Aircraft Section Processing Device with Adaptive Holding Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for processing large-format components, such as aircraft sections, face challenges with positioning accuracy due to deformation of flexible components and handling systems, leading to positioning errors and the need for rigid internal support systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mechanically lightweight handling system that uses connection elements with actuators and suction devices to maintain precise positioning of processing tools relative to the component surface, minimizing reaction forces and allowing flexible positioning and force distribution, thereby eliminating the need for internal support systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a rigid handling system is used to maintain positioning accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holding frame is divided into multiple segments with individual connection elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. Each connection element can be separately controlled to compensate for positioning errors, allowing the use of a lighter, more flexible handling system while maintaining overall positioning accuracy through coordinated adjustment of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed to be dynamically adjustable during the processing operation. actuators enable real-time repositioning of connection elements to compensate for deformations and positioning errors, transforming a static rigid structure into a dynamic adaptive system that maintains precision without requiring inherent mechanical rigidity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If internal support systems are added to flexible components, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Connection elements serve as intermediaries between the handling system and the component surface. These intermediaries provide the necessary stability and support by creating multiple contact points that distribute loads and constrain component deformation, eliminating the need for internal support structures within the components themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical internal support systems with an external holding frame system that uses connection elements and actuators. Instead of reinforcing components with internal ribs or supports, the solution uses an external adaptive framework that provides stability through controlled contact forces and geometric constraint.
3Force
If connection elements are made non-positively connectable, then reaction forces on the handling system are reduced, but positioning reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements utilize actuators to dynamically change connection parameters during operation. The connection force, position, and orientation can be adjusted in real-time to maintain optimal contact without creating excessive reaction forces on the handling system, thereby preserving positioning reliability while reducing mechanical load.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed with flexible characteristics that allow them to conform to the component surface and distribute contact forces. This flexibility enables non-positive connection that reduces peak reaction forces while maintaining sufficient contact reliability through distributed force application and adaptive positioning.
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
Enables precise and flexible processing of large-format components with improved positioning accuracy and reduced load on the components, allowing for efficient processing of complex geometries without deformation, even in areas with limited access.
Implementation Method 1
at least one connection element is designed so as to be non-positively connectable to and disconnectable from a component surface so as to minimise the reaction forces which act on the handling system through the at least one processing device and/or through the at least one pressure stamp, by deflection to the component surface
Data Source
AI summary
A device for processing components, and in particular, sections for aircraft, includes a handling system that supports a holding frame. The holding frame includes at least one pressure stamp and/or at least one processing device or unit. By means of the handling system, the processing device is freely positionable in space in relation to the components. Preferably, in the region of the holding frame at least one connection element is arranged. Due to the connection elements, an essentially closed force ring is established between the holding frame and the components so that in an ideal case there is no longer any feedback of reaction forces to the handling system. The connection elements, the processing device and the pressure stamps can be movable by actuators and can comprise integrated force sensors and/or distance measuring sensors.