Head Assignment Modeling for Multihead Composite Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing composite material application machines with multiple heads lack efficient programming capabilities, making it difficult to produce a variety of composite parts, such as aircraft fuselage sections, without excessive manual programming.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for modeling head assignments in a multihead composite material application machine, including a head constellation generator, assignment manager, and visualizer, which generates a graphical model of head locations and assignments to optimize composite material application paths and reduce manual programming labor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multihead composite material application machine is used to increase productivity, then the manufacturing efficiency improves, but the programming complexity and manual programming effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses graphical modeling to create a visual representation of head assignments and machine configurations. The system generates graphical models that copy the physical machine layout and allows operators to define head assignments visually rather than through complex manual programming, significantly reducing programming effort while maintaining multihead productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate graphical modeling layer between the operator and the actual machine control. This intermediary system translates simple graphical head assignment definitions into the complex control instructions needed for multihead operation, eliminating the need for operators to directly program complex multihead coordination
2Speed
If multiple composite material application heads are deployed to reduce production time, then the manufacturing speed increases, but the risk of head collisions and operational errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary graphical modeling and simulation of head assignments before actual manufacturing. The system allows operators to define and visualize head configurations, check for potential collisions, and validate assignments in a virtual environment before executing the actual multihead operation, preventing operational errors while maintaining high-speed production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through graphical visualization that shows the actual head positions and assignments in real-time or near-real-time. This visual feedback allows operators to verify that head assignments are correct and that no collisions will occur, ensuring reliable multihead operation at high speeds
Data Source
AI summary
To model head assignments for a multihead composite material application machine having a set of heads, a ply geometry for a composite part is received and a configuration for the multihead composite material application machine is received. In addition, a constellation of head locations is generated in response to the ply geometry and the configuration for the multihead composite material application machine. Furthermore, a head location of the constellation of head locations is assigned to a corresponding head of the set of heads and a graphical model of the multihead composite material application machine applying the composite material upon the composite part is generated in response to the assigned head locations.