Aircraft Component Tool Layout for Reduced Working Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processing systems for aircraft structural components require large working heights and dimensions due to the need for coaxial alignment of tool axes, limiting the compactness and accessibility of the machining system.
Innovation Solution
The lower tool carrier axis is repositioned to be offset from its vertical alignment, allowing the tool axes to run non-coaxially with the lower tool carrier axis in certain machining positions, creating free space below the lower tool for the clamping frame and structural component, thereby reducing the working height and overall system dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the tool axes are aligned coaxially with the lower tool carrier axis, then the machining precision and tool alignment are improved, but the working height and system dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by offsetting the lower tool carrier axis from the tool axis. Instead of maintaining symmetric coaxial alignment, the lower tool carrier axis is positioned at a distance from the tool axis, creating an asymmetric configuration. This allows the clamping frame to be positioned in the created space, reducing the working height while maintaining proper tool alignment through the offset mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension change by offsetting the lower tool carrier axis horizontally from the tool axis. This creates a new spatial arrangement where the clamping frame can be positioned in the previously occupied vertical space, effectively reducing the working height while maintaining machining capability through the offset configuration.
2Length of stationary object
If the lower tool carrier axis is offset from the tool axis, then the working height is reduced, but the tool alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary offset mechanism that mediates between the lower tool carrier axis and the tool axis. This offset mechanism serves as an intermediary element that maintains proper tool alignment despite the horizontal displacement, simplifying the overall alignment process while achieving reduced working height through the intermediate offset structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the clamping frame is positioned vertically, then the machining stability is improved, but the system requires larger vertical dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by creating an offset configuration between the lower tool carrier axis and the tool axis. This asymmetric arrangement allows the clamping frame to be positioned in the space created by the offset, maintaining machining stability through proper frame positioning while reducing the overall system height by utilizing the horizontal offset space instead of requiring additional vertical clearance.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3f
AI summary
The invention relates to a processing system for aircraft structural components (2), having a processing station (3) comprising a clamping frame (4) for receiving each particular aircraft structural component (2) to be processed, wherein the clamping frame (4) extends along a station longitudinal axis (6) extending in a longitudinal direction (X), and a processing unit (5) for processing the aircraft structural component (2), said unit (5) having an upper tool unit (11) with an upper tool (13) oriented along a first tool axis (12a) and a lower tool unit (14) with a lower tool (15) oriented along a second tool axis (12b), wherein the first tool axis (12a) and the second tool axis (12b) are oriented or orientable parallel to a vertical direction (Z) that is at an angle, in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal direction (X), wherein, in at least one processing position of the upper tool (13) and in at least one processing position of the lower tool (15), the first tool axis (12a) and the second tool axis (12b) are oriented coaxially with one another and wherein the lower tool (15) is mounted on a lower tool carrier (17). It is proposed that, in at least one processing position of the upper tool (13) and/or in at least one processing position of the lower tool (15), the particular tool axis (12a, 12b) does not extend coaxially with the lower tool carrier axis (18).