Movable Gantry Interface With RFID for Variable Jig Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aircraft manufacturing processes, particularly drilling operations, are labor-intensive, prone to defects, and inflexible, with manual tools being error-prone, semi-automated tools requiring redesign for each variant, and monumental robotic installations being costly and inflexible for reconfiguration.

Innovation Solution

A Movable Gantry System (MGS) that integrates with existing manual assembly cells to automate drilling, reaming, and countersinking operations, using a movable gantry system with a computing system, RFID for part identification, and interchangeable end effectors to process multiple jigs and adapt to different aircraft models, enabling real-time data updates and flexible production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual drilling tools are used, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but labor intensity and defect generation increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses RFID tags and automated identification to self-determine which jig is being processed, eliminating the need for manual setup configuration and reducing operator intervention while maintaining flexibility across different jig types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

A single drilling system with interchangeable end effectors can process multiple jig types and aircraft models, replacing the need for multiple specialized machines while maintaining operational flexibility through automated tool selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Extent of automation

If monumental robotic installations are used, then automation and precision are improved, but cost and reconfiguration flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidsystem reconfiguration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components including interchangeable end effectors, separable positioning systems, and independent control modules, allowing individual components to be replaced or reconfigured without replacing the entire installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static monumental installations to dynamic, reconfigurable automation where end effectors can be changed based on the specific jig type, enabling adaptation to different aircraft models and production requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If application-specific drilling jigs are used, then drilling precision is improved, but adaptability to different aircraft models decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling accuracyVSAvoidmulti-model capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A universal drilling system with interchangeable end effectors can accommodate multiple jig types and aircraft models, replacing the need for dedicated jigs for each model while maintaining drilling precision through automated positioning and tool selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adapts to different aircraft models by changing operational parameters such as tool selection, positioning coordinates, and drilling sequences based on RFID identification, rather than requiring physical reconfiguration of the jig structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of manufacture

If template installation process is used, then hole position definition is achieved, but positional accuracy errors are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup simplicityVSAvoidhole position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual template installation with automated RFID-based identification and electronic positioning, eliminating mechanical template errors while maintaining ease of setup through automated data retrieval and tool positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11334046B2Movable gantry system configured to interface with jigs of different sizes

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 WILDER SYST INC

AI summary

A movable gantry system is described. In an example, the movable gantry system is configured to interface with jigs of different types or sizes and/or with different positions of a same jig and/or to perform operations on different parts mounted in such jigs. To do so, the movable gantry system includes an end effector, a gantry, and a computing system. The end effector is mounted within the gantry and provides at least rotational movement to perform operations on a part. The gantry is movable and interfaces with a jig holding the part. Further, the gantry provides translational movement to the end effector. The computing system identifies the gantry and the part and controls the gantry and the end effector, thereby facilitating the operations on the part.