Robotic Profile Component Mounting Inside Aircraft Frame Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of profile components on internal frame structural components of an aircraft is challenging due to the difficulty in accessing these areas, which are ergonomically unsuitable for personnel, and the use of heavy or unwieldy tools complicates the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly system utilizing a robotic arm with a tool holder and gripping device that allows profile components to be mounted through existing openings in the aircraft's outer skin, enabling alignment, fixation, and attachment of components using fastening means, with the option of a stop for alignment assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If personnel manually assemble profile components in difficult-to-reach areas of the aircraft, then the assembly work can be performed, but the working conditions are ergonomically unsuitable and the process is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm with tool holder serves as an intermediary device to perform assembly operations in difficult-to-reach areas of the aircraft. The robotic system can be positioned outside the aircraft and guide tools through openings to access internal frame structures, eliminating the need for personnel to work in ergonomically unsuitable positions inside the aircraft
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm, controlled by a control unit, performs picking, guiding, aligning, and fastening operations that would otherwise require personnel to physically access confined spaces inside the aircraft, thereby improving ease of operation
2Strength
If heavy or unwieldy tools are used for connecting frame components, then the fastening function is achieved, but the installation process becomes even more difficult for personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm with tool holder acts as an intermediary that delivers fastening tools to the work area without requiring personnel to manually handle heavy equipment. The system maintains strong fastening capability while transferring the burden of tool handling to the robotic system
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system performs the entire assembly process autonomously under control unit guidance, picking components, positioning them, and applying fasteners without human intervention in the difficult-to-reach area. The system serves itself by automatically completing all installation steps
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple tools are used for alignment and fastening operations, then the assembly precision is improved, but the complexity of the assembly system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple assembly functions (picking, guiding, aligning, and fastening) into a single integrated robotic system with a multi-functional tool holder. The tool holder can accommodate different fastening means and positioning devices, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and reducing system complexity while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The tool holder is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: holding profile components, guiding them to the correct position, aligning them with frame structures, and applying various fastening means. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate tools needed while maintaining assembly precision
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and assembly system for mounting a profile component (20) onto an internal frame structure component (2, 4, 5, 6, 7) of an aircraft (1) is described. The method comprises the following steps: picking up the profile component (20) by a gripping device (110) arranged on a tool holder (120); guiding the tool holder (120) through an opening (3) in an outer skin (2) of the aircraft (1) into the interior of the aircraft (1) by a robot arm (105); aligning, positioning, and fixing the profile component (20) in an installation position on the frame structure component (2, 4, 5, 6, 7) with a first fastening element (21); releasing the gripping device (110); and fastening the profile component (20) to the frame structure component (2, 4, 5, 6, 7) with at least one second fastening means (22), wherein the first and second fastening means (21, 22) are attached by a fastening device (130) arranged on the tool holder (120).