Sealant Application Tip with Vision-Guided Path Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for applying sealant to complex structures are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to shape deviations, especially when dealing with complex geometries that impede the sealant application path.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a vision system to scan the structure, determine a sealant application path, and control the movement of a sealant application tip with a controller, ensuring consistent and repeatable sealant application, eliminating the need for manual shaping and masking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual masking and shaping steps are used to apply sealant, then the sealant can be applied to structures, but the process takes an undesirable amount of time and labor
Solution Approach 1:
The application tip is pre-configured with forming surfaces and sealant distribution channels that automatically shape the sealant as it is deposited. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent manual shaping operations, as the sealant is formed into the desired configuration during the application process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions (sealant deposition, shaping, and masking replacement) into a single integrated application tip. The tip simultaneously deposits sealant through multiple outlets and uses forming surfaces to shape it, merging what were previously separate manual steps into one automated operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual shaping is used to form the sealant bead, then the sealant can be shaped, but the shape may have deviations and undesirable quality
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces manual mechanical shaping with a controlled automated system. The application tip uses precisely engineered forming surfaces and multiple sealant outlets positioned at specific angles and distances, eliminating human variability and ensuring consistent, repeatable sealant shapes across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls sealant shape by precisely controlling parameters such as the number of sealant outlets, their angular positions, their distance from the forming surface, and the flow rate through each outlet. These parameter changes enable precise control over sealant deposition and shaping, ensuring consistent quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex geometries are present in the structure, then the structure has functional features, but they impinge into the sealant application path making application more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the sealant delivery system into multiple outlets within the application tip, each positioned to target specific areas around complex geometries. This segmentation allows sealant to be deposited in multiple zones simultaneously, navigating around fasteners and other complex features that would block a single outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds dimensional complexity to the application tip design, with outlets positioned at different angles and distances from the forming surface. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the sealant to be applied effectively around three-dimensional complex geometries that would impede simple linear application paths.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for applying a sealant to a structure. The method comprises scanning a surface of the structure with a vision system to form scanned data. The method further determines a sealant application path for the structure using the scanned data. The method also controls movement of an application tip along the sealant application path using a controller.