High-Density Robotic System for Aircraft Fuselage Fastener Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems for fastener installation in aircraft fuselage assembly are inefficient due to their complexity, size, and maintenance requirements, leading to lower production rates and reduced density of robotic devices in a given space, which limits concurrent operations and increases downtime.
Innovation Solution
A high-density robotic system with multiple single-function end effectors, including clamp-up, drilling, inspection, and fastener insertion tools, positioned on both interior and exterior platforms of a fuselage assembly, allowing for concurrent task performance and efficient maintenance through a controlled task sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multifunction end effectors are used to perform multiple tasks (clamping, drilling, inspection, fastener insertion), then the number of robotic devices can be reduced, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multifunctional end effector into separate single-function end effectors (clamping end effector, drilling end effector, inspection end effector, fastener insertion end effector). Each robotic device is assigned a specific function, eliminating the complexity of integrating multiple functions into one device while maintaining the ability to perform all required tasks through coordinated operation of multiple simpler devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multifunction end effectors with multiple moving parts are used, then various tasks can be performed with one device, but the maintenance time and production downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the end effector functions into separate devices, each with fewer moving parts and simpler mechanisms, the maintenance requirements for each individual device are reduced. This segmentation allows for quicker maintenance cycles and less production downtime compared to maintaining a complex multifunctional device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If larger robotic systems are used to perform multiple operations, then comprehensive task coverage is achieved, but the volumetric space required and device density decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single large multifunctional robotic device to multiple smaller single-function robotic devices that can be positioned in different spatial locations around the fuselage assembly. This dimensional redistribution allows comprehensive task coverage through coordinated positioning of multiple compact devices rather than requiring one large device, thereby increasing device density in the available space.
4Device complexity
If fewer robotic devices are positioned in a given space, then device complexity is reduced, but the number of concurrent operations that can be performed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the robotic workforce into multiple specialized single-function devices, each optimized for its specific task. This segmentation enables concurrent operations because multiple devices can work simultaneously on different tasks (clamping, drilling, inspection, fastener insertion) without the mechanical conflicts and coordination bottlenecks that would arise in a single multifunctional device attempting to perform all tasks sequentially or concurrently.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses for performing automated operations, such as installing fasteners at a plurality of locations along a joint, using a high-density robotic cell. A plurality of different tasks for a fastener installation operation is performed concurrently at selected locations of the plurality of locations using a plurality of single function end effectors positioned relative to the selected locations in a high-density setup.