Automated Edge Strip Applicator for Structural Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying material strips over the edges of structures, such as stringers, are labor-intensive, prone to inaccuracies, and result in increased labor costs and production time, often leading to wrinkling issues due to human error and the need for multiple personnel.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus and method utilizing a computer-controlled end-effector with a spool, guide roller, cutter, compaction shoe, and conformer, which includes chamfered discs and actuators to precisely place, shape, and compact material strips along the edges of structures, allowing for single-pass application and reducing the need for manual labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand layup techniques are used to apply material strips, then flexibility and simplicity are maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical hand layup system with an automated material placement system that uses a dispensing apparatus to apply adhesive and lay up material strips automatically. This substitution eliminates the need for manual handling while maintaining the core function of material strip application, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and production rate.
2Device complexity
If hand layup techniques are used, then equipment complexity is minimized, but manufacturing precision and accuracy deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The automated material placement system replaces manual operations with computer-controlled dispensing and placement mechanisms. This substitution eliminates human error in material placement while using relatively simple equipment consisting of a dispensing apparatus, adhesive application system, and basic positioning mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between device complexity and manufacturing precision.
3Reliability
If multiple personnel are used for hand layup, then material strip handling and tracking are managed, but labor costs and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated material placement system performs material tracking and placement control automatically through its computer-controlled dispensing mechanism. The system self-regulates the material strip application process without requiring multiple personnel for tracking and coordination, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability of material tracking and device complexity of personnel coordination.
4Adaptability or versatility
If hand layup is used for material strip application, then adaptability to different structures is maintained, but production time and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated material placement system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow it to adapt to different structural configurations. The dispensing apparatus can be repositioned and reprogrammed for various material strip application scenarios, enabling the system to maintain adaptability while operating at high speed, thus resolving the contradiction between structure adaptability and production time.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3~4A
AI summary
An apparatus (50) automatically places, forms and compacts an adhesive strip on an edge (58) of a structure (54)in a single pass.