applied force, and external shape under unloaded state of wall panels using the detection fixture described in this invention can serve as stable methods to meet the external shape detection requirements of large-size long stringer stiffened wall panels. The data is reliable, the efficiency is high, and it can be used for process improvement, etc.

[0057] As mentioned above, according to Figure 7 The positioning panel, along with improvements to the positioning clamp, can simulate the panel's shape and fit against the mold during assembly. Traditional trial assembly processes are lengthy due to panel turnover and assembly cycle time. Furthermore, the frame is often made of composite materials, making assembly problems susceptible to tolerances. Often, assembly issues result from the combined effects of deviations in multiple parts, making it impossible to accurately determine if the panel's shape meets requirements. This invention's testing fixture achieves the same trial assembly effect, with a high-precision frame and no tolerance issues, significantly reducing the development cycle for large-size panels.

[0058] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions made by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A tooling for inspecting the shape of large-size composite material long stringer stiffened wall panels, characterized in that, Includes a component support frame (1), an inner shaped clamping plate (2), a wall panel positioning support (3), a clamping plate support (4), a flip connection joint (5), a lifting ring (6), a left end lifting base assembly (7), a right end lifting base assembly (8), and a horizontal transmission mechanism assembly (9); The inner shaped clamping plate (2) is set according to the position of the assembly skeleton rib, and is positioned and clamped by the clamping plate support (4). The flip-connecting joint (5) is located at both ends of the part support frame (1) and is connected to the left end lifting base assembly (7) and the right end lifting base assembly (8). The left end lifting base assembly (7) and the right end lifting base assembly (8) are adjusted in position and posture of the wall panel detection through the reducer and the commutator, so as to realize the detection of the wall panel shape.

2. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The component support frame (1) adopts a square tube structure. The square tubes are connected together by welding. Local areas are reinforced by additional flat plates to ensure the overall rigidity and strength of the frame.

3. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner shaped plate (2) is set according to the position of the skeleton ribs during wall panel assembly to ensure that each assembly area can be detected. The inner shaped card plate (2) has a 3mm gap at the joint with the wall panel skin and stringer to ensure that there is still a gap at each position after the force is applied during the testing process, so that the card plate has no force on the wall panel and meets the requirements of the acceptance specification. The contour requirement of the inner shaped card plate (2) relative to the theoretical surface is ±0.125mm. The inner shaped card plate (2) has a groove at the wall panel stringer to avoid interference. The inner plate (2) is positioned and connected to the plate support (4) on the part support frame (1) through two positioning holes reserved at both ends, and is fastened by pins and locking mechanisms on the plate support.

4. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The card plate support (4) is a flat plate welded structure. It is screwed to the part support frame (1) through the bolt holes on the card plate support base and the part support frame (1). The card plate support (4) has a hole on the contact surface with the inner card plate (2) and a bushing is installed. After processing and adjustment, the position of the bushing hole is guaranteed to be no higher than Φ0.2mm, which meets the positioning accuracy requirements of the inner card plate (2).

5. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The wall panel positioning support (3) is similar to the card plate support (4) and plays the role of positioning and supporting the wall panel. The wall panel positioning support (3) is arranged according to the position of the ear hole reserved during the manufacturing of the wall panel. The wall panel positioning support (3) and the wall panel are manufactured according to the inner shape of the wall panel skin theory to ensure the contour accuracy ±0.125mm.

6. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flip-connecting joint (5) is a flat welded structure, connected to the part support frame (1), with one at each end of the frame, and screwed into the end lifting base assembly through bolt holes to form a whole, so that it can be flipped through the flipping device on the lifting base assembly to achieve the purpose of adjusting the wall panel detection posture.

7. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left end lifting base assembly (7), the right end lifting base assembly (8), and the base connection assembly together form the end lifting base assembly, which can lift the wall panel inspection fixture longitudinally, making it convenient to raise the frame when measuring the gap between the inner shape of the wall panel and the tire, and making it convenient for personnel to operate. When measuring the aerodynamic shape of the wall panel, the height is reduced so that digital measuring equipment such as laser trackers can receive the light signal.

8. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The left end lifting base assembly (7) includes a support frame (7-1), a longitudinal transmission structure (7-2), a ball screw assembly (7-3), a frame flipping transmission mechanism assembly (7-4), a moving wheel (7-5), and a protective cover; The support frame (7-1) ensures that personnel can move freely under the frame when measuring the inner shape of the wall panel. The support frame is a hollow square tube structure, in which the reducer and belt drive device of the longitudinal transmission structure can be installed. The longitudinal transmission structure (7-2) includes a 90-degree shaft worm gear reducer with a reduction ratio of 10:1; a 90-degree bevel gear reducer cross reversing device with a reduction ratio of 1:

1. The two reducers are driven by pulleys. The output end of the bevel gear reducer is connected to the transmission shaft through a coupling and drives the ball screw assembly to rotate, thereby realizing the lifting and lowering of the part support frame (1). The ball screw assembly (7-3) is connected to the longitudinal coupling of the cross commutator through the end pin. Through the transmission of the coupling, the screw is driven to rotate, thereby controlling the lifting and lowering of the part support frame (1). The frame flipping transmission mechanism assembly (7-4) includes a 90-degree shaft worm gear reducer, a brake disc, a flipping connection joint, a handwheel, etc. It is connected to the part support frame (1) through the connection joint and controls the flipping of the part support frame (1).

9. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 7, characterized in that, The right end lifting base assembly (8) is similar to the left end lifting base assembly (7). It is connected to the cross reversing device through several transmission shafts and couplings of the base connection assembly, so that the ball screw rotates and thus synchronously controls the lifting and lowering of the part support frame (1).

10. The tooling for inspecting the shape of a large-size composite material long stringer-reinforced wall panel according to claim 1, characterized in that, The horizontal transmission mechanism assembly (9) includes a transmission shaft (9-1), an end frame (9-2), a connecting partition (9-3), a self-aligning ball bearing (9-4), a bushing with radial pin holes (9-5), a top protective cover, and other components. It is connected to the left and right lifting base assemblies through the transmission shaft to realize the synchronous lifting of the part support frame (1).

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