Aircraft Assembly Jig Emulator for Signal Interface Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of automated assembly machines and robots in aircraft assembly is complicated by the uncertainty in signals and interfaces when components are sourced from different manufacturers, leading to potential collisions and damage, necessitating a method to validate and debug these interactions.
Innovation Solution
An emulator is used to mimic the electronic interfaces and responses of an automated aircraft assembly jig, allowing it to interact with automated equipment modules before actual assembly, ensuring compatibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If automated equipment modules from different manufacturers are integrated into the aircraft assembly system, then the system's adaptability and versatility are improved, but the reliability of signal communication and interface compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emulator as an intermediary device that mimics the automated aircraft assembly jig's electronic interfaces. This emulator acts as a mediator between different equipment modules from various manufacturers, allowing validation of signal communications without direct integration. The emulator receives signals from equipment modules, validates their format and compatibility, and sends appropriate response signals, thereby ensuring reliable communication interfaces before actual assembly operations.
2Productivity
If direct integration of automated equipment modules is performed without prior validation, then the setup time and productivity are improved, but the risk of collisions and damage to equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary validation actions through the emulator before actual equipment integration. The emulator performs pre-testing of signal communications, interface compatibility, and operational sequences in advance. This preliminary action identifies potential collisions and communication errors before real equipment is deployed, allowing developers to correct issues virtually without risking physical damage to expensive automated assembly equipment.
3Reliability
If comprehensive signal validation and debugging are performed between equipment modules, then the reliability of operation is improved, but the time required for validation and setup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the automated aircraft assembly jig through the emulator, which replicates its electronic interfaces and communication protocols. This copying approach allows comprehensive signal validation and debugging to be performed on the virtual model rather than requiring repeated physical setup and testing with actual equipment. The emulator can rapidly iterate through validation scenarios, significantly reducing the time required compared to physical prototyping while maintaining high operational reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An emulator configured to emulate an automated aircraft assembly jig supporting an aircraft assembly is disclosed. The emulator connectable to an automated equipment module and configured to: send a first signal to an automated equipment module, wherein the first signal is representative of a communication to the automated equipment module; and receive a second signal from the automated equipment module representative of a communication from the automated equipment module, wherein the automated equipment module is arranged to operate autonomously on an aircraft assembly.