Fuselage Assembly Facility Using Transport Trolley and Hexapod Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of large aircraft fuselage sections requires complex and inflexible facilities with lifting machines and overhead cranes, which are time-consuming to install and not very flexible, due to the need for precise and fragile handling of large sections.
Innovation Solution
A facility using logistics and transport trolleys, adjustable supports with hexapods providing six degrees of freedom, and movable frames on the floor to position and align fuselage sections without the need for lifting machines or overhead cranes, allowing direct floor movements for precise assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lifting machines and overhead traveling cranes are provided in the assembly facility, then the large fuselage sections can be moved and positioned, but the facility becomes complex and installation takes a long time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes lifting machines and overhead traveling cranes from the assembly facility, extracting the heavy lifting equipment entirely. Instead, transport trolleys with lifting mechanisms are used to convey fuselage sections directly into position within the facility, eliminating the need for complex fixed lifting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transport trolleys as intermediary devices that perform both conveyance and positioning functions. These trolleys act as mobile intermediaries between external storage and assembly positions, combining transportation and lifting capabilities in a single movable unit rather than requiring separate fixed systems.
2Productivity
If lifting machines and overhead traveling cranes are installed in the facility, then fuselage sections can be conveyed from external storage to assembly stations, but the installation process is time-consuming and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static fixed lifting infrastructure with dynamic mobile transport trolleys. The trolleys can be moved, repositioned, and adjusted as needed, providing flexibility in facility configuration and eliminating time-consuming installation of heavy machinery while maintaining productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex lifting machines are used to handle fuselage sections, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the facility requires more space and infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The transport trolleys serve multiple functions: they convey fuselage sections from external storage, lift them into position, and provide precise positioning at assembly stations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated lifting machines, overhead cranes, and associated infrastructure, reducing overall facility space requirements while maintaining positioning precision.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the assembly process by eliminating the need for heavy machinery, reducing installation time, and enabling flexible and precise positioning of fuselage sections, facilitating efficient and accurate assembly of aircraft fuselage sections.
Implementation Method 1
each adjustable support can be commanded to adjust the position of the second section in relation to the first section... The adjustable support comprises two hexapods
Data Source
AI summary
A facility for simplifying the facilities and tools required to assemble a first aircraft fuselage section and a second aircraft fuselage section by the ends thereof, these sections being fragile, large elements. The facility includes a logistics trolley that can be moved on the floor and immobilized in a position to carry the first section, at least one adjustable support installed on the floor at another position that is adjustable with six degrees of freedom, to carry the second section. Each support can be commanded to adjust the position of the second section in relation to the first section, such as to position one end of the second section in geometric conformity with one end of the first section. This arrangement enables all movements to be made directly on the floor, obviating the need to provide lifting machines or overhead traveling cranes within the assembly facility.