Mobile Composite Layup Platforms for Continuous Production Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manufacturing techniques for large composite parts, such as aircraft structures, are limited by their fixed nature, which hinders the implementation of continuous flow manufacturing and restricts the ability to increase production rates.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for laminating composite components on a production line, featuring an automated machine on a first mobile platform and a tool on a second mobile platform, which can couple to form a system that travels along the production line, allowing for continuous deposition of composite materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed-base machines and fixed-base tooling are used for manufacturing composite parts, then manufacturing stability and precision are maintained, but production rates are restricted and continuous flow manufacturing cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from fixed-base machines and tooling to mobile platforms that can move along a production line. The automated machine and tool are mounted on separate mobile platforms that can be positioned and coupled dynamically, enabling continuous flow manufacturing while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled movement and positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the manufacturing system into independent mobile platforms - one carrying the automated machine and another carrying the tool. These segmented units can move independently along the production line and be coupled when needed, allowing continuous production flow while maintaining the stability and precision of each individual component through their separate, controlled operation.
2Productivity
If batch processing with fixed tooling is used, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but production efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by enabling continuous flow manufacturing where the mobile platforms move along the production line without interruption. The automated machine can continuously deposit composite materials onto the tool as it passes, eliminating the batch processing interruptions and idle time associated with traditional fixed-base systems, thereby reducing cycle time while maintaining precision through controlled movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stationary machines are used for composite part manufacturing, then operational stability is ensured, but adaptability to different production configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing mobile platforms that can serve multiple functions - carrying either automated machines or tools, moving independently or coupled together, and positioning at various locations along the production line. This multi-functional design provides adaptability to different production configurations while maintaining operational stability through standardized interfaces and controlled movement mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for depositing composite material onto a tool using an automated machine. The method includes coupling a first mobile platform with a second mobile platform to form a coupled system, the first mobile platform supporting the automated machine and the second mobile platform supporting the tool. The method further includes indexing the automated machine relative to the tool. The method further includes depositing composite material from the automated machine onto the tool while the coupled system moves along a production line.