Adjustable Aircraft Panel Fixture for Shape Accuracy and Riveting Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing positioning fixtures for manufacturing aircraft panels are costly and complex due to the need for various fixtures to accommodate different shapes, and they can interfere with automatic riveting machines, limiting their applicability and posing challenges in maintaining shape accuracy, especially for panels with double curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A shape holding fixture with adjustable support units and rods that can conform to the shape of the aircraft panel, allowing for precise positioning and grip at edge portions, and a method for manufacturing that involves conveying the holding fixture with integrated gripping units to ensure accurate riveting and shape maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple positioning fixtures are prepared to accommodate different fuselage panel shapes, then the adaptability to various panel shapes is improved, but the cost for preparation and management of fixtures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning fixture is designed with adjustable support members that can be repositioned along the longitudinal direction, allowing a single fixture to accommodate multiple fuselage panel shapes. The support members can be moved to different positions to match different curvature radii, making the fixture universal rather than requiring multiple dedicated fixtures for different panel types
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning fixture transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one where support members can be adjusted during operation. The support members are equipped with adjustment mechanisms that allow their positions to be changed according to the specific shape requirements of different fuselage panels, enabling real-time adaptation without changing the entire fixture
2Adaptability or versatility
If the structure of the positioning fixture is simplified by omitting support members, then the applicability of automatic riveting machines is improved, but the shape accuracy of the fuselage panel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning fixture is divided into multiple independent support members that can be individually adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows selective retention of only the necessary support members for shape holding, while omitting others that would interfere with automatic riveting operations, thus balancing both shape accuracy and machine applicability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the positioning fixture have different levels of support provided by the adjustable support members. The support density and position are optimized locally according to the specific requirements of each area, providing sufficient support where shape accuracy is critical while leaving other areas open for automatic riveting access
3Manufacturing precision
If positioning fixtures are used in a fixed state at predetermined positions, then the joining accuracy of skins and frames is improved, but the productivity of the manufacturing process deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning fixture is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned to different work locations along the production line. The fixture can be moved to follow the fuselage panel through various manufacturing steps, eliminating the need to move the heavy panel itself and thereby improving productivity while maintaining positioning accuracy through the fixture's internal adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
To simplify the structure of a holding fixture which holds the shape of the aircraft panel and conveys the aircraft panel, an object is to ensure shape accuracy required in the manufacturing process and hold an aircraft panel in an appropriate shape, in combination with a holding fixture. A shape holding fixture includes: a plurality of support units configured to be positioned on a lower surface side of an aircraft panel, and provided at intervals along a one-axis direction, the aircraft panel being held by a holding fixture configured to grip an edge portion of the aircraft panel; and a shape holding unit provided to each of the plurality of support units, including a rod which supports the aircraft panel from the lower surface side of the aircraft panel, and configured to adjust a position where the rod comes into contact with the aircraft panel to support the aircraft panel, corresponding to the shape of the aircraft panel.