Mobile Aircraft Structure Supports for Fixture-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of aircraft structures is complex and time-consuming, often requiring numerous labor hours and fixed monument fixtures that are inflexible, costly, and inefficient, leading to increased production time and complexity due to the need for repositioning and recalibration of aircraft structures during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A flexible manufacturing system utilizing drivable supports and autonomous tool systems that can move freely within the manufacturing environment, allowing for the assembly of aircraft structures without fixed monument fixtures, enabling efficient reconfiguration and operation across multiple locations while maintaining precise positioning through a metrology system and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed monument fixtures are used to hold aircraft structures during assembly, then the structure can be securely positioned, but the manufacturing process becomes time-consuming and requires repeated repositioning and recalibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static fixed monument fixtures with mobile robotic machines that can dynamically reposition themselves. The robotic machines move on casters and use adjustable support legs to adapt to different assembly locations, eliminating the need for repeated repositioning of aircraft structures while maintaining positioning stability throughout the assembly process.
2Ease of operation
If fixed monument fixtures are used throughout the manufacturing facility, then assembly operations can be performed at designated locations, but the system takes up excessive space and limits access to the aircraft structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the assembly system into multiple independent mobile robotic machines instead of using large fixed monument fixtures. Each robotic machine can independently navigate to different locations around the aircraft structure, providing excellent access to all areas without requiring dedicated fixed assembly locations, thereby reducing the space needed in the manufacturing facility.
3Reliability
If fixed monument fixtures are used for assembly operations, then structure stability is maintained, but the fixtures are difficult to modify or move due to their heavy and secured nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the support system mobile and adjustable rather than fixed. The robotic machines use casters for movement and adjustable support legs with locking mechanisms to provide stable positioning when needed. This dynamic system can be easily reconfigured for different assembly operations and locations, providing both stability during assembly and flexibility for modifications.
4Ease of manufacture
If human operators manually transport parts and maneuver around fixed fixtures, then assembly operations can be performed, but labor hours and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by equipping the mobile robotic machines with autonomous navigation capabilities, including sensors, processors, and control systems that enable them to independently navigate to assembly locations, position themselves correctly, and perform assembly operations without human intervention. This eliminates the need for human operators to manually transport parts and maneuver around fixtures, significantly reducing labor hours and operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for manufacturing an aircraft structure. A drivable support (137) may be driven from a first location (113) to a second location (115) to bring the drivable support (137) together with at least one other drivable support to form a drivable support system (116). A structure (110) may be held in a desired position (133) using the drivable support system (116).