Sympathetic Robotic Track Mounts for Contoured Aircraft Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic manufacturing systems for airplane assembly face inefficiencies and potential damage due to the need for movable tracks to be mounted directly on the fuselage or wings, which is time-consuming and limits access for tasks like painting and inspection.
Innovation Solution
A robotic manufacturing system with rigid, non-flexible track mounts positioned sympathetically to the underlying item, allowing end effectors to move along a contour path without direct contact, enabling multiple degrees of freedom and simultaneous tasks like painting, drilling, and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If movable tracks are mounted directly to the fuselage or wing surface, then the robotic system can be positioned and moved along the manufactured item, but this causes time-consuming installation and disengagement, potential damage to the manufactured item, and blocks access to the surface for tasks like painting and inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (independent rigid support system) that mediates between the robotic system and the manufactured item. Instead of mounting tracks directly to the fuselage, the support structure provides a separate foundation, allowing the robotic system to be positioned without direct contact with the manufactured item surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the support function from the manufactured item itself by providing an independent support structure. This separates the positioning function from the manufactured item, eliminating the need to mount tracks directly on the fuselage or wings, thereby avoiding damage and access blockage.
2Ease of operation
If movable tracks are mounted directly to the fuselage or wing surface, then the robotic system can engage the manufactured item for tasks, but this causes possible damage and impact to the manufactured item
Solution Approach 1:
The independent rigid support structure serves as an intermediary that carries the robotic system without requiring contact with the manufactured item. This eliminates the harmful contact and potential damage while still enabling the robotic system to perform its tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted from the manufactured item and provided by a separate structure. This prevents the robotic system from needing to engage directly with the manufactured item, thereby eliminating damage and impact risks.
3Ease of operation
If tracks are mounted on the manufactured item surface, then the robotic system can be positioned, but the surface under the track cannot be accessed for painting, cleaning, preparation and inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The independent rigid support structure acts as an intermediary that enables positioning without blocking access to the manufactured item surface. The support structure carries the robotic system above or beside the item, leaving the surface fully accessible for painting, cleaning, inspection, and other tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning function is extracted from the manufactured item surface by using a separate support structure. This allows the surface to remain fully accessible for all manufacturing tasks while the robotic system is positioned and moved along the item.
4Adaptability or versatility
If movable tracks are mounted directly to the fuselage or wing surface, then the robotic system can be applied flexibly to different positions, but the time needed to set the system in place is time consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The independent rigid support structure is installed beforehand as a permanent or semi-permanent infrastructure. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated mounting and disengagement of tracks during different manufacturing operations, significantly improving setup efficiency while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The independent rigid support structure serves multiple functions and can support various robotic systems for different tasks. This universal support infrastructure enables flexible track placement for different positions and operations without requiring separate mounting procedures for each task.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic manufacturing system includes a track extending along a length of a component of a partially manufactured item, wherein the component has a non-constant longitudinal shape, the track being supported independently of the partially manufactured item. The system includes a jointed member having an elongated arcuate shape, a mount longitudinally movable along the track and configured to receive the jointed member in an articulating manner, and an end effector movably mounted on the jointed member. The jointed member is movable along a portion of the component length in a radial position sympathetic to the non-constant component longitudinal shape. The jointed member is longitudinally movable relative to the mount along its elongated arcuate shape such that the jointed member will move in an arc spaced from and around an outer component surface. A portion of the end effector is movable along a length of the jointed member.