Movable Anvil Rail for Aircraft Fuselage Panel Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling aircraft fuselage panels, particularly the nose section, face challenges such as variable gaps between panel edges due to individual machining, complexity in handling curved panels, and the inability to perform machining, stripping, and welding simultaneously with the same device.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece-holding device with a movable anvil rail allows for simultaneous machining, stripping, and welding of panels, featuring a metal structural beam with heat dissipation and tool guidance, enabling precise edge alignment and complementary machining of panel edges for robust and aesthetic welds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If panels are machined individually one after the other, then each panel can be processed separately, but the edges of two panels to be joined together are not necessarily complementary resulting in variable gaps between panel edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the machining operations for multiple panels into a single simultaneous operation. The machining device is configured to machine edges of multiple panels at the same time, ensuring that the edges are complementary and gaps are minimized. This resolves the contradiction by combining individual machining operations into a coordinated multi-panel machining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable machining elements that can adapt to different panel configurations. The machining device includes adjustable fixtures and tooling that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate curved panels and varying edge requirements, enabling precise complementary machining while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Ease of manufacture
If panels are assembled by moving them from machining table to welding table, then machining and welding can be performed separately, but the method becomes complex, tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines machining, stripping, and welding operations into a single integrated device. The device includes a support structure that holds panels in position for all three operations sequentially without requiring panel removal or relocation. This eliminates the time-consuming handling and movement of panels between separate machining and welding tables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal assembly device that performs multiple functions: machining, stripping, and welding. The device includes multiple tooling stations and adjustable fixtures that can accommodate different operations on the same panel fixture, eliminating the need for separate dedicated equipment and reducing overall assembly time.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing devices are used for panel assembly, then machining and welding can be performed with dedicated equipment, but it is not possible to perform machining, stripping and welding simultaneously with the same device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional device that integrates machining, stripping, and welding capabilities in a single system. The device includes adjustable tooling stations that can perform each operation sequentially on panels held in the same fixture, enabling all three operations to be completed in one setup without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional stations for machining, stripping, and welding, each with specialized tooling. These segmented stations are arranged to work on the same panel fixture in sequence, allowing the device to perform all three operations while maintaining the advantages of dedicated equipment for each specific task.
4Shape
If curved panels are assembled using existing methods, then panels can be positioned edge to edge, but the process becomes complex and the gaps between edges become more variable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic and adjustable fixtures specifically designed to accommodate curved panel geometries. The support structure includes adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms that can adapt to various curvature radii and panel shapes, enabling precise edge alignment and complementary machining of curved panels without increasing process complexity.
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
The device facilitates quicker and more efficient assembly of aircraft fuselage panels by eliminating the need for manual handling and allowing simultaneous machining and welding, resulting in reduced gaps between edges and improved weld quality.
Implementation Method 1
the anvil body comprising at least one anvil rail mounted movably in a cavity of the anvil body and configured to move between a top position in which the upper surface of the anvil rail extends into the extension of the support surface and a bottom position in which a workspace is created between the upper surface of the anvil rail and the support surface
Implementation Method 2
the anvil rail comprises heat dissipation means, preferably mounted on the lower part of the structural beam. These heat dissipation means may, for example, be in the form of a radiator comprising aluminum fins.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for assembling a plurality of panels of an aircraft fuselage, said device comprising at least one anvil body, comprising a surface for supporting the said plurality of panels, the said anvil body comprising at least one anvil rail mounted movably in a cavity of the anvil body and configured to move between a top position in which the upper surface of the anvil rail extends into the extension of the support surface and a bottom position in which a workspace is created between the upper surface of the anvil rail and the support surface so as to allow a machining and/or stripping tool to pass through.