Airframe Moving Line Assembly for Higher Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft assembly methods require frequent scanning and indexing of airframe components in fixed cells, leading to inefficiencies in space usage, throughput, and downtime, as tools and technicians need to be transported through barrel sections for each operation.

Innovation Solution

Implementing continuous line assembly layouts and systems that allow airframe components to be moved continuously through stations performing work, reducing the need for tools and technicians to enter barrel sections, and utilizing RFID indexing components and process tracking servers to manage operations efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fixed cell assembly methods are used with frequent scanning and indexing, then tools and technicians can access barrel sections, but space requirements increase and throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly throughputVSAvoidfactory floor space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional assembly approach by moving the barrel section to the work station rather than bringing tools and technicians to the barrel section. This inversion eliminates the need for frequent scanning and indexing operations, reduces factory floor space requirements, and increases assembly throughput by maintaining continuous motion of the workpiece through the assembly line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If tools and technicians enter barrel sections for each operation, then work can be performed on the structure, but downtime increases due to frequent setup and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly throughputVSAvoiddowntime

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple work stations with all necessary tools and equipment before the barrel section arrives. Each work station is prepared in advance with the specific tools needed for its operation, eliminating the need for tools and technicians to be transported into the barrel section during assembly operations, thereby reducing downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If scanning and indexing are performed frequently for each structure, then work can be localized to specific portions, but operation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to work portionsVSAvoidscanning and indexing operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the assembly process into discrete work stations, each responsible for a specific operation or portion of the barrel section. This segmentation eliminates the need for frequent scanning and indexing of the entire structure, as each work station is dedicated to a specific task and can access its designated work portion without complex repositioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11724346B2Moving line assembly of airframes

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for aircraft assembly. The method includes receiving a half barrel section of fuselage in an assembly line having a plurality of serially arranged work stations; advancing the half barrel section in a process direction through the assembly line such that the half barrel section extends across at least a portion of the work stations; and performing work on the half barrel section with the portion of the work stations simultaneously.