Multifunction End Effector for Aircraft Spar Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current manual assembly processes for spar assemblies in aircraft are time-consuming, complex, and lack quality and consistency, while existing robotic systems in factory settings face mobility and flexibility issues, making it desirable to automate these processes with a method and apparatus that addresses these challenges.
Innovation Solution
A C-frame end effector with a movement system, inspection system, collar installation system, and sealant application system, which includes a housing with an operating window, rotation mechanism, linear slides, and functional components that can be positioned actively to perform multiple functions such as inspection, sealant application, and collar installation, enhancing mobility and flexibility in assembly processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual assembly processes are used for spar assemblies, then flexibility and adaptability in factory settings are maintained, but assembly time and complexity increase significantly while quality consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed as a universal robotic tool that can perform multiple assembly functions including drilling, fastening, and sealing operations through a single integrated device, thereby increasing productivity while managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of tools
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized end effector as an intermediary device between the robotic system and the spar assembly components, mediating the complex interactions required for precise assembly operations and enabling automated high-speed assembly without directly complicating the core robotic system
2Manufacturing precision
If robotic systems are deployed for assembly operations, then assembly quality and consistency improve, but mobility and flexibility within the factory environment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with adjustable degrees of freedom, allowing the robotic system to adapt its position and orientation dynamically throughout the factory space while maintaining precise assembly quality, thus resolving the conflict between mobility and precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate systems are used for inspection, collar installation, and sealant application, then each function can be optimized independently, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges inspection, collar installation, and sealant application functions into a single integrated end effector assembly, reducing the number of separate systems and space requirements while maintaining functional versatility through modular sub-components that work in coordination
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector is provided. The end effector comprises a housing, a movement system within the housing, an inspection system, a collar installation system, and a sealant application system. The housing has an operating window. The movement system comprises at least one of a rotation mechanism or a number of linear slides. The inspection system is associated with the movement system. The collar installation system is associated with the movement system. The sealant application system is associated with the movement system. Activating the movement system positions any of the inspection system, the collar installation system, or the sealant application system in an active position relative to the operating window.