Simultaneous Component Location via Infrared Global Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement systems for large-scale structures, such as aircraft, require precise and stable tooling for alignment and measurement, which necessitates periodic calibration and can be affected by environmental changes, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A separate measurement system, such as an infrared global positioning system or photogrammetry system, is used to determine the locations of components in a structure's coordinate system by calculating the azimuth and elevation of transmitters relative to reference targets, allowing for simultaneous determination of component positions and accounting for environmental effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser trackers take multiple measurements sequentially over time to establish locations of multiple components, then measurement coverage is improved, but locations of components may move due to environmental effects and re-calibration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuous simultaneous measurement of all components in the assembly area rather than sequential measurements. The measurement system continuously captures positions of all components at the same time, eliminating the time interval between measurements that causes component movement and the need for re-calibration. This continuous simultaneous action maintains measurement coverage while preventing position changes due to environmental effects.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tooling is permanently mounted on concrete floors to be stable enough for use as a measurement tool, then measurement stability is improved, but the tooling cannot account for environmental effects on the measurement system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces reference targets as intermediary elements with known positions in the coordinate system of the assembly area. These reference targets serve as mediators between the measurement system and the components being measured. By measuring the positions of these reference targets and comparing them with their known positions, the system can calculate and compensate for environmental effects on the measurement system, while maintaining the stability of permanently mounted tooling.
3Device complexity
If measurement systems are part of the tooling, then integration is improved, but the measurement system cannot be separated from tooling for independent calibration and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into two independent parts: the measurement system itself and the tooling. The measurement system operates independently with its own calibration references (reference targets with known positions), while the tooling provides the physical support and positioning. This segmentation allows the measurement system to be calibrated and maintained independently without being part of the tooling, while still maintaining high integration through the coordinated operation of both systems.
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 approach enables precise and efficient location determination of components in a structure's coordinate system, reducing the need for frequent recalibration and improving measurement accuracy by separating the measurement system from the tooling and accounting for environmental changes in real-time.
Implementation Method 1
the measurement system can be an infrared global positioning system, in which case the transmitters can be infrared transmitters, and the component targets and the reference targets can be infrared detectors
Implementation Method 2
the measurement system can be a photogrammetry system including cameras, in which case the plurality of transmitters can be flash-emitting devices, with each of the flash-emitting devices being co-located with an associated camera and, the component targets and the reference targets can be passive reflectors
Data Source
AI summary
In non-limiting, illustrative embodiments, methods, systems, and manufacturing facilities are provided for locating components of a structure. Locations of features of components of a structure are simultaneously determined. Relative positions of the components are determined in a coordinate system of the structure.