Workpiece Guidance Patterns for Precise Autonomous Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated processes for manufacturing, inspection, and maintenance of structures like aircraft are limited by the complexity and expense of facility-based and environment-based guidance systems, which require line-of-sight contact and are not precise enough for certain operations, restricting the speed and efficiency of autonomous device guidance.
Innovation Solution
Autonomous devices use a sensor system to detect a guidance pattern on the workpiece, allowing them to traverse and perform operations without relying on facility-based guidance systems, using precision target indicators and a guidance pattern that can be easily applied and removed, enabling precise targeting and simultaneous operation of multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If facility-based guidance systems are used to guide automated devices, then positioning capability is provided, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simplified optical copy approach by projecting 2D guidance patterns onto the workpiece surface instead of using complex 3D facility-based guidance systems. The guidance patterns are optical representations that convey positioning information in a simpler, more manageable format that autonomous devices can detect and follow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical facility-based guidance infrastructure with an optical field-based system. Instead of physical guides or mechanical positioning systems, the invention uses projected optical patterns that can be detected by sensors, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guidance infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If facility-based guidance systems are used, then automated device positioning is enabled, but line-of-sight requirements limit device range and simultaneous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the guidance information into segmented 2D patterns that are distributed across the workpiece surface. Each guidance pattern contains localized positioning information that autonomous devices can detect independently, allowing multiple devices to operate simultaneously without requiring coordinated line-of-sight to a central facility system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from 3D facility-based guidance requiring line-of-sight spatial relationships to 2D projected patterns on the workpiece surface. This dimensional reduction allows guidance information to be embedded in the workpiece itself rather than requiring external facility infrastructure, enabling greater device autonomy and simultaneous operation.
3Ease of operation
If GPS-based guidance systems are used, then automated device navigation is provided, but positioning accuracy is insufficient for precision operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by placing high-precision guidance patterns directly at or near the specific locations on the workpiece where operations are to be performed. Instead of relying on global navigation systems like GPS that provide general positioning, the system provides localized, high-accuracy guidance exactly where needed on the workpiece surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning guidance patterns on the workpiece surface before the autonomous devices arrive. The guidance infrastructure is prepared in advance on the workpiece itself, eliminating the need for real-time external guidance and enabling devices to navigate autonomously with high precision once they begin operation.
4Measurement precision
If automated devices are guided to target sites for each operation, then operation precision is achieved, but process speed and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous operation by allowing autonomous devices to traverse the workpiece surface continuously while detecting guidance patterns and performing operations. Instead of stopping and repositioning for each operation, devices can maintain continuous motion, detecting guidance patterns and executing operations in a streamlined sequence that maximizes productivity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of performing automated operations on a workpiece by at least one autonomous device is provided. The method includes sensing, by a first of the at least one autonomous devices, a guidance pattern positioned on the workpiece along a first path. The method also includes traversing, by the first autonomous device, along the first path by following the sensed guidance pattern, to a first path location that is within a detection distance of a first precision target indicator positioned on the workpiece.