Composite material large-curvature skin appearance detection device and detection method
By designing a composite material skin shape inspection device with large curvature, and using vertical assembly and laser tracker combined with clamping components, the measurement deviation problem in the inspection of large curvature skin shape was solved, and high-precision skin inspection was achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-22
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies struggle to accurately detect the shape of composite skins with large curvatures, leading to significant measurement deviations that affect processing, molding, and installation.
A composite material skin with large curvature shape detection device was designed, including a base frame, column assembly, positioning assembly, support assembly and clamping assembly. The device simulates the actual assembly posture of the skin through vertical assembly, uses a laser tracker for detection, and adjusts the force application point in combination with the clamping assembly to reduce the impact of deformation.
It improves the accuracy and pass rate of skin shape measurement, ensures that the test results are consistent with the actual assembly state, reduces the impact of clamping force and gravity on test accuracy, and realizes high-precision skin inspection.
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Figure CN121739919A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of aerospace equipment manufacturing technology, specifically relating to a composite material large curvature skin shape detection device and detection method. Background Technology
[0002] Compared to traditional aluminum alloys, composite skins such as carbon fiber are lighter and stronger, reducing fuel consumption. Therefore, composite skins are widely used in major aircraft structural components such as wings and fuselages. The shape of the skin is crucial to aircraft flight performance, such as lift and drag. However, skins with large curvature variations can deform during manufacturing due to temperature and pressure changes during curing. Therefore, accurately detecting whether the cured skin shape exceeds tolerances and meets the requirements for use in the assembled state has a significant impact on the processing, shaping, and installation of the skin products.
[0003] Patent document CN112525100A discloses a fixture for detecting the shape of a skin panel. The skin panel is adsorbed onto the fixture using a vacuum suction cup. An operator uses a handheld laser detector to measure the shape of the skin panel. The measured points are fitted by a processor in a laser tracker to obtain a fitted shape. Finally, the fitted shape is compared with the shape of a 3D digital model in a coordinate system. Dimensions within the tolerance range are considered acceptable. However, because the vacuum suction cup's positioning surface and measurement surface are not the same, this fixture is only suitable for products with a single skin panel without honeycomb layers. When measuring skin panels with honeycomb layers or large curvature variations, the thickness deviation is significant, and the deviation between the measured surface data and theoretical data for non-positioning surfaces is large, making it difficult to accurately measure the shape of skin panels with large curvature.
[0004] Patent document CN119665850A discloses a skin shape inspection fixture and method. The skin support has a support surface consistent with the theoretical shape of the skin. An external force application mechanism is used to position and fit the skin onto the skin support. A shape inspection mechanism is used to obtain skin surface deviation data. When applied to inspecting skin parts with large curvature, the large deformation of the part and the large area of the theoretical shape support lead to large deviations in the measurement data. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device and method for detecting the shape of composite material skin with large curvature, so as to solve the problem of large measurement deviation in the detection of the shape of skin with large curvature.
[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution: A composite material skin with large curvature shape inspection device, including: bottom frame; Column assembly, with multiple sets of column assemblies respectively installed on the base frame; The positioning components include a skin ear positioning component and a clamping plate positioning component. The skin ear positioning component includes a skin positioner and a series of pins for positioning the skin product. The skin ear positioning component is respectively disposed on the bottom frame and the column assembly. The clamping plate positioning component includes a clamping plate and a plurality of positioning ball pins disposed on the clamping plate. The positioning ball pins are used as a reference for the inspection of the outer surface of the skin product. Support components: Multiple sets of support components are set on the bottom frame to provide support for the skin product; The clamping assembly consists of multiple sets distributed on the column assembly, used to apply top pressure to different positions of the skin product assembled onto the testing device.
[0007] In some embodiments of the present invention, two card plates are spaced apart along the vertical direction, and the positions of the card plates are arranged according to the shape of the skin product.
[0008] In some embodiments of the present invention, a gap is provided between the card plate profile and the outer profile of the skin product.
[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, a total of three positioning ball pins are arranged on the upper and lower card plates, and the apex of the positioning ball pins is adjusted to fit with the theoretical surface of the skin product.
[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping component is positioned such that the force exerted by the clamping component on the skin product is consistent with the force position of the skin product in its actual assembled state.
[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the clamping assembly includes a threaded support, a clamping screw, a connecting seat, a connecting rod, a pressure head, a spring, a pin, and a key; The threaded support and the connecting seat are respectively fixedly mounted on the column assembly. The clamping screw is threadedly connected to the threaded support. One end of the threaded support is movably connected to the connecting rod. The connecting rod and the connecting seat are slidably fitted. A spring is installed inside the pressure head. The pressure head and the connecting rod are connected by a pin, forming a structure in which the pressure head can slide linearly on the connecting rod when under force. The connecting rod is restricted from rotating by the keyway and key on the connecting rod.
[0012] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for detecting the shape of composite material skin with large curvature, which uses the aforementioned composite material skin shape detection device to detect the skin product, including the following steps: The reference holes set on the bottom frame are used to fit the coordinate system of the aircraft. After the coordinate system of the aircraft is established, the surface of the positioning plate, the positioning hole of the skin locator, and the vertex position of the positioning ball pin in the retesting device structure are within the tolerance range. If the tolerance range is not met, the testing device is readjusted until the tolerance requirements are met, and the coordinate system of the laser tracker is established. The skin product is initially installed onto the testing device. The skin ear positioner and a series of pins are used to position and adjust the finished skin product to the theoretical position. The support components are then adjusted to support the bottom of the skin product. The actual shape of the skin product is fitted in the coordinate system of the laser tracker. Then, the actual shape of the skin product is compared with the theoretical shape, and the deviation value of the skin surface is measured. When the deviation value is within the tolerance range, the skin product is qualified. When the deviation value is not within the tolerance range, an external force is applied to the skin product through the clamping component, and a second inspection is performed.
[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of performing secondary detection includes: The adjusting clamping assembly applies pressure to the skin parts, and during the application of force, the skin product comes into contact with the apex of the positioning ball pin; During the pressure adjustment process, if the surface tolerance of the skin product meets the requirements within the normal force range, the skin part is qualified; if all clamping components have reached the maximum adjustable external force, and there is still a local deviation value of the skin product surface that is greater than the tolerance value, the skin part is unqualified.
[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, a laser tracker is used to measure the product surface, and pressure is applied to the locations with larger deviation values using a clamping component based on the data.
[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects: This invention, through structural design of the detection device, enables vertical assembly of skin products on the device. The detection posture of the skin is consistent with the actual assembly posture, reducing the impact of clamping force and the skin's own weight on detection accuracy. The force application point on the skin in the detection device simulates the force points of the skin in its actual assembly state, enabling the device to detect the skin in its actual assembly state and further improving the measurement accuracy of the skin's shape.
[0016] By using three positioning ball pins on the card plate to form three-point positioning, the detection deviation caused by the deformation of the skin itself is avoided to the greatest extent, and the free state and the stress state of the skin after assembly can be well simulated.
[0017] By ensuring consistency between the inspection posture and the assembly posture, and between the applied force position / magnitude and the applied force position and magnitude under assembly conditions, the qualified skin can achieve optimal assembly accuracy under use, thereby improving the inspection accuracy and pass rate of skin products. Attached Figure Description
[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of the present invention and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a large curvature skin structure for composite products.
[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection device structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom frame and column assembly structure in the detection device of this invention.
[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the positioning component structure in the detection device of this invention.
[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the skin ear plate positioning component in the detection device of this invention.
[0024] Figure 6 for Figure 4 A partial schematic diagram of point A in the middle.
[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the support component structure in the detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the clamping components in the detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the pressing component structure in the detection device of this invention.
[0028] in: 1. Base frame, 1a. Square steel, 1b. Base plate, 1c. Lifting lugs; 2. Column assembly, 2a. Column, 2b. Base plate, 2c. Eye bolt; 3. Positioning components, 3a. Skin ear plate positioning component, 3b. Card plate positioning component, 3a-1. Skin positioner, 3a-2. Series pins, 3b-1. Card plate, 3b-2. Positioning ball pin, 3b-3. Handle pin; 4. Support components, 4a. Elevation platform, 4b. Connecting seat, 4c. Clamping screw, 4d. Smooth pressure block; 5. Clamping assembly, 5a. Threaded support, 5b. Clamping screw, 5c. Connecting seat, 5d. Connecting rod, 5e. Pressure head, 5f. Spring, 5g. Pin, 5h. Key. Detailed Implementation
[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are some embodiments of the present invention, but not all embodiments.
[0030] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a large-curvature honeycomb sandwich skin structure. Due to the honeycomb sandwich structure and large curvature, it is difficult to accurately inspect the shape of this skin product using existing inspection tools and methods.
[0031] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the composite material large curvature skin shape detection device includes a base frame 1, a column assembly 2, a positioning assembly 3, a support assembly 4, and a clamping assembly 5.
[0032] The base frame 1 is welded from square steel 1a, a reference plate 1b, and a lifting lug 1c. Six sets of reference holes are provided on the base frame 1, through which the coordinate system of the aircraft is fitted.
[0033] The column assembly 2 is welded from the column 2a and the reference base 2b. Each column assembly is equipped with a lifting eye bolt 2c to facilitate the lifting and assembly of the column assembly. The column assembly 2 is screwed to the base frame 1, forming the skeleton of the inspection fixture.
[0034] like Figure 4 The positioning component 3 includes a skin ear piece positioning component 3a and a card plate positioning component 3b.
[0035] like Figure 5 The skin ear positioning assembly 3a includes a skin positioner 3a-1 and a series of pins 3a-2 for positioning the skin product. The skin ear positioning assembly is respectively set on the bottom frame 1 and the column assembly 2, and the series of pins are engaged with the holes on the skin to position the skin on the detection device.
[0036] The pallet positioning assembly 3b includes a pallet 3b-1 and a plurality of positioning ball pins 3b-2 and a handle pin 3b-3 disposed on the pallet.
[0037] In the testing device, two clamping plates 3b-1 are set at intervals along the vertical direction. The clamping plate positions are arranged according to the shape of the skin product, with a width of 170mm and a thickness of 25mm.
[0038] The manufacturing and debugging processes ensure that the gap between the card plate and the skin product is 0.8mm. Theoretical calculations and on-site assembly verification show that the surface deformation of the product should be less than 0.8mm. After on-site product assembly, the three positioning ball pins are in contact. Visual inspection and measurement with a feeler gauge are used. For qualified products, the gap should be uniform and around 0.8mm. If the product is in contact with the card plate or the gap is greater than 1.6mm, it indicates possible assembly error, improper installation or adjustment of the testing device, or that the product is defective. The testing device needs to be readjusted and the product reassembled. If the gap is uniform and around 0.8mm, subsequent measurements are normal. If the gap remains abnormal, the product is defective. The card plate 3b-1 is fixed to the column using screws and handle pin 3b-3.
[0039] like Figure 4 and Figure 6 Three positioning ball pins 3b-2 are arranged on the upper and lower plates. The apex of the positioning ball pins is adjusted by a laser tracker to fit the theoretical surface of the product.
[0040] like Figure 7 The support assembly 4 is mounted on the base frame 1 to provide support for the skin product. The support assembly 4 includes a raised platform 4a, a connecting seat 4b, a clamping screw 4c, and a smooth pressure block 4d.
[0041] To meet ergonomic requirements, a height adjustment platform 4a is installed to increase the operating height of the testing fixture. The platform 4a is constructed by welding 60x60 square steel tubing to a flat plate. A smooth pressure block 4d is connected to the head of a clamping screw 4c, which is threadedly connected to a connecting seat 4b. The smooth pressure block 4d can move linearly via the threaded feed of the clamping screw 4c. Rubber is adhered to the head of the smooth pressure block 4d to prevent scratching the product skin. By adjusting the position of the smooth pressure block, it can support the skinned product assembled onto the testing device.
[0042] like Figure 8 The clamping components 5 are distributed on the column components 2 and are used to apply top pressure force to different positions of the skin product assembled on the testing device.
[0043] like Figure 9 The clamping assembly 5 includes a threaded support 5a, a clamping screw 5b, a connecting seat 5c, a connecting rod 5d, a pressure head 5e, a spring 5f, a pin 5g, and a key 5h.
[0044] Threaded support 5a and connecting seat 5c are fixedly mounted on the column assembly. A clamping screw 5b is threadedly connected to threaded support 5a. One end of threaded support 5a is movably connected to connecting rod 5d, and connecting rod 5d and connecting seat 5c are in sliding fit.
[0045] A spring 5f is installed inside the pressure head 5e, and the pressure head 5e is connected to the connecting rod 5d by a pin 5g, forming a structure in which the pressure head 5e can slide linearly on the connecting rod 5d when subjected to force.
[0046] The connecting rod 5d can slide forward by the threaded feed of the clamping screw 5b, and the spring 5f is compressed, so that the pressure head 5e can press the skin product and apply force to the skin.
[0047] The assembly positions of the clamping components 5 simulate the stress points of the skin in the assembled state. There are a total of 24 sets, which are connected to the column components respectively.
[0048] The force required for clamping the components during assembly is less than 45N per 300mm. Based on the arrangement of the force application points, the relationship between the force value and the compression amount is measured using a pressure testing instrument. Four sets of pressure values of 20N, 45N, 65N, and 90N are marked on the connecting rod 5d.
[0049] The connecting rod 5d and the connecting seat 5c are fitted with an H7 / f7 sliding fit. The connecting rod 5d is restricted from rotating by the keyway and key 5h on the connecting rod 5d to prevent scratching of the skin during the application of force.
[0050] On the other hand, in some embodiments of the present invention, a detection method for detecting the shape of a composite material large skin based on the detection device in the above embodiments includes the following steps: S1. Establish the coordinate system of the laser tracker; The reference holes set on the bottom frame 1 are inspected. The position of the reference holes should encompass the entire fixture and be on the same plane to the greatest extent possible. A coordinate system is established by inputting the theoretical coordinate values of the reference holes. By operating the reflector of the laser tracker, the deviation between the fixture reference holes and the theoretical coordinate values is fitted and measured. The deviation should be ≤0.1mm. The measured values of the reference holes are recorded and marked. A new coordinate system is established using the measured values of the reference holes, and this coordinate system is used for measurement. The aircraft's coordinate system is fitted using 6 sets of reference holes.
[0051] After the coordinate system of the aircraft is established, check whether the profile of the positioning plate 3b-1, the positioning hole of the skin locator 3a-1, and the vertex position of the positioning ball pin 3b-2 in the retesting device structure are within the tolerance range.
[0052] If the tolerances of the aforementioned positioning parts do not meet the tolerance range, the testing device needs to be readjusted until the tolerance requirements are met.
[0053] S2. Assemble the skin product on the testing device; Adjust the clamping component 5 and the support component 4 so that the clamping component 5 and the support component 4 move away from the skin product to the maximum stroke position, and use a lifting method to initially install the skin product onto the testing device.
[0054] The finished skin is positioned and installed using the skin ear plate positioner 3a-1 and the series pins 3a-2, and adjusted to the theoretical position. Then, the clamping screw 4c of the support component 4 located at the bottom of the skin is fed upward, so that the smooth pressure block supports the skin product and supports the bottom of the skin product.
[0055] S3. Use a laser tracker to perform the first inspection of the skin parts; Based on the established laser tracker coordinate system, the actual shape of the skin product is fitted within the laser tracker coordinate system. Then, the actual shape of the skin product is compared with the theoretical shape, and the deviation value of the skin surface is measured.
[0056] If the deviation value is within the tolerance range, the skin product is qualified; otherwise, if the deviation value is outside the tolerance range, external force needs to be applied and the test needs to be carried out again.
[0057] S4. Apply top pressure to the skin product and use a laser tracker to conduct a second inspection of the skin product; Adjust the clamping assembly 5 to apply pressure to the skin parts through the pressure head 5e.
[0058] During the pressure application process, observe the pressure value on the connecting rod 5d. When the distance between the force application points is ≤300mm, the top pressure force is ≤45N; when the distance between the force application points is between 500mm and 600mm, the top pressure force is ≤90N.
[0059] During the application of force, observe whether the skin product is in contact with the apex of the positioning ball pin 3b-2 to ensure that the three points are in theoretical alignment.
[0060] The product surface is measured with a laser tracker, and pressure is applied to the areas with large deviations using the clamping component 5 based on the data.
[0061] During the adjustment process, if the surface tolerance of the skin product meets the requirements within the normal force range, it indicates that the skin part is qualified.
[0062] Conversely, if all clamping components 5 have reached the maximum adjustable applied external force, and there is still a local deviation value on the surface of the skin product that is greater than the tolerance value, then the skin part is unqualified.
[0063] S5, products with leather uppers removed from shelves; After the measurement is completed, turn off the laser tracker and move it to a safe location.
[0064] Disconnect all clamping components, series pins and skin products on the testing device, and use a hoisting method to remove the skin parts from the shelf and transfer them to the bracket.
[0065] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this invention is usually placed in during use. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.
[0066] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal" and "vertical" in the description of this invention does not imply that the components are required to be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal than "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.
[0067] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention in light of the specific circumstances.
[0068] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications or equivalent changes made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A device for inspecting the shape of a composite material large curvature skin, characterized in that, include: bottom frame; Column assembly, with multiple sets of column assemblies respectively installed on the base frame; The positioning components include a skin ear positioning component and a clamping plate positioning component. The skin ear positioning component includes a skin positioner and a series of pins for positioning the skin product. The skin ear positioning component is respectively disposed on the bottom frame and the column assembly. The clamping plate positioning component includes a clamping plate and a plurality of positioning ball pins disposed on the clamping plate. The positioning ball pins are used as a reference for the inspection of the outer surface of the skin product. Support components: Multiple sets of support components are set on the bottom frame to provide support for the skin product; The clamping assembly consists of multiple sets distributed on the column assembly, used to apply top pressure to different positions of the skin product assembled onto the testing device.
2. The composite material large curvature skin shape detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two clamping plates are spaced apart along the vertical direction, and the position of the clamping plates is arranged according to the shape of the skin product.
3. The composite material large curvature skin shape detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, A gap is provided between the card plate profile and the outer profile of the skin product.
4. The composite material large curvature skin shape detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, Three positioning ball pins are arranged on the upper and lower plates, and the apex of the positioning ball pins is adjusted to fit the theoretical surface of the skin product.
5. The composite material large curvature skin shape detection device of claim 1, wherein, The clamping component is positioned such that the force exerted by the clamping component on the skin product is consistent with the force position of the skin product in its actual assembled state.
6. The composite material large curvature skin shape detection device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that, The clamping assembly includes a threaded support, a clamping screw, a connecting seat, a connecting rod, a pressure head, a spring, a pin, and a key; The threaded support and the connecting seat are respectively fixedly mounted on the column assembly. The clamping screw is threadedly connected to the threaded support. One end of the threaded support is movably connected to the connecting rod. The connecting rod and the connecting seat are slidably fitted. A spring is installed inside the pressure head. The pressure head and the connecting rod are connected by a pin, forming a structure in which the pressure head can slide linearly on the connecting rod when under force. The connecting rod is restricted from rotating by the keyway and key on the connecting rod.
7. A method of inspecting a composite large curvature skin shape, characterized by, The composite material large curvature skin shape inspection device according to any one of claims 1-6 is used to inspect skin products, including the following steps: The reference holes set on the bottom frame are used to fit the coordinate system of the aircraft. After the coordinate system of the aircraft is established, the surface of the positioning plate, the positioning hole of the skin locator, and the vertex position of the positioning ball pin in the retesting device structure are within the tolerance range. If the tolerance range is not met, the testing device is readjusted until the tolerance requirements are met, and the coordinate system of the laser tracker is established. The skin product is initially installed onto the testing device. The skin ear positioner and a series of pins are used to position and adjust the finished skin product to the theoretical position. The support components are then adjusted to support the bottom of the skin product. The actual shape of the skin product is fitted in the coordinate system of the laser tracker. Then, the actual shape of the skin product is compared with the theoretical shape, and the deviation value of the skin surface is measured. When the deviation value is within the tolerance range, the skin product is qualified. When the deviation value is not within the tolerance range, an external force is applied to the skin product through the clamping component, and a second inspection is performed.
8. The composite material large curvature skin shape detection method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The steps for conducting a secondary test include: The adjusting clamping assembly applies pressure to the skin parts, and during the application of force, the skin product comes into contact with the apex of the positioning ball pin; During the pressure adjustment process, when the skin product is in the normal force range and the profile tolerance meets the requirements, the skin part is qualified; when all the pressure components have reached the maximum adjustable external force, and the local profile of the skin product still has a deviation value greater than the tolerance value, the skin part is unqualified.
9. The composite material large curvature skin shape detection method of claim 8, wherein, The laser tracker measures the product profile, and the data is used to adjust the pressure of the pressure components to the position with large deviation value.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Tool for detecting appearance of skin
CN112525100A
Skin shape detection tool and skin shape detection method
CN119665850A