Caul Plates for Uniform Stringer Preform Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of picking and placing multi-layer preforms with complex geometries, such as wing stringers, requires numerous gripping elements and complex software in Pick-and-Place machines, which increases operational difficulty and machinery complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of enhanced caul plates with complementary inner surfaces and uniform outer planes allows for consistent pinch angles and widths, simplifying the gripping and placement process by maintaining a uniform geometry across the length of the stringer preform, reducing the need for complex machinery and software coordination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If numerous gripping elements with rotation and translation capability are used to accommodate complex preform geometries, then the ability to handle complex shapes is improved, but the device complexity and software coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a jig as an intermediary tool between the Pick-and-Place machine and the complex preform. The jig is designed with a simplified geometry that can be easily grasped by standard gripping elements, while its internal structure accommodates the complex preform geometry through complementary surfaces and features. This mediator approach allows the use of simple grippers to handle complex parts without requiring complex gripping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution divides the handling system into separate functional components: a simple jig body that interfaces with the Pick-and-Place machine, and complex preform accommodation features that are integrated into the jig. By segmenting the handling function from the preform geometry accommodation, the system uses simple gripping elements to handle a simplified jig object rather than directly gripping the complex preform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of gripping elements are used to accommodate varied pinch angles along the preform length, then the ability to grasp complex geometries is improved, but the operational difficulty and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jig serves as an intermediary that translates the simple gripping action into effective handling of the complex preform. The jig's design includes complementary surfaces that match the preform's geometry variations, allowing a single standardized gripping mechanism to effectively handle the preform at multiple locations along its length without requiring operational adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the Pick-and-Place machine uses complex software to coordinate multiple gripping elements, then the ability to handle complex preforms is improved, but the system complexity and programming difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The jig simplifies the control requirements by providing a standardized interface for the Pick-and-Place machine. Instead of coordinating multiple gripping elements with varying angles and positions, the system uses a single jig object with consistent geometry that can be grasped and manipulated with simple, standardized motions. This reduces the software coordination complexity significantly.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for facilitating pick and placement of preforms. One embodiment is a method for picking and placing a preform. The method includes placing an inner surface of a first caul plate into contact with a first side of a stringer preform, such that an outer surface of the first caul plate forms a first plane that is uniform along a length of the stringer preform, placing an inner surface of a second caul plate into contact with a second side of the stringer preform, such that an outer surface of the second caul plate forms a second plane that is parallel to the first plane along a length of the stringer preform, grasping the caul plates at the first plane and the second plane along the length of the stringer preform, and lifting the stringer preform together with the caul plates while maintaining the grasp.