Aircraft Component Clamping Frame Offset for Linear Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processing installations for aircraft structural components face complexity in loading and unloading due to the necessity of positioning towers, which restrict linear production and increase handling complexity.
Innovation Solution
The processing installation is configured with a transverse offset of the clamping frame relative to the positioning towers, allowing for loading and unloading along the tower plane, and the use of adjustable tools and frames, such as portal-like or C-shaped frames, to minimize collisions and simplify the loading/unloading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If positioning towers are used to enable clamping frame pivotability, then the clamping frame can be adjusted to various orientations, but loading and unloading becomes complex and requires transverse approach only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning towers from the direct loading path by providing a transverse offset between the clamping frame and the towers. This allows the component to be loaded and unloaded along the tower plane without colliding with the towers, separating the positioning function from the loading path obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transverse offset dimension between the clamping frame and positioning towers, creating a lateral clearance that enables loading/unloading movements in the longitudinal direction while maintaining the towers' vertical positioning function. This dimensional separation resolves the conflict between tower presence and loading accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If positioning towers are arranged in a vertical door plane, then clamping frame can pivot about transverse frame axes, but linear production along longitudinal station axis is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning towers are extracted from the longitudinal material flow path by offsetting the clamping frame transversely. This allows linear production to proceed along the longitudinal station axis without the towers obstructing the component transport, while the towers remain in place to provide necessary pivotability.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a transverse offset between the clamping frame and positioning towers, the patent enables linear production along the longitudinal axis while maintaining the vertical tower arrangement for pivotability. The offset dimension separates the production flow from the positioning structure.
3Ease of operation
If processing unit is moved to parking position, then collision with aircraft structural component is prevented during loading/unloading, but processing time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit is extracted from the loading/unloading path by moving it to a parking position during these operations. The transverse offset provides sufficient clearance that allows loading/unloading to proceed without requiring processing unit movement, thereby preventing collisions while maintaining processing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a processing installation for aircraft structural components having at least one processing station, wherein the processing station has a clamping frame which extends along a longitudinal station axis for receiving the aircraft structural component which is intended to be processed in each case and a processing unit, such as a riveting unit, for processing the aircraft structural component and wherein the clamping frame is articulated so as to be adjustable in terms of height and pivotable to two positioning towers which are arranged in a vertical tower plane. It is proposed that there be provided transversely relative to the tower plane a transverse offset of the clamping frame which enables an aircraft structural component to be loaded onto and/or unloaded from the clamping frame along the tower plane and at least one positioning tower to be passed laterally.