Aircraft Assembly Visual Assistance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of aircraft is complex and time-consuming due to operators' difficulty in identifying part locations using paper copies or computer-aided design models, which often require training and do not provide real-time information on installed parts, leading to increased time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that uses an object manager to identify the state of assembly, display parts present in the aircraft, and generate information for operating manufacturing equipment, allowing operators to visualize sections and parts through a graphical user interface without needing to understand aircraft coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If operators use paper copies or computer-aided design models to identify part locations, then they can access assembly information, but they require extensive training and time to understand aircraft coordinates and navigate the models
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a simplified visual copy of the aircraft assembly representation that displays only the specific part locations and assembly information relevant to the current task. Instead of requiring operators to navigate complex CAD models with full aircraft coordinates, the system generates a customized visual copy showing only the necessary sections, parts, and assembly sequences, making the information immediately accessible without extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and displays only the specific assembly information needed for the current task from the complete aircraft model. By taking out and highlighting only the relevant parts, sections, and assembly instructions while hiding unnecessary details, the system makes assembly information easily accessible without requiring operators to understand the entire complex aircraft coordinate system.
2Measurement precision
If operators use detailed computer-aided design models with aircraft coordinates, then precise location identification is possible, but the system complexity increases and requires specialized training
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates a simplified visual copy that maintains precise part location identification through accurate spatial representation while removing complex coordinate systems. The visual copy preserves the geometric relationships and relative positions of parts but presents them in an intuitive graphical format that does not require understanding of aircraft coordinates, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a visual representation layer as an intermediary between the complex CAD model and the operator. This intermediary translates precise aircraft coordinates and complex model data into an intuitive visual format that maintains location accuracy but eliminates the need for operators to understand or interact with the underlying complex coordinate system, thus reducing perceived complexity while preserving precision.
3Loss of information
If operators manually navigate through computer-aided design models to find part locations, then they can access assembly information, but the assembly time increases due to the learning curve and navigation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-processing the aircraft assembly data and generating customized visual representations tailored to specific assembly tasks before the operator begins work. The system pre-identifies relevant parts, sections, and assembly sequences, and pre-formats the visual display to show exactly what information is needed for the current task, eliminating the need for operators to manually navigate through models during assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates customized visual copies of the assembly information that are task-specific and immediately actionable. These visual copies are generated in advance for each assembly task, showing only the relevant parts and instructions needed for that specific operation, allowing operators to quickly reference the information without manual navigation through comprehensive but time-consuming CAD models.
4Loss of information
If comprehensive assembly information is provided through traditional methods, then all necessary data is available, but the information is difficult to understand and may not include sufficient contextual guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates customized visual copies of the assembly information that maintain data completeness while dramatically improving comprehensibility. The visual copies preserve all necessary assembly data including part locations, assembly sequences, and technical specifications, but present them in an intuitive graphical format with visual cues, highlights, and contextual information that makes the data easily understandable without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail and visual emphasis in different areas of the display based on what is relevant to the current assembly task. The visual representation highlights specific parts, sections, and assembly steps that are immediately relevant while providing access to broader contextual information when needed, making the comprehensive data set comprehensible by presenting it in a spatially and contextually organized manner.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for identifying a condition of assembly (606). A model (216) for an aircraft (104) is identified. A state (600) from states (226) of assembly for the aircraft is identified. Parts (608) present in the aircraft (104) for the state (600) selected for the aircraft (104) are identified. Sections of the aircraft (104) with the parts (608) present in the aircraft (104) are displayed for the state (600) selected in a graphical user interface (208) on a display device.