Mobile Robotic Platforms for Flexible Aircraft Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current robotic systems for structural assembly, particularly in aircraft manufacturing, are limited by their fixed installation, lack of flexibility, and high costs, which restrict their applicability and efficiency in various manufacturing environments.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous robotic platform system comprising multiple robotic platforms, a wireless communications system, and a computer system that allows robotic platforms to move and interact with various devices, receive commands, and exchange information, enabling flexible task performance and utility supply across different locations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed factory installed machines and robots are used, then assembly tasks can be performed with dedicated functionality, but manufacturing flexibility and adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing flexibilityVSAvoidfixed installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system transitions from fixed installations to mobile platforms that can dynamically reposition themselves using wheeled or tracked mobility systems, enabling adaptability while reducing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the robotic functionality into separate mobile platforms that can be independently deployed and reconfigured, allowing flexible assembly operations without complex fixed installations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If robotic systems are installed on rails to work on aircraft structures, then work volume is increased, but the systems grow very large in size and become costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework volumeVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Mobile robotic platforms replace fixed rail-mounted systems, allowing the robots to dynamically navigate and access different work volumes without requiring extensive rail infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile robotic platforms are designed to perform multiple assembly tasks across different locations, providing universal functionality that reduces the need for specialized large-scale fixed installations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed machines and robots are dedicated to specific tasks, then task performance is reliable, but flexibility in using these machines in other areas is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask flexibilityVSAvoidtask performance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile robotic platforms maintain reliable task performance through controlled navigation and positioning systems while gaining the flexibility to be deployed to different locations and tasks

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from sensors and controllers to maintain precise positioning and task execution reliability even as the platforms move between different work locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2298507B1Autonomous robotic platform
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 THE BOEING CO
  • EP2298507B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2298507B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2298507B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The different advantageous embodiments may provide an apparatus that may comprise a number of robotic platforms (304) , a wireless communications system (310), and a computer system (308). The number of robotic platforms (304) may be configured to move to a number of locations (306) in an assembly area (302) and interact with a number of robotic devices (312). The wireless communications system (310) may be configured to provide communication with the number of robotic platforms (304) and the number of robotic devices (312) within the assembly area (302). The computer system (308) may be configured to exchange information with the number of robotic platforms (304) and the number of robotic devices (312) using the wireless communications system (310).