Multi-Axis Panel Support Adjustment for Aircraft Assembly Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In aircraft manufacturing, large components such as fuselage or wing panels can warp or displace due to weight distribution, making alignment with other components difficult, leading to increased rework and rejection rates.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-axis determinant assembly control system that includes a base mounted to an assembly jig, supports with rotational and translational adjusters, and pins to precisely control the orientation and position of panel components, reducing forces that cause warping and displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If large aircraft panels are supported during assembly, then the components can be held in position for assembly, but the weight distribution causes the panels to warp and displace
Solution Approach 1:
The support system employs movable supports with adjustable positions and orientations, allowing the panel to be dynamically repositioned during assembly. The supports can be moved along the panel and adjusted to accommodate warping, maintaining stability while enabling precise alignment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of support by allowing adjustable support positions, orientations, and contact points. This enables adaptation to panel warping by modifying how the panel is supported rather than requiring rigid fixed support, thereby maintaining both stability and alignment precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the panel is constrained to prevent warping, then alignment can be maintained, but the handling and assembly become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable supports allow the panel to be freely positioned and repositioned during handling, then constrained only when assembly is required. This dynamic constraint approach maintains alignment precision during assembly while preserving handling ease during positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into multiple independent movable supports rather than a single rigid constraint system. This allows selective constraint at specific locations while leaving other areas free for handling, balancing alignment precision with operational ease.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple supports are used to distribute weight, then warping is reduced, but the complexity of the assembly system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each movable support is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the panel during handling, positioning the panel, and constraining the panel during assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each operation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for multi-axis determinant assembly adjustment are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a base mounted to an assembly jig, a support having an interface surface to support a portion of a panel component, a pin to rotationally couple the support to the base, the support to rotate relative to the base about an axis of rotation of the pin, and an adjuster to cause translation of the pin along a slot of the base to move the support.