Automated Orientation Alignment Transfer for As-Built Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
The final assembly of aircraft involves time-consuming and costly post-assembly measurement surveys to determine the exact locations of large-scale components, which can be aerodynamically significant, to predict the trimmed cruise configuration, introducing additional flow time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-executable method and system for automatically determining the orientation of aerodynamically significant features of an as-built airplane, computing the orientation of an orientation monument, and aligning an orientation alignment transfer tool to facilitate the installation of the monument, thereby reducing the need for separate post-assembly surveys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate post-assembly measurement survey is performed to determine exact final locations of components, then manufacturing precision of component locations is improved, but productivity and assembly time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and recording of component locations during the assembly process itself, rather than waiting for a separate post-assembly survey. The measurement system captures data as components are being positioned and assembled, storing this information in a database for later use in predicting cruise configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the measurement survey function with the assembly process by integrating measurement systems into the assembly workflow. The same measurement infrastructure used during assembly is also used to capture final component locations, merging two previously separate operations (assembly measurement and post-assembly survey) into a unified process.
2Manufacturing precision
If a separate post-assembly measurement survey is performed, then manufacturing precision of component locations is improved, but assembly cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to serve multiple functions: it measures component locations during assembly, records final positions after assembly, and provides data for both quality control and cruise configuration prediction. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for dedicated post-assembly survey equipment and personnel, reducing overall costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own measurement infrastructure and data collection capabilities to determine final component locations, rather than requiring external survey teams or additional specialized equipment. The assembled aircraft itself serves as the platform for the measurement process.
3Reliability
If a separate post-assembly measurement survey is performed, then reliability of cruise configuration prediction is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement and data collection process continues uninterrupted throughout the assembly process rather than being performed as a separate batch operation. Component locations are measured and recorded continuously as assembly progresses, ensuring that the data used for cruise configuration prediction reflects the actual final positions without requiring additional time for separate surveys.
Data Source
AI summary
Illustrative computer-executable methods, systems, and computer software program products compute orientation alignment transfer tool location. Orientation of at least one aerodynamically significant feature of an as-built airplane is automatically determined. Orientation of an orientation monument for the as-built airplane is automatically determined from the determined orientation of the at least one aerodynamically significant feature of the as-built airplane, and motion to align an orientation alignment transfer tool with the determined orientation of the orientation monument is automatically determined.