Aircraft Assembly Laser Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft assembly methods using jigs are costly and inflexible, requiring frequent recalibration and adaptation, which increases production time and costs, and existing jigless systems face challenges with precision and accessibility during assembly due to the need for clear spaces for laser trackers.
Innovation Solution
A chassis with templates and integrated laser equipment, including a collimator, rangefinder, and coaxiality sensor, allows for precise positioning and assembly of aircraft components without the need for extensive jigging, using through holes to guide the laser beam for accurate measurement and assembly, reducing the number of assembly parts and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If jig-based assembly systems are used, then assembly precision can be maintained, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical jig systems with a laser-based optical measurement system. Laser trackers and collimators are used to define assembly axes and measure component positions, eliminating the need for physical jigs while maintaining precision through optical field-based measurement and positioning.
2Manufacturing precision
If dedicated jig systems are used for each aircraft model, then assembly precision is maintained, but adaptability to different models decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter-based adaptation where the laser measurement system can be reconfigured for different aircraft models by changing measurement parameters, target positions, and assembly specifications without requiring physical jig modifications. This allows the same equipment to serve multiple model families.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser-based assembly system serves multiple functions across different aircraft models and assembly operations. The same laser trackers and collimators can be used for positioning, measurement, and verification across various model families, replacing the need for model-specific dedicated jigs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular jig systems are used, then adaptability improves, but assembly time and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical jig assembly operations with laser-based measurement and positioning. Since no physical jigs need to be assembled or configured, the setup time is dramatically reduced while maintaining adaptability through software-based reconfiguration of measurement parameters.
4Measurement precision
If laser trackers are used for measurement, then measurement precision improves, but accessibility during assembly deteriorates due to space requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces collimators as intermediary devices that are integrated into the assembly structure itself. These collimators serve as both structural components and measurement reference elements, allowing laser trackers to measure through or near the components being assembled without requiring large clearance spaces.
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
This method significantly reduces assembly costs and time while maintaining precision and flexibility, allowing for precise assembly and verification of aircraft components with improved access for measurement, eliminating the need for frequent recalibration and minimizing the number of jig parts.
Implementation Method 1
laser equipment assembled on said templates, said laser equipment comprising a collimator
Implementation Method 2
laser equipment comprising a collimator, a rangefinder
Implementation Method 3
laser equipment comprising a collimator, a rangefinder, and a coaxiality sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing the assembly of an aircraft includes, once at least first and second templates (A, B) with through holes (a, b) have been defined on a chassis, taking an initial measurement of the templates to identify the positions of the different components; measuring a laser beam to know the real coordinates through which the laser beam passes through the holes (a, b), calculating the mathematical equation of the straight line of the laser beam in order to calculate its path and target points of the elements to be assembled, performing the mathematical calculation of the point where the laser beam must strike when the element is positioned in its theoretical position, calculating the target readings which the measurement apparatus has to show when the laser is in the target point, positioning the element to be assembled following the reading of the apparatus, and fixing the element.