Mobile Fixtures for Aircraft Structures

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft structure manufacturing methods face challenges with the transportation and orientation of complex shapes like wings, leading to increased manufacturing time and reduced performance due to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in fixed assembly systems and cantilevered structures.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus utilizing mobile fixtures with motorized bases, magnetic tracks, and controllers to maintain the desired orientation of aircraft structures during movement and manufacturing, allowing coordinated movement and precise positioning along an assembly line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed assembly system with stationary support fixtures is used, then the wing box can be supported at different positions, but the transportation equipment cannot pass between the fixtures at the narrow end and the coupling/uncoupling process increases manufacturing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport stabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the fixed assembly system into a dynamic mobile fixture system. The mobile fixtures can move along the assembly line and adapt to different wing box positions and orientations, eliminating the need for coupling/uncoupling operations and allowing continuous transportation through narrow sections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the support function and transportation function into a single integrated mobile fixture system. The mobile fixtures simultaneously support the wing box and transport it along the assembly line, eliminating the separate transportation system and reducing manufacturing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If long cantilevered structures are used on stationary support fixtures, then the wing box can be supported, but the structures are subject to deflection and cannot locate the wing box within desired accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile fixtures provide active positioning and support capabilities, allowing precise location of the wing box through controlled movement and adjustment mechanisms, eliminating the deflection issues of long cantilevered structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If removable support fixtures are used, then the wing box can be relocated, but debris can get between the fixtures and mating parts during removal and relocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelocation capabilityVSAvoidcleanliness accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical removal and relocation process with a controlled mobile fixture system that moves along predefined paths, minimizing the risk of debris contamination during the transition process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If the wing location and orientation move beyond selected tolerances during manufacturing, then the assembly can be completed, but the performance of the wing is reduced and interchangeability of parts is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidorientation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile fixture system incorporates control systems that monitor and maintain the wing box orientation and position within selected tolerances throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring performance and interchangeability while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 reduces manufacturing time, maintains desired orientations, and improves the accuracy and efficiency of aircraft structure assembly, enhancing performance and reducing the need for large, expensive platforms and lifting mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

magnetic tracks and a motor to move the magnetic tracks, and wherein the magnetic tracks each include a belt with magnets for attraction to the surface of the floor to provide a contact to the floor during movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP2604524B1Autonomous carrier system for moving aircraft structures

Publication Date: 2019.08.28 THE BOEING CO

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4

AI summary

A method and apparatus for manufacturing a structure. A part for the structure may be supported on a plurality of mobile fixtures configured to control an orientation of the part. The part for the structure may be moved using the plurality of mobile fixtures to a number of stations for performing a number of operations for manufacturing the structure using the part. The plurality of mobile fixtures may be configured to move in a coordinated manner and substantially maintain a desired orientation for the part while moving the part to a station in the number of stations. The number of operations for manufacturing the structure may be performed at the number of stations while the plurality of mobile fixtures supports the part.