3D Float Volume Identification for Aircraft Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software analysis systems for manufacturing parts, such as aircraft components, are limited to analyzing movement in two dimensions, failing to account for three-dimensional translations and rotations, which leads to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the complexity of assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that use a computer system to form lines and volumes from feature patterns, allowing for the identification of potential movement in three dimensions by forming first lines on a plane, second lines perpendicular to the first lines, third lines perpendicular to the plane, and elongate volumes extending from feature centers to third lines, with an intersection identifying the potential movement of parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If currently used software analysis systems are used to analyze hole patterns, then analysis can be performed in two dimensions, but three-dimensional movement information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the analysis from two-dimensional plane analysis to three-dimensional space by creating volumetric representations (cylinders) that account for movement in all three spatial dimensions plus rotational degrees of freedom, thereby capturing complete float information without excessive system complexity
2Productivity
If two-dimensional analysis is used for hole patterns, then software analysis is simpler, but assembly efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary three-dimensional float analysis before the actual assembly process, identifying potential movement and interference issues in advance, which allows for optimized assembly procedures and reduced assembly time without increasing operational complexity
3Measurement precision
If three-dimensional float analysis is implemented, then complete movement information is obtained, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the three-dimensional float analysis problem into a series of two-dimensional cross-sectional analyses at different heights, changing the computational parameters from requiring full 3D intersection calculations to using 2D contour comparisons, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing computational complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for identifying a potential movement of a part containing features. First lines are formed by a computer system on a plane extending from a rotation point on the plane to centers of the features in a feature pattern. Second lines are formed by the computer system on the plane extending from the centers of the features in which the second lines are substantially perpendicular to corresponding first lines. Third lines are formed by the computer system extending from ends of the second lines in which the third lines are substantially perpendicular to the plane. Elongate volumes are formed by the computer system extending from the centers of the features to ends of the third lines. An intersection of the elongate volumes is formed by the computer system. The potential movement of the part containing the features is identified using the intersection.