Aircraft Bracket Positioning via Stable Laser Mount
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing positioning devices for assembling aircraft brackets lack the required accuracy due to unstable and inaccurately positioned laser projectors, which are hindered by the complex structure of aircraft components, making it difficult to achieve precise positioning and alignment.
Innovation Solution
A positioning device with a laser projector mounted directly to the aircraft structure using a stable mount and targets for precise positioning, combined with computer processing for exact projection corrections, allowing for accurate and reliable bracket assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a laser projector is placed on a tripod outside the structure, then the projector can be easily positioned, but the position is unstable and inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mount as an intermediary device that fastens the projector to the aircraft structure. This mount serves as a stable intermediary between the projector and the structure, providing both ease of positioning (through standardized mounting) and measurement precision (through rigid attachment that eliminates tripod instability). The mount includes positioning elements that ensure accurate and repeatable placement.
2Device complexity
If the projector position is not accurately determined, then the setup is simpler, but the required positioning accuracy of one millimeter cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning methods with an automated optical measurement system. Instead of relying on mechanical measurement tools to determine projector position, the system uses a laser tracker or similar optical device to automatically measure the positions of targets attached to the structure. This substitution provides millimeter-level positioning accuracy while simplifying the setup process, as the system automatically calculates correction factors without manual intervention.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the projector is fastened directly to the structure, then the position is stable, but the mounting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-attaching targets to the aircraft structure before mounting the projector. These targets serve as reference points that are already in place when the projector is installed. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall mounting process, as the projector can be quickly positioned and calibrated by referencing the pre-installed targets, rather than requiring complex alignment procedures during installation.
4Manufacturing precision
If correction factors are calculated based on digital model information, then the projection accuracy is improved, but the requirement for perfectly known parameters increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies self-service by automatically determining the projector's position and orientation relative to the aircraft structure using optical measurement of targets. Instead of requiring manual input or external calibration, the system autonomously measures the targets, calculates the transformation parameters, and generates correction factors. This self-calibrating approach achieves high projection accuracy while minimizing operator involvement and complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables precise and efficient assembly of aircraft brackets with reduced measurement time and increased productivity by ensuring stable projector positioning and accurate alignment, even with slight structural deformations.
Implementation Method 1
a laser projector able to project an outline on a surface
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning device for assembling parts on a structure is disclosed. More specifically, the positioning device is designed for assembling fixed brackets to an aircraft structure. A laser projector is fastened directly on the rigid aircraft structure; its position is therefore stable in relation to the latter, even if the structure undergoes slight deformations. The position of the projector is determined accurately by utilizing targets, which are also fastened to the primary structure. A method for implementing the positioning device is also disclosed.