Six-DOF Panel Gripper Frame for Precise Aircraft Skin Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Challenges exist in properly aligning large or asymmetric components, such as aircraft skin panels, during determinant assembly, which is crucial for efficient robotic assembly and digital manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system that provides a frame assembly with a supporting frame and an orienting frame, coupled via a linear and angular displacement joint, allowing six degrees of freedom for panel manipulation, including linear translation along three axes and rotational adjustment about three axes, facilitated by grippers for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional alignment methods are used for large or asymmetric components, then the assembly process can be completed, but the alignment precision and manufacturing efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with a robotic system that uses sensors, controllers, and automated positioning mechanisms. The robotic assembly system can precisely position and align large or asymmetric components through digital control and feedback mechanisms, achieving high alignment precision while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
2Productivity
If robotic assembly is implemented, then manufacturing speed and consistency improve, but the complexity of handling and aligning large components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal robotic assembly system that can handle various types of components including large or asymmetric parts. The system incorporates multi-functional capabilities such as automated gripping, positioning, alignment, and assembly operations, allowing a single robotic system to perform multiple tasks and reduce overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as specialized end effectors, positioning fixtures, and alignment tools that facilitate the handling of large components. These intermediaries act as mediators between the robotic system and the components, simplifying the interaction and reducing the complexity of direct robotic manipulation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual alignment procedures are used, then flexibility in handling various components is maintained, but the time required for assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic robotic assembly system that can adapt its operations based on the specific characteristics of each component. The system uses sensors and controllers to dynamically adjust gripping forces, positioning parameters, and alignment strategies, maintaining flexibility while significantly reducing assembly time compared to manual procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for manipulating a panel includes a supporting frame, an orienting frame, and a plurality of grippers. The orienting frame is coupled to the supporting frame and is movable in six degrees of freedom relative to the supporting frame. The grippers are coupled to the orienting frame and are configured to be releasably coupled to the panel.