Support Frame Grid Locking for Repeatable Frame Section Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In manufacturing processes where a skin panel is separated from a substructure, the substructure may shift or sag, necessitating realignment with the skin panel upon reattachment.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a support frame and connector apparatuses featuring movable pins and locks, along with clamps, ensures repeatable nominal attachment and detachment of frame sections, preventing sagging and shifting by securing the first frame section to a support grid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the skin panel is separated from the substructure for separate processing, then manufacturing flexibility and process efficiency are improved, but the substructure shifts or sags causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is configured to maintain the substructure in its original position and orientation before separation occurs. The support frame with grid positioning and locking mechanisms pre-establishes alignment references, so when the skin panel is removed for separate processing, the substructure remains stabilized and ready for precise reattachment without shifting or sagging.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly acts as an intermediary device between the skin panel and substructure during separation and reattachment operations. It provides a stable reference framework that mediates the alignment relationship, allowing the skin panel to be processed separately while maintaining the substructure's positional integrity for subsequent precise joining.
2Device complexity
If the substructure is supported on a simple bracket during separation, then device complexity is reduced, but the substructure sags and shifts requiring realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into modular components including a support frame, grid structure, multiple positioning elements, and locking mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The grid structure provides multiple reference points without requiring a complex rigid framework, achieving stability through distributed support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly incorporates movable and adjustable elements that can adapt to different substructure configurations. The positioning elements can be moved along the grid to accommodate various sizes and shapes, providing stable support without requiring a complex fixed structure. This dynamic adaptability maintains stability while keeping the device design relatively simple.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly and a method for a frame structure having a first frame section and a second frame section includes a support frame having arms extending outwardly to present a support grid. Connector apparatuses are arranged on the support grid, and each includes a lock coupled to a pin to selectively fix the pin in a stationary position relative to the support frame. Each of the connector apparatuses include a clamp configured to selectively attach together the frame structure and the support frame. The clamp of each of the connector apparatuses cooperates with the respective pin to attach the first frame section to the support frame when the respective clamp is in the locked position which fixes the first frame section on the support grid of the arms in an arrangement that provides repeatable nominal attachment and detachment of the second frame section relative to the first frame section.