Aircraft Side-Shell Handling With Elastic Alignment Fasteners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for assembling aircraft fuselage components face challenges in ensuring precise alignment and efficient manipulation during the assembly process due to inadequate handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A manipulation system for aircraft side shells, equipped with fastening devices and elastic elements, allows for small movements and precise alignment of fuselage body components using orthogonal coordinate systems, enabling accurate assembly of the fuselage body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid fastening devices are used to hold fuselage components during assembly, then structural stability is maintained, but alignment precision and ability to make small adjustments deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device incorporates an elastic element that enables dynamic adjustment of the fastening piece position along the Z-axis while maintaining overall structural stability. This allows the system to transition from a purely rigid structure to a semi-dynamic one capable of small controlled movements for precise alignment during assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element introduces a controlled degree of freedom by allowing positional parameter variation of the fastening piece along the Z-axis. This parameter change capability enables alignment adjustments without requiring complete redesign of the fastening device structure, thus improving precision while managing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the fastening piece is fixed rigidly to the support device, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to make small movements for alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element transforms the rigid connection between fastening piece and support device into a semi-dynamic connection that permits controlled displacement along the Z-axis. This enables operators to perform alignment adjustments while the elastic element maintains sufficient stability to prevent excessive movement or instability during assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element acts as an intermediary between the fastening piece and support device, mediating between the need for movement (alignment adjustment) and the need for stability (structural integrity). It transmits forces while allowing controlled deformation, thus reconciling the conflicting requirements of ease of operation and structural stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple elastic elements are added to enable movements in multiple directions, then alignment flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates multiple elastic elements (first, second, and third elastic elements) that collectively provide multi-directional flexibility. The first elastic element enables Z-axis movement, while the second and third elastic elements enable X-axis and Y-axis movements respectively, creating a dynamic system that can adapt to alignment requirements in three-dimensional space.
Solution Approach 2:
Each elastic element serves multiple functions: the first elastic element not only enables Z-axis movement but also maintains fastening force; the second and third elastic elements enable lateral adjustments while maintaining positional stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while improving adaptability.
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
Facilitates precise alignment and efficient assembly of fuselage components by allowing small movements and adjustments, improving the assembly process efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic element being configured to allow displacement of the fastener relative to the support device along an axis parallel to the Z-axis around a nominal position
Implementation Method 2
the first elastic element comprises a compression spring having an upper end fixed to the fixing piece and a lower end fixed to the fixing support, the compression spring being configured to exert an expansion force along the Z-axis upwards against the fixing piece at its upper end
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
- A system for handling a side shell of an aircraft for the purpose of assembling an aircraft fuselage section, and a method for assembling an aircraft fuselage section. - The handling system (1) comprises at least two fastening devices (7) per side shell (2). Each fastening device (7) is intended to be attached to a longitudinal end (8) of the side shell (2). Each fastening device (7) includes a fastening piece (9) intended to be attached to the side shell (2), a mounting bracket (10) for movably mounting the fastening device (7) on a retaining device (11) of an assembly platform (5), and an elastic element (12) connecting the fastening piece (9) to the mounting bracket (10).