Riveting Apparatus Optical Feedback for Countersink Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic riveting machines face challenges in maintaining consistent and high-quality riveting, particularly with countersunk rivets, leading to issues like setting head overhang or underhang, which can impair aerodynamic properties and increase repair costs in aircraft fuselage construction.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an optical detection device to evaluate geometric parameters of formed countersinks, allowing for real-time correction of tool control data to ensure accurate countersinking depths and diameters, thereby maintaining parameters within predetermined tolerance ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic riveting is performed without real-time geometric parameter monitoring, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to parameter drift

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveriveting speedVSAvoidcountersinking depth accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where an optical detection device captures images of the workpiece surface, geometric parameters are extracted and evaluated, and tool control data is automatically corrected based on the evaluation results. This closed-loop feedback system maintains manufacturing precision while preserving automatic riveting productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of geometric parameters from optical detection data before executing the next riveting operation. This preliminary assessment allows proactive correction of tool control data to prevent parameter drift, ensuring consistent countersinking depth without interrupting the overall riveting process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If optical detection and evaluation systems are added to monitor geometric parameters, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecountersinking depth accuracyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical detection device serves multiple functions: it captures workpiece surface images for geometric parameter extraction, provides visual feedback for process monitoring, and supplies data for automatic correction of tool control data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If real-time correction of tool control data is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveriveting quality consistencyVSAvoiddata evaluation and correction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs geometric parameter evaluation and tool control data correction continuously during the riveting process without interrupting the workflow. By integrating these operations into the existing automatic riveting sequence, the system maintains continuous productive action while ensuring precision through real-time monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach ensures consistent and high-quality riveting by continuously monitoring and correcting tool control data, reducing the risk of geometrical parameter deviations and minimizing subsequent repairs, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the riveting process.

Implementation Method 1

an optical detection device for the optical detection of the workpiece surface and for providing detection data

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection:

Data Source

PatentEP2766135B8Apparatus and method for realizing a plurality of riveted connections along the surface of a workpiece
Publication Date: 2018.02.07 PREMIUM AEROTECH GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to the realization of a plurality of riveted connections along the surface of a workpiece (12), and in particular to a riveting apparatus (10) comprising a tool device (20), which is controllable by means of tool control data (ws), for forming countersunk holes (40) in the workpiece (12) and for setting countersunk head rivets (30) in the countersunk holes (40) formed, a programmable control device (ST) for generating the tool control data (ws) for the tool device (20) and an optical sensing device (22-1) for optically sensing the workpiece surface and for providing sensing data (ed). In order to ensure high and lasting quality while carrying out the riveted connections by means of such a riveting apparatus (10), the control device (ST) is configured according to the invention to evaluate the sensing data (ed) in order to obtain geometrical data which represent at least one geometrical parameter (T and/or D2) of a countersunk hole (40) that has already been formed, and, depending on the result of an evaluation of the geometrical data obtained, if necessary to carry out a correction of the tool control data (ws) for a subsequent countersunk hole to be formed.