CAMS Temperature Reporting for Distortion-Free Aircraft Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large scale structures, such as aircraft, experience temperature-related movement and warping due to inconsistent temperature exposure during manufacturing, which affects precision measurements and alignment in CAMS processes, as they cannot be housed in temperature-controlled environments like smaller assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second temperature sensors, a processor, and temperature regulation devices in wireless communication, which stabilizes the temperature of large scale structures by maintaining temperature variance within four degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring accurate CAMS operations by controlling heating and cooling devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large scale structures are subjected to temperature-related environments during manufacturing, then the structure can be worked on in open hangars with concurrent operations, but the structure experiences movement and distortion that affects measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring and regulation before CAMS measurements are taken. Temperature sensors continuously monitor the structure, and regulation devices adjust temperatures in advance to ensure the structure is within acceptable temperature ranges before measurement operations begin, preventing distortion during the actual measurement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through temperature sensors that monitor the structure's temperature in real-time. This data is fed back to the temperature regulation devices, which automatically adjust heating or cooling to maintain temperature within specified ranges, ensuring measurement precision while allowing concurrent operations in open hangars.
2Manufacturing precision
If temperature controlled rooms are used to maintain stable temperatures during manufacturing, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity and cost of the manufacturing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of controlling the entire hangar environment, the system segments the temperature control to only the specific areas of the structure being measured. Temperature regulation devices are positioned locally at measurement points, and sensors monitor only the relevant portions of the structure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies temperature control locally to specific regions of the structure rather than controlling the entire environment. Temperature regulation devices are positioned at critical measurement points, providing localized temperature stabilization only where required for precision measurements, while allowing the rest of the hangar to operate in normal conditions.
3Manufacturing precision
If temperature regulation devices are used to maintain constant temperature during CAMS processes, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the time required for temperature stabilization increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies temperature regulation only to the extent necessary for accurate measurements. Rather than maintaining constant temperature across the entire structure, the system regulates temperature only at critical measurement points and only during the time required for CAMS operations, allowing faster stabilization and reducing time losses.
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
This solution prevents distortion and maintains accurate temperature control, ensuring reliable CAMS data and reducing manufacturing downtime by allowing concurrent operations without the need for temperature-controlled rooms, thus improving manufacturing efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
A manufacturing system includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a plurality of temperature regulation devices, and a processor, all in wireless communication. During performance of a CAMS process on a large scale structure or surface, multiple recorded temperature values of the structure or surface are communicated.
Implementation Method 2
A determination is made based on the recorded temperature values to operate the plurality of temperature regulation devices to control the temperature of targeted areas of the structure or surface.
Implementation Method 3
The temperature regulation devices are monitored and controlled such that the structure or surface is stabilized and distortion is prevented during the CAMS process.
Implementation Method 4
The movement of the structure affects processes such as close tolerance measurements, alignment of critical locations, and build-up of tolerances in assembled components. Rather, aircraft manufacturing takes place in large hangars where multiple aircraft are being worked on simultaneously. Multiple factors, including the opening and closing of the hangar doors, weather changes, sunlight exposure, and/or other work underway within the hangar or on the aircraft structure, affect the temperature of the aircraft structure or parts of the aircraft structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples disclosed herein relate to methods and apparatus for controlling the temperature of large scale structures during manufacturing operations. A structure or surface when measured by Computer Aided Measuring Systems (CAMS) preferably remains a predetermined constant temperature with minimum variance. The manufacturing system includes a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a plurality of temperature regulation devices, and a processor, all in wireless communication. During performance of a CAMS process on a large scale structure or surface, a recorded temperature value of the structure or surface is communicated. A determination is made based on the recorded temperature value to operate the plurality of temperature regulation devices to control the temperature of targeted areas of the structure or surface. The temperature regulation devices are monitored and controlled such that the structure or surface is stabilized and distortion is prevented during the CAMS process.