Fuselage Rail-Mounted Tool Positioning for Faster Component Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of aircraft fuselages is a complex and labor-intensive process that requires frequent tool changes, disrupting workflow and increasing the time required for attaching components to the fuselage.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a rail system with a support structure that allows tools to be positioned and moved along the fuselage, enabling efficient attachment of components by reducing the need for manual tool handling and allowing for autonomous operation, including the use of a rail that can be attached to the fuselage or a framework, with tools and components supplied via the rail system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used for assembly tasks, then the versatility of the assembly process is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to frequent tool changes
Solution Approach 1:
A single support structure is designed to accommodate multiple different tools through a universal interface system. The support structure can be configured with various tools (drills, riveters, screwdrivers, etc.) attached to it, allowing one structure to perform multiple assembly functions without requiring separate dedicated structures for each tool type.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple tools and their support structures are merged into a single integrated support structure that can hold and position multiple tools simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of separate tool management systems needed while maintaining the ability to perform diverse assembly tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools are manually handled and changed frequently, then the adaptability to different assembly locations is improved, but the loss of time increases due to workflow interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be movable along the fuselage, allowing dynamic repositioning to different assembly locations. The structure can be easily relocated and reconfigured as assembly progresses along the fuselage length, maintaining adaptability while reducing the time needed for tool changes through its modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Tools are pre-positioned and pre-configured on the support structure before the assembly process begins. The support structure is prepared with the necessary tools already attached and positioned, so that when the structure is moved to a new location, the tools are ready for immediate use without requiring time-consuming setup or tool changes.
3Device complexity
If a fixed assembly setup is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to limited tool accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a fixed setup to a dynamic, movable system that can be repositioned along the fuselage. This dynamic capability allows the same relatively simple support structure to access multiple assembly locations, thereby increasing productivity without requiring a complex fixed installation at every possible position.
Data Source
AI summary
This relate to a method for attaching a component to a fuselage section of an aircraft or spacecraft. In a step of the method, a rail is arranged within a fuselage section of an aircraft, which rail extends in a longitudinal direction of the fuselage section. In another step, a support structure is movably mounted to the rail such that the support structure can be moved along the rail in the longitudinal direction of the fuselage section. The support structure comprises a positioning unit for positioning a tool for attaching the component to the fuselage section at a location where the component is to be attached to the fuselage section. The embodiments also relate to a device for attaching a component to a fuselage section of an aircraft.