Indexing Support Beam for Automated Aerospace Workpiece Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aerospace industry faces challenges in properly orienting and supporting large structures during manufacturing, particularly in work cells with overhead mechanical equipment, and in automating the transfer of these structures between work cells.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a support beam with indexing features that engage with frame assemblies in work cells, allowing for precise orientation and support of workpieces. This system includes movable carriages and a control system for automated movement and indexing, enabling efficient transfer of workpieces between cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual processing is used for large aerospace structures, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the support beam with indexing features automatically engages with frame assemblies, and the carriage system automatically transfers workpieces between work cells without requiring manual positioning or handling, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling operations are replaced with an automated mechanical system comprising a support beam, indexing features, frame assemblies, and a carriage system that automatically positions and transfers large aerospace structures between work cells
2Productivity
If automated transfer is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated transfer system is segmented into modular components: a support beam with indexing features, separate frame assemblies at each work cell, and a movable carriage system. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function independently, simplifying the overall system design and maintenance while enabling automated transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support beam with standardized indexing features serves multiple functions: it supports the workpiece, provides positioning reference, and enables engagement with different frame assemblies across multiple work cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized equipment at each station, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If precise orientation and support are provided, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The indexing features are pre-configured on the support beam and frame assemblies during system setup. This preliminary action establishes the orientation and positioning references in advance, allowing the workpiece to be automatically oriented with high precision simply by engaging the pre-positioned indexing features, without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a support beam elongated along a longitudinal axis. The support beam includes a first end portion longitudinally opposed from a second end portion, a first beam-side indexing feature proximate the first end portion, and a second beam-side indexing feature proximate the second end portion. The system further includes a first frame assembly having a first base portion, a first riser portion defining a first vertical axis, and a first carriage connected to the first riser portion and moveable relative to the first riser portion along the first vertical axis. The system further includes a second frame assembly having a second base portion, a second riser portion defining a second vertical axis, and a second carriage to the second riser portion and moveable relative to the second riser portion along the second vertical axis.