Autonomous Fastener Installation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fastener installation systems in aircraft production require complex connections with off-board subsystems, leading to maintenance issues, space constraints, and production downtime due to clogged hoses and wire bundles.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous fastener installation apparatus with an onboard cassette containing various fastener types and sizes, integrated tools, and controls, eliminating the need for external connections by using a base-mounted supply, drive assembly, and transferring device to manage fastener dispensing and tool operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hoses and wire bundles are used to connect fastener installation equipment to off-board subsystems, then the equipment can function with external support, but the system complexity increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the subsystems (fastener supply, controls, power supplies, pneumatic logic) from their off-board locations and relocates them onto the machine base, eliminating the need for connecting hoses and wire bundles. This integration reduces system complexity while maintaining full equipment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple previously separate subsystems into an integrated onboard system. The fastener supply, control systems, power supplies, and pneumatic components are merged into a unified autonomous apparatus that operates independently without external connections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hoses and wire bundles are used to connect the apparatus with subsystems, then external subsystems can be utilized, but factory floor space is displaced and overall complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for external subsystems by extracting and relocating their functions onto the machine base. This eliminates the space requirements for off-board equipment and their connecting infrastructure, freeing up factory floor space.
3Productivity
If fasteners are fed through hoses from an off-board supply, then fastener installation can continue, but misfeeds occur causing production downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastener supply system from off-board locations and relocates it onto the machine base, eliminating the hoses that cause misfeeds. The onboard fastener supply feeds fasteners directly to the installation point without intermediate transport through hoses, preventing clogs and misfeeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous apparatus with onboard fastener supply serves itself by feeding fasteners directly from the onboard magazine to the installation point, eliminating dependence on external subsystems and their vulnerable connection pathways.
4Productivity
If semi-automated equipment with off-board subsystems is used, then fastener installation can be performed, but frequent maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines all maintenance-requiring subsystems into a single integrated onboard unit. This consolidation reduces the number of connection points and external components that require maintenance, while preserving full fastener installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous apparatus with integrated subsystems reduces maintenance requirements by eliminating external connections and interfaces that are prone to failure, allowing the system to operate with minimal intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for installing fasteners in a workpiece is mounted for computer controlled movement over the workpiece surface. The apparatus includes all of the tools, fasteners, drives and controls on-board that are needed to operate autonomously, without external connections. The apparatus may also include an on-board power supply for powering the tools, drives and controls. A supply of fasteners is held in an on-board replaceable cassette. An on-board fastener transferring device transfers individual fasteners from the cassette to the tools.