Compound Contour Vacuum Track for Interior Fuselage Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft assembly automation is limited by the need for manual fastening inside the fuselage, which poses ergonomic, safety, and productivity issues, and existing automated systems are not suitable for internal use.
Innovation Solution
A compound contour vacuum track and an automated fastening machine are designed to traverse the fuselage interior, allowing for automated fastening by aligning with internal surfaces and installing fasteners, with the track mounted at an angle to accommodate complex fuselage contours and using removable attachment devices like vacuum suction cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual fastening is performed inside the fuselage, then access to internal structures is achieved, but ergonomic and safety issues arise along with reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical fastening operations with an automated fastening machine that travels along a track inside the fuselage. The machine automatically positions and installs fasteners without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving both ergonomic performance (by eliminating manual labor) and productivity (through automated high-speed fastening).
Solution Approach 2:
The automated fastening machine is equipped with its own positioning and alignment systems that allow it to autonomously navigate the fuselage interior and perform fastening operations without continuous human guidance. The machine self-adjusts to maintain proper alignment with the fuselage contour and fastener locations.
2Extent of automation
If automated multi-axis drilling machine is used from outside the fuselage, then drilling and fastener insertion is automated, but the track is not suitable for use inside the fuselage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the automated drilling machine from outside the fuselage, the patent inverts the approach by placing the automated fastening machine inside the fuselage. The machine travels along an internal track system that is specifically designed to accommodate the confined space and complex contours of the fuselage interior, making automation adaptable to internal access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external to internal automation by designing a track system that operates within the three-dimensional constrained environment of the fuselage interior. The track accommodates movements in multiple dimensions to navigate around internal structures and access fastener locations from the inside.
3Adaptability or versatility
If track is mounted at an angle to accommodate fuselage contours, then access to complex surfaces is achieved, but alignment precision with holes becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The automated fastening machine incorporates sensors and detection systems that continuously monitor its position and alignment relative to the fuselage contour and hole locations. This feedback allows the machine to detect misalignment caused by contour variations and automatically adjust its positioning to maintain precise alignment with the fastener holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The track and machine system is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow real-time modification of the machine's position and orientation as it travels along the angled track. This dynamic adjustment compensates for variations in fuselage contour and maintains alignment precision despite the angled mounting configuration.
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 enables automated fastening inside the fuselage, improving safety, reducing manual labor, and enhancing productivity by allowing for efficient alignment and installation of fasteners, thus overcoming the limitations of existing automation technologies.
Implementation Method 1
A compound contour vacuum track and an automated fastening machine are designed to traverse the fuselage interior
Data Source
AI summary
A compound contour vacuum track, and an automated fastening machine using the track, for automation of final assembly inside an aircraft fuselage. The track is mounted at an angle to a surface, such as an inside surface of the fuselage, wherein the surface has one or more holes through which fasteners are inserted. The automated fastening machine is mounted on the track to traverse the track while performing fastening functions and steps. The automated fastening machine includes a carriage, arm, and end effector, wherein the arm is mounted on the carriage and the end effector is mounted on the arm. The carriage is attached to the track for positioning the arm and end effector, the arm is attached to the carriage for positioning the end effector, and the end effector is attached to the arm for installing the fasteners into the holes of the surface.