Aircraft Machining Layout for Single-Platform Tool Servicing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing processing systems for aircraft structural components require complex and time-consuming service work due to the inability of service personnel to access both the upper and lower tool units from a single service platform, leading to inefficiencies and risks of tool parts being left behind in the processing area.

Innovation Solution

The processing system allows the upper and lower tools to be moved and accessed from a common service platform, eliminating the need for additional service platforms and ensuring that both tools can be serviced from a single accessible location, thereby separating the processing and service areas and simplifying maintenance and tool changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate service platform is provided for the upper tool unit, then the upper tool unit becomes accessible, but the service work becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of upper tool unitVSAvoidService platform configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the service access for both upper and lower tool units to a single fixed service platform. The lower tool unit is positioned to be accessible from this platform, and the upper tool unit is made movable to also become accessible from the same platform during service. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple service platforms or complex moving service platforms, reducing service complexity while maintaining accessibility to both tool units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the service platform extends into the machining area, then the upper tool unit becomes accessible, but the machining area is compromised and modifications are required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of upper tool unitVSAvoidMachining area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The upper tool unit is designed to be movable between machining and service positions. During machining operations, the upper tool unit occupies the machining area to perform operations. During service operations, the upper tool unit is moved to a service position that is accessible from the fixed service platform located in the service area. This dynamic positioning allows the machining area to remain fully available during machining operations while providing access to the upper tool unit during service without requiring the service platform to encroach on the machining area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3658463B1Machining system for aircraft structural components
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 BROETJE AUTOMATION
  • EP3658463B1 patent drawingFigure 1a)~1c)
  • EP3658463B1 patent drawingFigure 2a)~2c)
  • EP3658463B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a machining system for aircraft structural components (2), having a machining station (3), which comprises a clamping frame (4) for holding the aircraft structural component (2) to be machined, the clamping frame (4) extending along a station longitudinal axis (6) extending in a longitudinal direction (X), and which comprises a machining unit (5) for machining the aircraft structural component (2), which machining unit has an upper tool unit (11) having an upper tool (13) oriented along a first tool axis (12a) and has a lower tool unit (14) having a lower tool (15) oriented along a second tool axis (12b), the first tool axis (12a) and the second tool axis (12b) extending parallel to a vertical direction (Z), which is at an angle to, in particular orthogonal to, the longitudinal direction (X), the machining system (1) having a machining region (B) for machining the aircraft structural component (2), which machining region is formed by a laterally delimited, first spatial region (R1), in which the clamping frame (4) and the machining unit (5) are arranged during the machining, and the machining system (1) having a service region (S) for the performance of service work, which service region is formed by a laterally delimited, second spatial region (R2), the first spatial region (R1) being separated from the second spatial region (R2) in a perpendicular direction (Y) orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (X) and the vertical direction (Z), a service platform (16) being arranged in the service region (S), which service platform is or can be positioned in a service plane (E2) orthogonal to the vertical direction (Z). According to the invention, the upper tool (13) and the lower tool (15) each can be moved into at least one service position, and in the service positions the two tools (13, 15) are accessible from the common service platform (16) positioned in the service plane (E2).