Automated Cleco Fastener Installation and Removal Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of accurately cutting holes for fasteners and selectively installing temporary fasteners in aircraft assemblies is time-consuming and labor-intensive, particularly in automated manufacturing processes where efficient insertion and removal of cleco fasteners are desired to reduce manufacturing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
An automated apparatus with an end effector coupled to a cutting mechanism, a temporary fastener insertion mechanism, and a removal mechanism, allowing for precise alignment and operation at different center points to form openings and install or remove temporary fasteners efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual insertion and removal of temporary fasteners is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but manufacturing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated apparatus performs insertion and removal operations autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect fastener positions and automatically executes the insertion/removal sequence, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for operator involvement while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system that includes a robotic end effector, cutting mechanism, and fastener insertion/removal mechanisms. This substitution of manual labor with automated machinery directly increases manufacturing speed and productivity while reducing labor-intensive operations
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate operations (cutting, insertion, removal) are performed sequentially, then operational precision is maintained, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting mechanism and fastener insertion/removal mechanisms are integrated into a single automated apparatus with a common end effector. This merging of previously separate operations into one unified system allows sequential execution without repositioning or setup time between operations, reducing total cycle time while maintaining precision through coordinated control
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed to perform multiple functions: cutting openings, inserting temporary fasteners, and removing fasteners. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate tools or equipment for each operation, enabling continuous sequential processing that reduces manufacturing cycle time while maintaining the precision required for each specific function
3Productivity
If automated apparatus with multiple mechanisms is used, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a cutting mechanism for creating openings and fastener insertion/removal mechanisms. Each module operates independently but is coordinated through a unified control system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the overall system achieves high productivity through coordinated operation of these modular elements
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is positioned in three-dimensional space to access different locations on the assembly structure. By utilizing spatial positioning and movement in multiple dimensions, the apparatus can perform cutting, insertion, and removal operations at various locations without requiring complex mechanical transformations, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining high productivity through efficient spatial utilization
Data Source
AI summary
An automated apparatus for use in selectively installing temporary fasteners in an assembly is provided. The apparatus includes an end effector, a cutting mechanism coupled to the end effector and that forms an opening in the assembly when a potential opening location is substantially aligned with a cutting mechanism center point. The apparatus also includes at least one of a first sub-assembly and a second sub-assembly coupled to the end effector. The first sub-assembly includes a temporary fastener insertion mechanism that inserts a temporary fastener through the opening in the assembly when the opening is substantially aligned with an insertion mechanism center point different from the cutting mechanism center point. The second sub-assembly includes a temporary fastener removal mechanism that removes installed temporary fasteners from the assembly when the installed temporary fastener is substantially aligned with a removal mechanism center point different from the cutting mechanism center point.