Airplane Fuselage Sector Positioning Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing positioning systems for sectors in airplane fuselage production do not allow for relative positioning adjustments to correct dimensional tolerances or positioning errors, limiting the precision of the lamination mandrel's sectors and guides.

Innovation Solution

A positioning device is integrated between the mobile and fixed parts of each sector's guide, enabling adjustments along two directions (x, y) within a plane perpendicular to the guide's axis, using a central body with adjustable catch bodies to secure the sector's position, allowing for precise alignment and secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connection between sector and guide is used, then structural stability is improved, but positioning precision deteriorates due to inability to correct dimensional tolerances and positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between sector and guide is transformed from static rigid to dynamic adjustable. The positioning device allows the sector to be positioned relative to the guide in two directions (x, y) within plane RP, enabling correction of dimensional tolerances while maintaining structural integrity during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning system is segmented into independent adjustable components: a central body with adjustable position within seat (42), multiple catch bodies (53) that can be independently positioned, and release elements (68) for each catch body. This segmentation allows precise incremental adjustment to correct positioning errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If adjustable positioning device is added, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning device is divided into modular components: central body, multiple independent catch bodies, and release elements. Each catch body can be independently adjusted and locked, allowing precise positioning without requiring a completely complex adjustment mechanism for the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catch bodies are designed as simple, replaceable components that can be easily manufactured and adjusted. Rather than using complex permanent adjustment mechanisms, the system uses simple catch bodies that can be repositioned and locked into place, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2644360B1Positioning system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage
Publication Date: 2015.09.02 ALENIA AERMACCHI
  • EP2644360B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2644360B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2644360B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Positioning system of sectors of a device for producing an airplane fuselage. The lamination mandrel (4) comprises a plurality of sectors (12) borne by a supporting structure and mobile along guides (17) borne by the supporting structure (10) between: an expanded lamination position and a contracted disassembling position. Each guide (17) comprises a fixed part (17g) borne by the supporting structure (10) and a mobile part (18) sliding along/with respect to the fixed part (17g) in a rectilinear direction H. Between a portion of each mobile part (18) facing towards the respective sector (12) and the stiffening structure (21) a positioning device (P) is provided which allows adjustment of the position of the sector (12) with respect to the guide in two directions (x,y) which lie in a plane RP perpendicular to the axis H of the guide (17).