Panel Assembly Support Frame With Slotted Clamps for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large components such as aircraft panels warp and distort due to gravity, leading to misalignment and assembly challenges, increasing repair and rework time.
Innovation Solution
A support frame with multiple clamps, including one with a nominal clearance interface and another with a slotted interface, is used to securely hold the panel, allowing for movement and reduction of forces, facilitating alignment with frame sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used to hold the panel, then the panel is securely positioned, but the panel experiences increased distortion and misalignment due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame employs movable clamps with slot openings that allow dynamic adjustment of clamp positions. The clamps can move along the slot openings to adapt to panel distortion and maintain optimal positioning, transforming the rigid support structure into a dynamic system that compensates for gravitational effects on the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the positional parameters of the clamps relative to the support frame through the slot openings. By allowing the clamps to move along the slots, the system can adjust the support points to compensate for panel warping and maintain alignment during assembly operations.
2Strength
If multiple fixed clamps are used to secure the panel, then the panel is firmly held, but assembly time increases due to misalignment requiring rework
Solution Approach 1:
The movable clamps with slot openings enable quick adjustment during assembly without requiring complete disassembly and repositioning. Operators can manually move the clamps along the slots to accommodate misalignments, eliminating time-consuming rework and improving assembly productivity while maintaining secure panel holding.
3Strength
If a rigid fastening system is used to attach clamps to the support frame, then the connection is strong, but the system cannot accommodate panel distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two functional parts: the rigid support frame structure that provides strong connection points, and the movable clamp components that can adjust along the slot openings. This segmentation allows the rigid frame to maintain connection strength while the movable clamps accommodate panel distortion through their adjustable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot openings create a dynamic connection system where the clamps can move relative to the support frame along the slot directions. This dynamic capability allows the system to accommodate panel distortion while maintaining secure attachment through the rigid frame structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for determinant assembly support are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus to support a panel component for determinant assembly thereof includes a support frame that is releasably couplable to a jig, a first clamp to support the panel component at a first position of the panel component, a first body of the first clamp or the support frame including a nominal clearance opening to receive a first fastener to operatively couple the first clamp to the support frame, and a second clamp to support the panel component at a second position of the panel component different from the first position, a second body of the second clamp or the support frame including a slotted opening to receive a second fastener to operatively couple the second clamp to the support frame, the second fastener movable about the slotted opening to enable the second clamp to reduce forces imparted to the panel component while held by the support frame.