Adjustable Panel Retaining Frame for Curved Fuselage Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variety of panel profiles in aeronautical structures, particularly in aircraft fuselage panels, requires a large number of pallets of different geometries, leading to issues of cost, handling, and size, and existing solutions like adjustable frames do not fully address the need to limit or eliminate the use of pallets while maintaining effective panel support during riveting operations.
Innovation Solution
A device with articulated arms and a clamping mechanism, adjustable along a spar using motorization, and interconnected by a splined shaft, allowing for angular and positional adjustments, is used to support panels without the need for multiple pallets, featuring a toggle clamping mechanism and motor-activated clamping for secure panel holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pallets of different geometries are provided to accommodate various panel profiles, then panel support capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with universal adaptability to support multiple panel profiles through adjustable fastening systems. Instead of creating specialized pallets for each panel type, a single frame structure can be reconfigured via motorized supports and articulated arms to accommodate different panel geometries, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated pallets
Solution Approach 2:
The frame incorporates motorized supports that can dynamically adjust their positions along the spars, and articulated arms that can change angles, allowing the structure to adapt its geometry in real-time. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the same frame to support various panel profiles without requiring multiple static pallets
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pallets of different geometries are provided, then panel support capability is improved, but handling and size constraints worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a universal frame that can be reconfigured for different panel types, the system eliminates the need to handle and store multiple different pallets. The single adaptable frame reduces logistical complexity and improves ease of operation while maintaining the ability to support various panel profiles
3Device complexity
If adjustable frames are used to reduce the number of pallets, then device complexity is reduced, but panel support effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized supports and articulated arms provide precise, controlled adjustment capabilities that maintain reliable panel support. The system can dynamically position fastening systems to match specific panel geometries, ensuring effective support while using fewer pallets, thus resolving the contradiction between reduced complexity and maintained reliability
4Device complexity
If a fixed geometry frame is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different panel profiles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame incorporates motorized supports that can move along the spars and articulated arms with adjustable angles, transforming a potentially simple structure into an adaptable system. These dynamic elements allow the frame to reconfigure for different panel profiles without significantly increasing overall structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into modular components including separate supports, articulated arms, and fastening systems that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for simplicity while collectively providing adaptability to different panel geometries
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for retaining a panel (9), such as panel with a curved profile. The device comprises a frame (10) having two side-members (11) and two cross-members (12), as well as a system (2) for adjusting the shape of the frame (10), and attachment systems (3) coupled to the side-members (11) of the frame in order to secure the panel (9) to the frame (10) at several places on the panel (9).