Mobile Aircraft Assembly Tool for Precise Autonomous Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of aircraft structures is a complex and time-consuming process, often requiring manual operations by human operators, which leads to inefficiencies, increased costs, and reduced production rates due to the need for frequent reorientation of aircraft structures and the limitations of fixed robotic devices in achieving precise and flexible positioning.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous assembly system comprising a mobile platform with a motion platform and end effector, capable of navigating across a manufacturing environment to perform operations such as drilling, fastening, and inspecting on aircraft surfaces without the need for manual intervention, utilizing a sensor system for precise positioning and tool management to enhance efficiency and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fixed robotic devices are used to perform operations on the aircraft structure, then automation is improved, but positioning accuracy and flexibility deteriorate due to limited reach and orientation capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed robotic devices with a mobile robotic platform that can dynamically reposition itself throughout the manufacturing facility. This mobile platform provides multiple degrees of freedom, enabling the end effector to reach various locations and orientations on the aircraft structure with high precision, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile platform that operates in three-dimensional space, allowing the robotic system to access aircraft surfaces from multiple angles and positions. This dimensional freedom enables precise positioning at any location on the aircraft structure while maintaining full automation, overcoming the limitations of fixed robotic devices
2Extent of automation
If fixed robotic devices are used to perform operations on the aircraft structure, then automation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to limited reconfigurability
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile robotic platform can be dynamically repositioned and reconfigured for different aircraft components and assembly tasks. The system's mobility allows it to adapt to various manufacturing scenarios without requiring fixed installations, thereby maintaining automation while significantly improving adaptability and reconfigurability
3Ease of operation
If manual operations are performed by human operators, then flexibility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased labor hours and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs assembly operations autonomously without requiring continuous human intervention. The mobile platform navigates, positions, and executes fastening operations independently, dramatically increasing production rate while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control and adaptive capabilities
4Ease of operation
If aircraft structure is frequently reoriented for assembly operations, then accessibility is improved, but production time deteriorates due to disconnect and reconnection operations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reorienting the aircraft structure to improve accessibility, the patent inverts the approach by making the robotic system mobile and capable of moving to different locations. This eliminates the need to disconnect and reorient heavy aircraft components, thereby improving accessibility while significantly reducing production time
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for performing an operation (111) on a surface (116) of a structure (106). An assembly system (102) may comprise a motion platform (122) and a mobile platform (118). The motion platform (122) may be configured to be positioned below the surface (116) of the structure (106) to perform the operation (111) on the surface (116). The mobile platform (118) may be configured to carry the motion platform (122) across a floor (107) of a manufacturing environment (100) from a first location (117) to a second location (121).