Shim Layer Applicator for Aircraft Wing Interfay Joint Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of determining and filling gaps between rib feet and aircraft wing covers during aircraft assembly is labor-intensive and time-consuming, especially for minimal gaps, as it requires individual inspection and shim application for each rib foot.
Innovation Solution
An assembly apparatus with a jig and shim layer applicator that applies an uncured shim layer between rib feet and wing covers, allowing the components to be spaced, ensuring the shim adheres correctly, and subsequently curing and sealing the shim to simplify the shimming process and increase production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual inspection and shim application is performed for each rib foot, then gap filling accuracy is improved, but labor intensity and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the shim application process by providing individual shim containers for each rib foot location. Each container holds pre-measured shim material specifically for that position, allowing simultaneous preparation and application across multiple rib feet without cross-contamination or measurement errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary actions by pre-measuring and placing the correct amount of shim material into each container before the actual assembly process. This eliminates the need for real-time measurement and adjustment during assembly, significantly reducing labor intensity and assembly time while maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If strict tolerances are applied to rib foot locating surfaces, then gap minimization is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces shim material as an intermediary element between the rib foot locating surface and the wing cover. This shim compensates for tolerance variations in the locating surfaces, allowing broader manufacturing tolerances while still achieving tight final gaps. The shim acts as a buffer that absorbs dimensional variations without requiring high-precision manufacturing.
3Manufacturing precision
If minimal gaps (less than 0.3 mm) are accepted between rib foot and cover, then assembly tolerance is improved, but shim adhesion reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different gap requirements to different locations based on local needs. Rib feet locations requiring reliable shim adhesion maintain gaps of 0.3 mm or more, while other areas can accept minimal gaps. The shim containers are positioned to ensure proper gap maintenance at each rib foot location, applying the appropriate local quality standard to each joint.
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 solution simplifies the shimming process, reduces labor and time, and ensures accurate gap filling, thereby enhancing the efficiency and consistency of aircraft wing assembly by allowing simultaneous application and curing of shims between multiple rib feet and wing covers.
Implementation Method 1
an uncured layer of shim is applied to each of the plurality of rib feet... the uncured layer of shim is compressed between the rib feet and the inner side of the cover... The uncured layer of shim is subsequently cured
Implementation Method 2
the assembly jig being configured to locate, subsequent to the uncured layer of shim being applied, a second joint component in an assembled joint position spaced from the first joint component such that the uncured layer of shim is compressed between the first and second joint components
Implementation Method 3
The uncured layer of shim is subsequently cured
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly apparatus for forming an interfay joint during manufacture of an aircraft (10). The assembly apparatus includes an assembly jig (40) to hold a first joint component (26), and an applicator (43) configured to apply an uncured layer of shim to the first joint component. The assembly jig locates, subsequent to the uncured layer of shim being applied, a second joint component (23) in an assembled joint position spaced from the first joint component. As such the uncured layer of shim is compressed between the first and second joint components. A method of forming an interfay joint during manufacture of an aircraft, an interfay joint for an aircraft, an aircraft aerodynamic surface, an aircraft, and a shim layer applicator.