Modular Workbench Assembly for Irregular Aircraft Components

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional workbenches are inadequate for supporting large or irregularly shaped workpieces, as they require excessive floor space and hinder operator efficiency due to their standard sizes and linear configurations, which do not accommodate non-linear shapes effectively.

Innovation Solution

Modular workpiece support assemblies with pivotably connected support structures and linking structures that adjust to the size, shape, and curvature of workpieces, allowing for a more ergonomic and space-efficient support system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If multiple standard workbenches are positioned end-to-end to support large workpieces, then the supporting surface area is increased, but the floor space occupation and operator travel distance increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupporting surface areaVSAvoidfloor space occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The workbench is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected end-to-end. Each segment is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces, allowing flexible configuration to match workpiece size while minimizing floor space through compact modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The workbench transitions from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional planar configuration by connecting segments at angles (e.g., 90 degrees). This allows the supporting surface to extend in multiple directions simultaneously, increasing total support area without proportionally increasing the bounding box footprint on the floor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of moving object

If multiple standard workbenches are positioned end-to-end to support large workpieces, then the supporting surface area is increased, but the operator access and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupporting surface areaVSAvoidoperator access

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The workbench is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected end-to-end. Each segment is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces, allowing flexible configuration to match workpiece size while minimizing floor space through compact modular design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The workbench transitions from a linear one-dimensional arrangement to a two-dimensional planar configuration by connecting segments at angles (e.g., 90 degrees). This allows the supporting surface to extend in multiple directions simultaneously, increasing total support area without proportionally increasing the bounding box footprint on the floor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional workbenches are used for irregularly shaped workpieces, then standardization is maintained, but the adaptability to non-linear shapes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestandardizationVSAvoidadaptability to non-linear shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The workbench is divided into multiple modular segments that can be connected end-to-end. Each segment is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and connection interfaces, allowing flexible configuration to match workpiece size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The workbench segments are designed with movable and adjustable connections that allow the structure to dynamically reconfigure its shape. Joints can accommodate various angles and orientations, enabling the workbench to adapt to curved, angular, or irregular workpiece geometries while maintaining standardized component dimensions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9663248B2Workbench assembly

Publication Date: 2017.05.30 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to modular workpiece support assemblies that are well suited for supporting large, irregularly shaped workpieces, such as curved aircraft workpieces. The modular workpiece support assemblies include a plurality of connected modular components which are pivotably attached to one another in order to adjust to the size, shape, and curvature of large, irregularly shaped workpieces. The modular components include support structures having a support platform coupled thereto for supporting a workpiece, and linking structures for coupling adjacent support structures to provide stability to the support legs.