Magnetic Table Jig Assembly for Aircraft Component Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current jig assemblies for positioning aircraft structural components relative to robotically operated tools are not capable of universal positioning with minimal set-up time and required layout area, limiting their versatility and efficiency in handling various components.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic table jig assembly with a wheeled frame, a horizontally planar ferromagnetic table top, and magnetic workpiece positioners that can be indexed and leveled, allowing for precise and adaptable positioning of workpieces relative to robotically operated tools using a fixed-position floor anchor and adjustable levelling foot assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional jig assemblies are used for positioning aircraft structural components, then the components can be handled and positioned, but the set-up time is excessive and the layout area required is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning systems with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Magnetic actuators generate magnetic fields that interact with ferromagnetic materials in the jig assembly and workpieces, enabling contactless positioning and reducing mechanical complexity. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing set-up time and improving positioning efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field strength and distribution to control positioning. By varying the current supplied to magnetic actuators, the magnetic field parameters are adjusted to achieve different positioning forces and configurations. This allows rapid reconfiguration of the jig assembly for different workpiece sizes and shapes without physical reassembly, significantly reducing set-up time
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional jig assemblies are designed for specific component types, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but adaptability to different component sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal jig assembly where magnetic actuators and ferromagnetic components can be dynamically reconfigured to accommodate different workpiece types. The magnetic positioning system can generate custom magnetic field patterns for various component geometries, allowing a single jig assembly to perform multiple positioning functions. This multi-functionality maintains positioning accuracy across different component types while eliminating the need for multiple specialized jigs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic magnetic field generation where actuators can be selectively activated and deactivated based on the workpiece configuration. The magnetic field distribution is dynamically adjusted through programmable control of actuator currents, allowing the system to adapt its positioning characteristics in real-time. This dynamic capability enables the same physical infrastructure to maintain high positioning accuracy for diverse component sizes and shapes
3Measurement precision
If magnetic actuators are used for positioning workpieces, then positioning speed and accuracy improve, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses uniform ferromagnetic materials throughout the jig assembly structure, which simplifies the magnetic field interactions. The homogeneous magnetic properties of the ferromagnetic components create predictable and consistent field distributions, reducing the complexity of magnetic circuit design. This homogeneity allows for simpler actuator configurations while maintaining high positioning precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces ferromagnetic components as intermediaries between the magnetic actuators and the workpieces. These intermediary components serve as flux conduits that channel and shape the magnetic fields in controlled ways, simplifying the direct actuator-to-workpiece magnetic coupling. The intermediaries provide a standardized interface that reduces the complexity of designing magnetic circuits for different workpiece configurations
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
Enables rapid and accurate positioning of diverse structural components with minimal setup time and space, ensuring repeatable and reliable interactions with robotically operated tools, while accommodating different sizes and shapes through adjustable spacers and grid line references.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic workpiece positioners each including an actuator to magnetically couple and decouple the magnetic workpiece positioner to the table top
Implementation Method 2
a horizontally planar table top exhibiting ferromagnetic properties supported by the frame
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic table positioner includes a selector for magnetically coupling and decoupling the table positioner to the fixed-position floor anchor
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic table jig assemblies and methods allow workpieces (e.g., aircraft components to be fabricated) on a table top of the table jig assembly to be accurately indexed relative to a robotically operated tool (e.g., a robotically operated drill). The magnetic table jig assembly may include a wheeled frame which is capable of rolling movement across a floor surface, a horizontally planar table top exhibiting ferromagnetic properties supported by the frame and a plurality of magnetic workpiece positioners each including an actuator to magnetically couple and decouple the magnetic workpiece positioner to the table top. The workpiece will therefore be positioning restrained on the table top by magnetically coupling the plurality of the magnetic workpiece positioners to the table top in abutting relationship to a perimetrical edge of the workpiece.