Automated Clamp Jaws for One-Way Wing Box Drilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of an aircraft wing box is time-consuming and complicated due to the need for drilling and subsequent disassembly for cleaning and deburring fastener holes, making one-way assembly impractical without clamping force, which can lead to inter-laminar burring.
Innovation Solution
An automated clamp system with motorized jaws and position sensors for precise clamping of rib webs to rib posts or integrated rib feet, allowing for automated drilling and fastening operations without intermediate disassembly, using a robot to position and control the clamp and tool modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If drilling is performed without clamping force, then assembly process is simpler, but inter-laminar burring occurs requiring disassembly and cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp applies clamping force to the rib web before drilling begins, pre-compressing the laminate layers to prevent inter-laminar burring during the subsequent drilling operation, thereby eliminating the need for disassembly and cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp maintains continuous clamping force throughout the entire drilling and fastening process, ensuring hole quality is preserved without interruption, allowing the process to proceed in one continuous assembly sequence without disassembly
2Manufacturing precision
If clamping force is applied during drilling, then inter-laminar burring is prevented, but assembly process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates position sensors that automatically detect the location of the rib web and adjust the clamp position accordingly, eliminating the need for manual positioning and reducing assembly process complexity while maintaining clamping force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual positioning and clamping operations with an automated robotic system that uses sensors to locate components and actuators to apply clamping force, substituting complex manual procedures with an integrated automated system
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional drilling and disassembly process is used, then hole cleaning is possible, but assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp applies clamping force before drilling to prevent inter-laminar burring at the source, eliminating the need for subsequent cleaning operations and allowing assembly to proceed without disassembly, thereby reducing assembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp maintains continuous clamping force throughout drilling and fastening operations, enabling the entire process to proceed in one continuous sequence without interruption for disassembly and cleaning, significantly reducing total assembly time
4Productivity
If one-way assembly is implemented, then build time is reduced, but clamping force is required to prevent burring
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp uses position sensors to automatically detect and locate the rib web, then self-adjusts its position and applies the required clamping force without manual intervention, enabling one-way assembly to proceed automatically while maintaining necessary clamping force
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 one-way assembly of aircraft wing components by maintaining clamping force during drilling and fastening, reducing assembly time and preventing inter-laminar burring.
Implementation Method 1
a motor arranged to move the second jaw towards and away from the first jaw to open and close the clamp jaws
Implementation Method 2
at least one position sensor for detecting a position of the clamp relative to the aircraft wing box
Implementation Method 3
If a clamping force is not applied then one way assembly is typically not practical, as inter-laminar burring may occur during drilling
Implementation Method 4
automated drilling and fastening operations without intermediate disassembly
Implementation Method 5
automated drilling and fastening operations without intermediate disassembly
Data Source
AI summary
An automated clamp is disclosed including a clamp frame, motorised clamp jaws, and a robot end effector connector. One of the clamp jaws can receive a drilling tool and/or a fastening tool. One of the clamp jaws has a position sensor for detecting a position of the clamp. The clamp forms part of an automated clamping system. The clamping system is used to automatically clamp a rib web to a rib post or integrated rib foot of an aircraft wing box for automated drilling and/or fastening the rib web to a rib post or integrated rib foot.