Wing Assembly Support with Mobile Control Points and Dimensional Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling aircraft structures using rigid fixtures are inflexible, expensive, and time-consuming, as they require permanent installation and cannot accommodate changes in aircraft design or production rates, leading to bottlenecks and increased maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A mobile and reconfigurable support system using automated guided vehicles (AGVs) with a load-balancing structure and connection devices that can dynamically adjust to maintain the desired configuration of aircraft components during assembly, allowing for flexible manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid fixtures are permanently fastened to the factory floor to form an assembly line, then the structure can be held in certain positions during assembly operations, but future expansion and reconfiguration become limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static rigid fixtures with mobile robotic arms that can dynamically reposition themselves and be moved to different locations. The robotic arms maintain stable positioning through active control systems while providing flexibility through their ability to be relocated and reconfigured for different assembly line needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical rigid fixtures with automated robotic systems. The robotic arms use sensors, controllers, and automated positioning mechanisms to achieve the functions previously performed by fixed mechanical fixtures, thereby eliminating the need for permanent floor fastening while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If rigid fixtures are permanently installed to hold structures during assembly, then dimensional control is maintained, but the system cannot accommodate design changes or production rate changes
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arms provide active, dynamic positioning control that can be adjusted in real-time to maintain dimensional precision. The system can adapt to design changes by reprogramming the robotic controllers and repositioning the arms, eliminating the need for physical reconfiguration of fixed fixtures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controllable parameters such as robotic arm position, orientation, and movement speed to maintain manufacturing precision. These parameters can be dynamically adjusted through software control to accommodate different aircraft designs and production requirements without changing the physical infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If a large number of control points are used to ensure correct orientation and location, then assembly precision is improved, but access to spars and wing edges becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arms serve multiple functions: they provide precise positioning control at control points while simultaneously allowing operators to access the structure. The arms can be positioned to perform measurements or fastening operations without permanently blocking access paths, unlike fixed fixtures that occupy permanent space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed mechanical control point fixtures with mobile robotic arms that can be dynamically positioned. This substitution allows control points to be activated only when needed, leaving the surrounding area accessible for operations on spars, wing edges, and other structural elements.
4Stability of the object's composition
If fixed jigs are attached to the factory floor to hold wing parts, then the wing can be assembled in horizontal position, but the system becomes immobile and causes manufacturing bottlenecks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces immobile fixed jigs with mobile robotic arms that can move to different positions around the wing assembly. The robotic arms maintain assembly stability through active control while eliminating bottlenecks by enabling parallel operations and easier component access from multiple directions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the assembly support function into multiple independent robotic arms rather than using a single large fixed jig. This segmentation allows different parts of the wing to be worked on simultaneously by multiple arms, increasing productivity while each arm maintains local stability for its assigned control points.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and apparatus for supporting a structure (116). The apparatus may comprise a support (128), a load-balancing structure (138) associated with the support (128), and a set of connection devices (140) associated with the load-balancing structure (138). The set of connection devices (140) may be configured to connect to the structure (116) at a set of control points (142). Each of the set of connection devices (140) may be configured to independently control a location (151) of a corresponding control point (149) in the set of control points (142).