Aircraft Component Programming via Spatial Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of assembling and configuring components in complex structures, such as aircraft, is time-consuming and prone to errors due to the manual identification and connection of parts, leading to increased costs and rework during inspections.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a programming unit to identify locations on an object and retrieve programming information from a database associated with a point cloud, allowing for the automated programming of components based on their location, reducing the need for manual connections and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual identification and connection of parts is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but assembly time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the programming unit automatically identifies components and retrieves programming information without human intervention. The component identification system autonomously matches physical components with their programming data, eliminating manual lookup and connection processes while maintaining system adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operations of identifying and connecting parts are replaced by an automated optical/electronic system. The programming unit uses cameras or sensors to detect component locations and a database system to retrieve programming information, substituting human cognitive and manual tasks with automated information processing.
2Reliability
If manual identification and connection of parts is used, then system complexity is reduced, but error rate increases during inspections
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the programming unit continuously verifies component identification and programming information retrieval. The system can detect and correct identification errors before programming occurs, ensuring high connection accuracy through automated verification loops that compare detected components with database records.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and verification of component locations and programming information before the actual programming operation. This advance checking ensures that correct programming data is retrieved and applied, preventing errors before they occur rather than detecting them during inspection.
3Productivity
If automated programming based on location is implemented, then assembly time decreases, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional component layouts to three-dimensional spatial coordination for component identification. By using 3D coordinates and spatial relationships, the system achieves precise location identification that accounts for complex component arrangements, enabling fast automated programming while maintaining high measurement precision through volumetric positioning data.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing a programmable component may be present. A location on an object may be identified using a programming unit based on a position of the programming unit with respect to the object. Programming information for the programmable component may be identified based on the location on the object. The programmable component may be programmed using the programming information for the programmable component.