Autonomous Drilling Tool Positioning for Aircraft Manufacturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process for aircraft, particularly drilling and processing holes, is hindered by the need for human operators to manually position and move advanced drilling equipment, which slows down the process and is costly due to the use of expensive robotic devices.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing robotic devices to simultaneously position and operate multiple tools on a work piece, allowing tools to operate independently once positioned, with the robotic device moving between tools to optimize positioning and minimize human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human operators manually position and move advanced drilling equipment, then the equipment can be positioned and operated, but the process slows down and requires more time
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling equipment is equipped with self-propulsion capabilities, allowing it to move autonomously between work positions without requiring external robotic manipulation or manual handling. The tool can navigate the workspace independently, positioning itself at designated locations to perform drilling operations, thereby eliminating the time-consuming transfer operations between human positioning and drilling execution
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static positioning where equipment remains fixed during operations to dynamic positioning where the drilling tool can autonomously relocate between work positions. This dynamic capability allows continuous operation without idle transfer time, as the tool moves actively between positions while maintaining operational readiness
2Extent of automation
If expensive robotic devices are used to move and position tools, then automation is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive external robotic manipulators to position and move drilling tools, the invention equips the drilling tools themselves with self-propulsion and autonomous navigation capabilities. This eliminates the need for costly robotic positioning systems while maintaining full automation, as the tools independently navigate to work positions and execute drilling operations without human or robotic intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The drilling equipment is designed to perform multiple functions: it can autonomously navigate to different work positions, position itself precisely, execute drilling operations, and return to base stations for tool changes or recharging. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate robotic positioning systems, drilling machines, and tool management infrastructure into a single integrated unit, significantly reducing overall system cost
3Productivity
If multiple tools are used on a work piece, then output and productivity increase, but the complexity of positioning and managing the tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the workpiece processing into discrete positions, with each position assigned to a specific drilling tool. Multiple tools operate independently at different segmented locations simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex coordination and repositioning of a single tool. Each tool manages its own position and operations autonomously, simplifying the overall system control while maximizing productivity through parallel processing
Solution Approach 2:
Each drilling tool is equipped with autonomous navigation and positioning capabilities, allowing it to independently locate and position itself at its assigned work position without requiring external coordination or manual intervention. This self-service capability simplifies the management of multiple tools, as each tool autonomously handles its own positioning, operation, and return to base, reducing the complexity of system-wide coordination
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for robotic positioning of multiple tools. The system may include one or more robotic devices, multiple tools, and one or more controllers. The one or more robotic devices are each configured to connect to the tools, move the tools to a desired work position, and release the tools at the work position. The tools are able to operate mechanically independently from the robotic devices to perform an operation at the position to which they are delivered. After releasing the tools, the robotic devices are able to perform other operations including moving additional tools to different work positions. The one or more controllers oversee the operation of the one or more robotic devices and tools and control the overall operation on a work piece.