US20080263845A1 - Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations - Google Patents

Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080263845A1
US20080263845A1 US12/145,662 US14566208A US2008263845A1 US 20080263845 A1 US20080263845 A1 US 20080263845A1 US 14566208 A US14566208 A US 14566208A US 2008263845 A1 US2008263845 A1 US 2008263845A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
workpiece
manufacturing
quantum
indexing
coordinating pin
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/145,662
Inventor
Darrell D. Jones
James N. Buttrick
Theodore Boyl-Davis
Roger Gage
Laurance N. Hazlehurst
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Boeing Co
Original Assignee
Boeing Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Boeing Co filed Critical Boeing Co
Priority to US12/145,662 priority Critical patent/US20080263845A1/en
Publication of US20080263845A1 publication Critical patent/US20080263845A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23QDETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING; MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT
    • B23Q9/00Arrangements for supporting or guiding portable metal-working machines or apparatus
    • B23Q9/0014Portable machines provided with or cooperating with guide means supported directly by the workpiece during action
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64FGROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F5/00Designing, manufacturing, assembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing aircraft, not otherwise provided for; Handling, transporting, testing or inspecting aircraft components, not otherwise provided for
    • B64F5/10Manufacturing or assembling aircraft, e.g. jigs therefor
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64FGROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B64F5/00Designing, manufacturing, assembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing aircraft, not otherwise provided for; Handling, transporting, testing or inspecting aircraft components, not otherwise provided for
    • B64F5/50Handling or transporting aircraft components
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02PCLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00Metal working
    • Y10T29/49Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49764Method of mechanical manufacture with testing or indicating
    • Y10T29/49778Method of mechanical manufacture with testing or indicating with aligning, guiding, or instruction
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00Metal working
    • Y10T29/49Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49998Work holding
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00Metal working
    • Y10T29/51Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for metal shaping or assembling
    • Y10T29/5116Plural diverse manufacturing apparatus including means for metal shaping or assembling forging and bending, cutting or punching
    • Y10T29/5118Riveting
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T408/00Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
    • Y10T408/03Processes
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T408/00Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
    • Y10T408/55Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool with work-engaging structure other than Tool or tool-support
    • Y10T408/554Magnetic or suction means
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T408/00Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
    • Y10T408/55Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool with work-engaging structure other than Tool or tool-support
    • Y10T408/561Having tool-opposing, work-engaging surface
    • Y10T408/5612Tool having shiftable tool-axis
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T408/00Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool
    • Y10T408/55Cutting by use of rotating axially moving tool with work-engaging structure other than Tool or tool-support
    • Y10T408/564Movable relative to Tool along tool-axis
    • Y10T408/5647Movable relative to Tool along tool-axis including means to move Tool
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10TTECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T409/00Gear cutting, milling, or planing
    • Y10T409/30Milling
    • Y10T409/306216Randomly manipulated, work supported, or work following device
    • Y10T409/306384Randomly manipulated, work supported, or work following device with work supported guide means

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations, and more specifically, to manufacturing operations employing vacuum devices, and to manufacturing operations that employ an indexing system based on pin locations.
  • Manufacturing operations in many fields typically require accurate positioning of manufacturing tools over a workpiece.
  • the manufacturing environment and the structural details of the workpiece often make it difficult to properly position the manufacturing tool relative to the workpiece to achieve the desired manufacturing operation with the necessary degree of accuracy. This is particularly true in the field of aircraft manufacturing, wherein a large number of manufacturing operations are typically needed on a variety of contoured surfaces. Similar difficulties may be encountered, for example, in the manufacture of ships, railcars, missiles, sheet metal buildings, and other similar structures.
  • a support assembly that supports a manufacturing tool may be temporarily attached to a surface of the workpiece in order to facilitate manufacturing operations on the workpiece.
  • Some conventional support assemblies utilize one or more elongated rails equipped with vacuum cup assemblies for temporarily attaching the support assembly to the workpiece, including, for example, those assemblies generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,385 B1 issued to Buttrick et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,084 B1 issued to Banks et al.
  • the rails may be coupled to the workpiece using the vacuum cup assemblies over a desired section of the workpiece, and then a manufacturing tool may be mounted on a carriage that is moveable along the rails. The carriage may then be traversed along the rails in a manual or automated fashion, and the desired manufacturing operations may be performed.
  • Vacuum for the vacuum cup assemblies of such conventional support assemblies is typically generated externally from the point-of-use, such as by a vacuum pump or other suitable source.
  • the vacuum is then routed to each vacuum cup assembly by one or more vacuum lines.
  • In order to isolate one vacuum circuit from another it is usually necessary to run separate, multiple lines to each vacuum cup assembly, or incorporate a valve network to isolate one line from another. Because the pressure differential along the length of each vacuum line is at most one atmosphere, care must be taken to avoid line losses which may degrade the degree of vacuum provided to the vacuum cup assemblies.
  • One conventional approach to solving this line-loss problem is to provide a portable vacuum pump that may be transported along with the vacuum assembly in order to reduce the lengths of the vacuum lines between the vacuum pump and the vacuum cup assemblies.
  • the present disclosure is directed to methods for manufacturing operations, and more specifically, to manufacturing operations employing vacuum devices, and to manufacturing operations that employ an indexing system based on pin locations. Methods in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously improve the efficiency, throughput, and accuracy of manufacturing operations on a workpiece.
  • a method includes forming an indexing hole in the workpiece.
  • a coordinating pin may be installed into the indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information.
  • a sensor may be positioned proximate the coordinating pin. The quantum of indexing information may be sensed with a sensor.
  • a manufacturing operation may be performed on the workpiece based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information.
  • FIG. 1 is an upper isometric view of a vacuum support assembly having a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIG. 2 is a lower isometric view of the vacuum support assembly of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 is an upper isometric, partial cross-sectional view of a vacuum cup assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of a retaining plate and a sealing member of the vacuum cup assembly of FIG. 3 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of the retaining plate and the sealing member of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIGS. 6A-D show partial cross-sectional views of the retaining plate and the sealing member of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of a retaining plate of the vacuum cup assembly of FIG. 4 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a lower isometric view of a rail assembly including a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the disclosure
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first hole pattern in a rail member in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second hole pattern in a rail member in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 11 is an upper isometric view of a rail assembly including a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a vacuum generator of FIG. 11 ;
  • FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a representative manufacturing assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a first portion of a manufacturing process in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a second portion of a manufacturing process in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a manufacturing operation in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • FIGS. 16A , 16 B and 17 A- 17 D show enlarged, partial cross-sectional and end elevational views of a coordinate pin of FIG. 16 , and a coordinate pin reader, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations, and more specifically, to manufacturing operations employing vacuum devices, and to manufacturing operations that employ an indexing system based on pin locations.
  • Many specific details of certain embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-17 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments.
  • One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the present disclosure may have additional embodiments, or that the present disclosure may be practiced without several of the details described in the following description.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are upper and lower isometric views, respectively, of a vacuum support assembly 100 having a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the vacuum support assembly 100 includes a rack 102 to which the vacuum cup assemblies 110 are attached.
  • An intake manifold 104 having an intake port 106 is mounted at a first end of the rack 102 .
  • a cover (or muffler) 107 extends along the length of the rack 102 , as described more fully below.
  • An air supply line 108 extends from the manifold 104 to one or more of the vacuum cup assemblies 110 .
  • vacuum lines 109 extend between adjacent vacuum cup assemblies 110 .
  • FIG. 3 is an upper isometric, partial cross-sectional view of a vacuum cup assembly 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the vacuum cup assembly 110 includes a vacuum generator 112 having a housing 114 with a retaining plate 116 coupled to a sealing member 118 .
  • the housing 114 includes a pair of tube clips 120 extending from opposing ends thereof, and a plurality of attachment holes 124 (four shown) are disposed in the housing 114 to facilitate the attachment of the housing 114 to the rack 102 (e.g. by bolts or other suitable attachment members).
  • An air supply port 122 is disposed in the housing 114 and is fluidly coupled to a high pressure portion 132 of an internal flow duct 134 (shown in phantom lines) disposed through the housing 114 .
  • the high pressure portion 132 of the internal flow duct 134 leads to a venturi portion 136 , and then to a low pressure portion 138 .
  • the internal flow duct 134 exits the housing 114 at a pair of exhaust ports 131 (shown in phantom lines).
  • the housing 114 includes a pair of outwardly-depending exhaust mufflers 126 that at least partially shroud the air exhaust ports 131 .
  • an auxiliary vacuum port 128 is disposed in the housing 114 and is coupled by an auxiliary flow duct 140 (shown in phantom lines) to the low pressure portion 138 of the internal flow duct 114 .
  • any suitable fluid medium may be used to operate the vacuum cup assemblies 110 , and that the present disclosure is not limited to air as the operating fluid medium.
  • air will be used to refer to the operating fluid medium.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are top and bottom elevational views, respectively, of the retaining plate 116 and the sealing member 118 of the vacuum cup assembly 110 of FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 6 shows various partial cross-sectional views of the retaining plate 116 and the sealing member 118 of FIG. 4 .
  • FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the retaining plate 116 of FIG. 4 .
  • a plurality of coupling apertures 130 are disposed through the retaining plate 116 for coupling the retaining plate 116 (and the sealing member 118 ) to the housing 114 using fasteners (not shown).
  • a source of pressurized air is coupled to the intake port 106 of the vacuum support assembly 110 .
  • the pressurized air passed into the intake manifold 104 and then through the air line 108 to one or more of the vacuum cup assemblies 110 .
  • the pressurized air enters the air supply port 122 of the vacuum generator 112 (see arrow A) and passes through the high pressure portion 132 (see arrow B) of the internal flow duct 134 .
  • the pressurize air then expands through the venturi portion 136 and into the low pressure portion 138 (see arrow C) of the internal flow duct 134 .
  • the expanded air is exhausted from the internal flow duct 134 via the exhaust ports 130 (see arrows D) into the surrounding environment.
  • one or more vacuum ports 142 are disposed in a bottom surface 144 of the vacuum generator 112 and provide fluid communication between the low pressure portion 138 of the internal flow duct 134 and a suction chamber 146 formed between the vacuum cup assembly 110 and a workpiece 148 (see FIG. 3 ).
  • the pressurized air is expanded through the venturi portion 136 , the low pressure portion 138 , the exhaust ducts 130 , and the suction chamber 146 formed between the vacuum cup assembly 110 and the workpiece 148 is exhausted (i.e. the pressure within the suction chamber 146 drops).
  • the sealing member 118 is flexible and bends from an initial non-deflected position 150 ( FIG.
  • vacuum generator 112 configurations may be conceived, and that the vacuum generator is not limited to the particular configuration described above and shown in the accompanying figures. It will also be appreciated that the vacuum generator may be at least partially fabricated from known, conventional vacuum generators 112 , including, for example, those vacuum generators offered as model number X5 vacuum generators by PIAB, Inc. of Hingham, Mass.
  • the vacuum cup assemblies 110 may provide several advantages over prior art vacuum cup assemblies. For example, because the vacuum cup assemblies 110 rely on pressurized air which is used to form the necessary pressure drop within the suction chamber 146 locally at each vacuum cup assembly 110 , the vacuum support assembly 100 is far less sensitive to pressure losses than prior art assemblies. In contrast to such prior art assemblies, in which the maximum pressure differential along a vacuum line leading from a vacuum source to each vacuum cup assembly is one atmosphere (at most), in the vacuum support apparatus 100 , the pressure differential along the air lines 108 leading to the vacuum cup assemblies 110 can be far greater than one atmosphere. Thus, the energy that can be transferred from the point of generation to the point of use though a given size of tube is far greater in embodiments of the present disclosure than in prior art assemblies.
  • the apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure may operate more efficiently than comparable prior art systems. Also, because of the improved operational efficiencies, embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize relatively smaller, less bulky components (e.g. smaller diameter tubes), enabling vacuum support assemblies 100 in accordance with the present disclosure to be used in a wider variety of applications.
  • relatively smaller, less bulky components e.g. smaller diameter tubes
  • embodiments of vacuum support assemblies may be more robust and reliable in comparison with alternate, prior art vacuum support assemblies. Since the vacuum cup assemblies rely on pressurized air, and since the pressure differential within the air supply system for the pressurized air may greatly exceed one atmosphere, embodiments of the present disclosure may be far less sensitive to leakage and failure of a particular system component (e.g. a sealing member of a vacuum cup assembly). Thus, even in the event that one vacuum usage point (e.g. a vacuum cup assembly) becomes disabled, the reduced pressures within the suction chambers of the other vacuum cup assemblies 110 may remain relatively unaffected, and the vacuum support assembly 100 may continue to operate.
  • a particular system component e.g. a sealing member of a vacuum cup assembly
  • embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously eliminate the need for portable vacuum sources to accompany the vacuum support assembly, relying instead on more commonly-available sources of pressurized air.
  • embodiments of the present disclosure may provide improved accessibility and ease of use in comparison with alternate, prior art assemblies.
  • Some embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageously use an integrated assembly of a vacuum cup, vacuum pump/generator, manifold, muffler and mounting system all-in-one. In alternate embodiments, this may be accomplished by using, for example, off-the-shelf components integrated into a common housing, or the generator and muffler may be physically fabricated into the backshell/housing of the vacuum cup. This compact and common design can easily be mounted and plumbed in many different configurations for various applications.
  • two or more vacuum cup assemblies 110 can share common a vacuum generator 112 and/or supply pressure line 108 to improve reliability, reduced flow requirements, assembly time and tubing lines.
  • FIG. 8 provides a lower isometric view of a rail assembly 200 including a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 110 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the rail assembly 200 includes a rail member 202 having first and second edges 204 , 206 .
  • a rail member 202 having first and second edges 204 , 206 .
  • a manufacturing tool may be operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second edges 204 , 206 of the rail member 202 for performing manufacturing operations on the workpiece 148 .
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic views of first and second hole patterns 216 , 218 , respectively, that may be formed in the rail member 202 for this purpose.
  • FIG. 11 is an upper isometric view of a rail assembly 300 including a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 310 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the vacuum cup assemblies 310 are coupled to a lower surface 308 of a rail member 302
  • a vacuum generator 312 is disposed between and operatively coupled to a pair of adjacent vacuum cup assemblies 310 .
  • the air line 108 is coupled to the vacuum generator 312 and extends along the lower surface 308 of the rail member 302 (i.e. the same surface upon which the vacuum cup assemblies 310 are attached), thereby advantageously leaving the upper surface free from obstructions to facilitate the movement of manufacturing tools or carriage assemblies along the upper surface of the rail member 302 .
  • FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the vacuum generator 312 of FIG. 11 .
  • the air line 108 is coupled to the intake port 306 so that pressurized air passes through the internal flow duct 334 disposed within the housing 314 .
  • a pair of vacuum ports 328 are fluidly coupled to the internal flow duct 334 (e.g. to the venturi portion 336 or the low pressure portion 338 ), and are in turn coupled to vacuum lines 329 which lead to the suction chamber 346 of each of the adjacent vacuum cup assemblies 310 .
  • the pressurized air exits the internal flow duct 334 via the exhaust apertures 330 , which are at least partially shrouded by the shrouds 336 .
  • FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a representative manufacturing assembly 400 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the manufacturing assembly 400 includes a track assembly 410 controllably attachable to a workpiece 130 , and a carriage assembly 420 moveably coupled to the track assembly 410 .
  • a secondary controller 430 is mounted on the carriage assembly 420 and is operatively coupled to a primary controller 434 . At least one of the secondary controller 430 and the primary controller 434 may also be coupled to a manufacturing tool 451 mounted on the carriage assembly 420 .
  • the track assembly 410 may include first and second rails 422 , 424 , each rail 422 , 424 being equipped with a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 414 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
  • the vacuum cup assemblies 414 are fluidly coupled to a supply line 416 leading to a source of pressurized fluid 418 , such as a pump or the like, such that a reduced pressure may be formed in the suction chambers of the vacuum cup assemblies 414 as described above to secure the track assembly 410 to the workpiece 480 .
  • the rails 422 , 424 may be connected by one or more connecting members 428 , and may be adapted to bend, twist, and flex to adjust to the contours of the workpiece 130 .
  • the carriage assembly 420 may translate along the rails 422 , 424 by virtue of rollers 432 that are mounted on an x-axis carriage 460 of the carriage assembly 420 and engaged with the rails 422 , 424 .
  • each rail 422 , 424 may have a V-shaped edge engaged by the rollers 32 , and the rollers 32 may include V-shaped grooves that receive the V-shaped edges of the rails 422 , 424 .
  • the x-axis carriage 460 may be adapted to flex and twist as needed (i.e. as dictated by the contour of the workpiece 130 ) as the carriage assembly 420 traverses the rails 422 , 422 to allow a limited degree of relative movement to occur between the x-axis carriage 430 and the rollers 432 . Consequently, a reference axis of the carriage assembly 420 (in the illustrated embodiment, a z-axis normal to the plane of the x-axis carriage 460 ) may be maintained substantially normal to the workpiece 130 at any position of the carriage assembly 420 along the rails 422 , 424 .
  • a rack 438 for a rack and pinion arrangement is mounted along the rail 424 .
  • a first motor 440 and associated first gearbox 442 is mounted on the carriage assembly 420 .
  • An output shaft from the first gearbox 442 has a first pinion gear 444 mounted thereon which engages the rack 438 on the rail 424 .
  • rotation of the first pinion gear 444 by the first motor 440 drives the carriage assembly 420 along the rails 422 , 424 .
  • the carriage assembly 420 further includes a y-axis carriage 450 slideably mounted atop the x-axis carriage 460 so that the y-axis carriage 450 can slide back and forth along a y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis direction. More particularly, rails 452 , 454 are affixed to the opposite edges of the x-axis carriage 460 , and rollers 456 are mounted on the y-axis carriage 450 for engaging the rails 452 , 454 . A rack 458 for a rack and pinion arrangement is affixed to the x-axis carriage 460 along the rail 454 .
  • a second motor 480 and associated second gearbox 482 are mounted on the y-axis carriage 450 and drive a second pinion gear (not shown) that engages the rack 458 to drive the y-axis carriage 450 in the y-axis direction. Additional aspects of the manufacturing assembly 400 are described in the above-referenced co-pending, commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/016,524 entitled “Flexible Track Drilling Machine” filed Dec. 10, 2001, previously incorporated by reference herein.
  • the manufacturing assembly 400 may be mounted onto the workpiece 130 by providing a flow of pressurized fluid medium from the source 418 to the vacuum cup assemblies 414 in a manner as described above.
  • the carriage assembly 420 may then be moved to a desired position over the workpiece 130 .
  • at least one of the primary and secondary controllers 434 , 430 may transmit control signals to the first drive motor 440 to drive the carriage assembly 420 along the track assembly 410 , and may also transmit control signals to the second drive motor 480 to adjust the position of the y-axis carriage 450 be coupled to the carriage assembly 420 by, for example, a clamp ring 470 or other suitable structure that provides access to the workpiece 130 for the manufacturing tool 451 .
  • the various operations of the manufacturing assembly 400 may be accomplished in an automated or semi-automated manner using computerized numerically-controlled (CNC) methods and algorithms. Alternately, the various operations of the manufacturing assembly 400 may be performed manually or partially-manually by an operator, such as, for example, by having the operator provide manual control inputs to the primary and/or secondary controllers 434 , 430 , or by temporarily disabling or neutralizing the above-referenced motors and drive assemblies to permit manual movement. In a particular aspect, at least one of the primary and secondary controllers 434 , 430 includes a CNC control system.
  • manufacturing assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure may be operated in combination with a wide variety of manufacturing tools 451 , including but not limited to, drilling devices, riveters, mechanical and electromagnetic dent pullers, welders, wrenches, clamps, sanders, nailers, screw guns, or virtually any other desired type of manufacturing tools or measuring instruments.
  • manufacturing tools 451 including but not limited to, drilling devices, riveters, mechanical and electromagnetic dent pullers, welders, wrenches, clamps, sanders, nailers, screw guns, or virtually any other desired type of manufacturing tools or measuring instruments.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 are flow charts of first and second portions, respectively, of a manufacturing process 600 that uses coordinate or “smart” pins in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the manufacturing process 600 is adapted for manufacture of wing spar of an aircraft wing assembly. It will be appreciated, however, that the manufacturing process 600 may alternately be adapted for the manufacture of any desired article of manufacture, and that embodiments of methods in accordance with the disclosure are not limited solely to the manufacture of a wing spar.
  • the manufacturing process 600 may begin with the formation of tool holes in one or more spar webs at a block 602 .
  • the spar webs may then be at least one of formed, chemically treated, and primed at a block 604 .
  • one or more coordinate pins are applied (or installed) into the tool holes.
  • the coordinate pins (or smart pins) may remain installed in the tool holes throughout one or more subsequent actions of the manufacturing process 600 , and may advantageously be used by one or more pieces of manufacturing equipment throughout the manufacturing process 600 .
  • the coordinate pins may, for example, be used to monitor spar growth, to locate spar features, to locate fasteners, to position sealant application machinery, to position automated wash and dry equipment, to obtain manufacturing plan information, or for any other suitable process or activity.
  • the spar chords are machined, and at a block 610 , the spar chords are at least one of formed, chemically treated, and primed.
  • measurements of the spar are performed for quality control, and one or more of the blocks 602 through 608 may be repeated as necessary.
  • the spar webs and chords are sealed, attached together, and permanently coupled (e.g. tack fastened), and a chord locating device may be used to locate the chords and fasteners.
  • a fastening system may install bolts on remaining chord and web locations at a block 616 .
  • an O-frame may be suitably employed to allow for quiet sealing of fasteners, and a lighter structure which may be suitable for bolts.
  • An offline verification and maintenance of equipment may be performed at a block 618 . Again, measurements of the spar may be performed at a block 620 , and one or more previous steps may be repeated as needed.
  • one or more coordinate holes may be drilled for ribposts, stiffeners, brackets, or other components.
  • a Low Cost Automation Technology (LCAT) adaptive feedback Determinant Assembly (DA) machine is used for these drilling operations.
  • LCAT Low Cost Automation Technology
  • DA adaptive feedback Determinant Assembly
  • a DA machine is a machine that uses matching part-to-part features (e.g. holes, etc.) to assemble a product accurately versus using traditional locating jigs or special tools.
  • an offline verification and maintenance of equipment may be performed.
  • the ribposts and stiffeners may be sealed as required, and installed (e.g. manually) using permanent fasteners in corresponding coordination holes at a block 626 .
  • the ribposts and stiffeners may be provided with DA holes at a block 628 .
  • Relevant information regarding the manufacturing operation 600 may be transmitted to a manufacturing plan information system at a block 630 .
  • one or more miscellaneous brackets may be sealed as required, and installed (e.g. manually) using permanent fasteners in corresponding coordination holes, and at a block 634 , the brackets may be provided with DA holes.
  • a fastening system installs fasteners at appropriate ribpost, stiffener, and bracket locations. Information from the offline verification and maintenance of equipment at the block 624 may be received into the block 636 for this purpose.
  • an LCAT O-frame fastening system installs bolts and/or rivets during the block 636 .
  • the manufacturing process 600 continues at a block 638 .
  • measurements of the wing spar may be performed at a block 640 , and one or more previous steps may be repeated as needed.
  • coordination holes may be formed for leading edge (LE) web stiffeners and second stage fittings.
  • LCAT adaptive feedback DA machine is used for this purpose.
  • Information may be transmitted to or received from an offline verification and maintenance of equipment at a block 644 (or from the block 624 ). Then, using the web stiffeners from the block 628 , the web stiffeners and second stage fittings are sealed as required, and permanent fasteners installed in the coordination holes, at a block 646 .
  • information from the manufacturing plan information system may be provided to the block 646 .
  • fasteners may be installed into the LE stiffeners and second stage fittings at a block 650 .
  • information may be transmitted to or received from an offline verification and maintenance of equipment at a block 652 (or from the block 624 ).
  • the second stage fittings pick-up operations are performed at a block 654 .
  • information from the manufacturing plan information system may be provided to the block 654 .
  • a spar cleaning is performed at a block 658 .
  • the cleaning may be a “car wash” type of cleaning.
  • the spar fillet is sealed (e.g. with an application system). Sealing pick-up operations are performed at a block 662 .
  • Information may be provided at the block 662 from the manufacturing plan information system (block 656 ).
  • at least one of a leading edge attachment and a shipping of the part for final assembly is performed.
  • FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a manufacturing operation 700 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • a workpiece 702 e.g. a wing spar
  • an operator 706 manually applies a plurality of coordinate pins (or smart pins or smart buttons) 710 into a corresponding plurality of holes 708 in the workpiece 702 .
  • the holes 708 may be formed by any desired method, including, for example, Determinant Spar Assembly Cell (DSAC), Automated Spar Assembly Tool (ASAT), robot, milling machine, or any other suitable drilling device or method.
  • the coordinate pins 710 may be installed in specific tool hole locations. In one embodiment, the coordinate pins 710 are so-called “quick disconnect” pins.
  • the coordinate pins 710 can include industry-standard HSK type machine tool holders to improve dimensional accuracy. Other suitable types of coordinate pin systems could also be used.
  • each of the coordinate pins 710 installed in the workpiece 702 may be individualized and may contain highly specific characteristics or identification information that is unique to the specified location of each respective coordinate pin 710 . Therefore, placement of the coordinate pins 710 into the workpiece 702 may be checked and certified, for example, by a second operator or quality assurance inspector (not shown).
  • the coordinate pins 710 may be kept in a precision equipment box and color-coded, or otherwise marked, for placement in a specific hole location 708 . Also, upon completion of manufacturing operations on the workpiece 702 , the coordinate pins 710 may be removeable and reusable for similar manufacturing operations on subsequent workpieces 702 .
  • a process for installing the coordinate pins 710 could start by assigning a box containing a set of unique coordinate pins 710 to a specific workpiece 702 (e.g. a front wing spar Part No. IGW-200 for a Model 777 aircraft commercially-available from The Boeing Company of Chicago, Ill.).
  • the coordinate pins 710 may be designated for their respective index hole 708 in the workpiece 702 by, for example, color coding of the pins, or cross-referencing numbers that are affixed or stamped on the pins, or any other suitable means.
  • the operator 706 select the correct box of coordinate pins 710 to install for the respective workpiece 702 , and then install each coordinate pin 710 into its corresponding index hole 708 .
  • FIG. 17 shows enlarged, partial cross-sectional and end elevational views of a coordinate pin 710 of FIG. 16 , and a coordinate pin reader 730 , in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the coordinate pin 710 may include an identifier 712 containing identification information that may be useful in the performance of one or more actions of the manufacturing process 600 ( FIGS. 14 and 15 ).
  • the identifier 712 may be embedded within a tip portion of the coordinate pin 710 .
  • the pin reader 730 In an engaged position 740 , the pin reader 730 may be engaged with the coordinate pin 710 so that a receiving member 732 of the pin reader 730 engages with the identifier 712 and receives the identification information contained therein.
  • the identification information may be transmitted via a conductive lead 734 to a data acquisition system (not shown), a controller, a manufacturing plan information system, or other suitable data analysis and storage system.
  • the identifier 712 may be a sensor that is embedded into the coordinate pin 710 .
  • a number of different types of contact and non-contact sensors are commercially-available that may be used for this purpose.
  • a sensor known as a “smart button” available from Dallas Semiconductor, Inc. of Dallas, Tex. may be employed that is about the size of a typical watch battery and has a unique character string identifier that is embedded in a microchip.
  • Each smart button is robust and costs only a few dollars.
  • a smart button reader 730 can read the smart button's unique identifier by simply touching the surface of the smart button. An electrical micro voltage potential between the reader 730 and the button 710 provides the power source to read the button 710 .
  • the smart buttons 710 are installed then multiple pieces of manufacturing equipment can hook up to any of the coordinate pin locations and read the unique character string identifier for that location.
  • the manufacturing system can then automatically look up the unique character identifier in a table, and may cross-reference the workpiece information for that location.
  • a piece of automated drilling equipment such as the manufacturing assembly 400 described above and shown in FIG. 13 , may be attached to the coordinate pin 710 .
  • the drilling equipment may include a pin reader 730 (e.g. in its secondary controller 430 or its manufacturing tool 451 ), and may download the identification information of the coordinate pin 710 to, for example, the primary controller 434 .
  • the primary controller 434 may perform the table look up on the identification information.
  • the identification information may be cross-referenced to the workpiece of interest, and other various details about the manufacturing operation (e.g. airplane model, structure, station number, and data sets for that location).
  • the primary controller 434 may then formulate one or more control signals to the carriage assembly 420 or the manufacturing tool 451 accordingly.
  • the identification information in the coordinate pin 710 may advantageously allow unique identification of each index hole 708 location so that manufacturing equipment will be better able to know where and what assembly operations are to be performed on the workpiece 702 .
  • the coordinate pins 710 may be installed, for example, in the block 606 .
  • the coordinate pins 710 may be employed during various operations and sub-processes of the manufacturing process 600 , including, for example, for monitoring spar growth, for locating spar features, to position sealant application machinery, to position washing and drying equipment, to obtain manufacturing plan information, and during any other suitable operation or sub-process. More specifically, in the manufacturing process 600 shown in FIGS.
  • the coordinate pins 710 may be used in numerous processes and sub-processes, including, for example, in blocks 614 through 624 , in block 630 , in blocks 636 and 642 , in block 650 , and in blocks 656 through 660 .
  • the coordinate pins 710 may remain in the workpiece 702 as the workpiece 702 progresses beyond the manufacturing process 600 .
  • the coordinate pins 710 remain in the wing spar 702 after a spar assembly process and into a wing majors assembly process.
  • the wing majors assembly process may use the coordinate pins for the same or similar purposes and uses as during the manufacturing process 600 .
  • the coordinate pins 710 may be finally removed and recycled for the next workpiece 702 .
  • the coordinate pins 710 may advantageously establish a common index throughout a production process.
  • Embodiments of apparatus and methods that include indexing in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure may allow a dramatic reduction or elimination of at least some of the traditional tools and traditional “monument like” equipment involved in conventional manufacturing processes.
  • Embodiments of methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be relatively lower cost, relatively simple, and relatively flexible and adaptable in comparison with prior art manufacturing apparatus and methods.
  • Traditional hard tooling and indexing systems are relatively more expensive to design, build, and maintain in comparison with the inventive indexing apparatus and methods disclosed herein. Since tooling for large manufacturing operations, such as a new airplane, typically comprises a substantial percentage of the capital investment needed to begin manufacturing operations, the cost savings attributable to apparatus and methods in accordance with the present disclosure may be substantial.
  • apparatus and methods in accordance with the present disclosure may also provide other advantages over prior art manufacturing apparatus and methods.
  • embodiments of the present disclosure may allow index locations to be identified relatively quickly, and may provide a convenient method for configuration control in automated processing operations.
  • embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a method for communicating key manufacturing instructions throughout the manufacturing process at relatively low cost and high reliability.
  • Embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide a method of “mistake proofing” manufacturing operations to reduce or eliminate manufacturing errors.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automatic Assembly (AREA)

Abstract

Techniques of performing a manufacturing operation on a workpiece are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming an indexing hole in the workpiece. A coordinating pin may be installed into the indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information. A sensor may be positioned proximate the coordinating pin. The quantum of indexing information may be sensed with a sensor. A manufacturing operation may be performed on the workpiece based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This patent application is a divisional application of co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,713 entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Manufacturing Operations” filed on Jul. 30, 2004, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/500,863, filed Sep. 5, 2003, which applications are incorporated herein by reference.
  • TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations, and more specifically, to manufacturing operations employing vacuum devices, and to manufacturing operations that employ an indexing system based on pin locations.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Manufacturing operations in many fields typically require accurate positioning of manufacturing tools over a workpiece. The manufacturing environment and the structural details of the workpiece often make it difficult to properly position the manufacturing tool relative to the workpiece to achieve the desired manufacturing operation with the necessary degree of accuracy. This is particularly true in the field of aircraft manufacturing, wherein a large number of manufacturing operations are typically needed on a variety of contoured surfaces. Similar difficulties may be encountered, for example, in the manufacture of ships, railcars, missiles, sheet metal buildings, and other similar structures.
  • It is known that a support assembly that supports a manufacturing tool may be temporarily attached to a surface of the workpiece in order to facilitate manufacturing operations on the workpiece. Some conventional support assemblies utilize one or more elongated rails equipped with vacuum cup assemblies for temporarily attaching the support assembly to the workpiece, including, for example, those assemblies generally disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,385 B1 issued to Buttrick et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,084 B1 issued to Banks et al. In such conventional support assemblies, the rails may be coupled to the workpiece using the vacuum cup assemblies over a desired section of the workpiece, and then a manufacturing tool may be mounted on a carriage that is moveable along the rails. The carriage may then be traversed along the rails in a manual or automated fashion, and the desired manufacturing operations may be performed.
  • Vacuum for the vacuum cup assemblies of such conventional support assemblies is typically generated externally from the point-of-use, such as by a vacuum pump or other suitable source. The vacuum is then routed to each vacuum cup assembly by one or more vacuum lines. In order to isolate one vacuum circuit from another it is usually necessary to run separate, multiple lines to each vacuum cup assembly, or incorporate a valve network to isolate one line from another. Because the pressure differential along the length of each vacuum line is at most one atmosphere, care must be taken to avoid line losses which may degrade the degree of vacuum provided to the vacuum cup assemblies. One conventional approach to solving this line-loss problem is to provide a portable vacuum pump that may be transported along with the vacuum assembly in order to reduce the lengths of the vacuum lines between the vacuum pump and the vacuum cup assemblies.
  • Traditional hard tooling and indexing systems for large-scale manufacturing operations typically involve the construction of large, “monument like” equipment that provides support and indexing during manufacturing operations on a workpiece. Such structures are typically very expensive to design, build, and maintain. For example, the tooling for a new airplane manufacturing operation may comprise a substantial percentage of the initial investment cost of the manufacturing facilities needed to produce the aircraft.
  • Although desirable results have been achieved using the prior art manufacturing methods and apparatus, there is still room for improvement. Namely, it may yet be possible to improve the operating efficiency, cost, and performance of such manufacturing operations.
  • SUMMARY
  • The present disclosure is directed to methods for manufacturing operations, and more specifically, to manufacturing operations employing vacuum devices, and to manufacturing operations that employ an indexing system based on pin locations. Methods in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously improve the efficiency, throughput, and accuracy of manufacturing operations on a workpiece.
  • In one embodiment, a method includes forming an indexing hole in the workpiece. A coordinating pin may be installed into the indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information. A sensor may be positioned proximate the coordinating pin. The quantum of indexing information may be sensed with a sensor. A manufacturing operation may be performed on the workpiece based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings.
  • FIG. 1 is an upper isometric view of a vacuum support assembly having a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 2 is a lower isometric view of the vacuum support assembly of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is an upper isometric, partial cross-sectional view of a vacuum cup assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 4 is a top elevational view of a retaining plate and a sealing member of the vacuum cup assembly of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a bottom elevational view of the retaining plate and the sealing member of FIG. 4;
  • FIGS. 6A-D show partial cross-sectional views of the retaining plate and the sealing member of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of a retaining plate of the vacuum cup assembly of FIG. 4;
  • FIG. 8 is a lower isometric view of a rail assembly including a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a first hole pattern in a rail member in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a second hole pattern in a rail member in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 11 is an upper isometric view of a rail assembly including a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 12 is an isometric view of a vacuum generator of FIG. 11;
  • FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a representative manufacturing assembly in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a first portion of a manufacturing process in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 15 is a flow chart of a second portion of a manufacturing process in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a manufacturing operation in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure; and
  • FIGS. 16A, 16B and 17A-17D show enlarged, partial cross-sectional and end elevational views of a coordinate pin of FIG. 16, and a coordinate pin reader, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • The present disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations, and more specifically, to manufacturing operations employing vacuum devices, and to manufacturing operations that employ an indexing system based on pin locations. Many specific details of certain embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the following description and in FIGS. 1-17 to provide a thorough understanding of such embodiments. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the present disclosure may have additional embodiments, or that the present disclosure may be practiced without several of the details described in the following description.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are upper and lower isometric views, respectively, of a vacuum support assembly 100 having a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the vacuum support assembly 100 includes a rack 102 to which the vacuum cup assemblies 110 are attached. An intake manifold 104 having an intake port 106 is mounted at a first end of the rack 102. A cover (or muffler) 107 extends along the length of the rack 102, as described more fully below. An air supply line 108 extends from the manifold 104 to one or more of the vacuum cup assemblies 110. Similarly, vacuum lines 109 extend between adjacent vacuum cup assemblies 110.
  • FIG. 3 is an upper isometric, partial cross-sectional view of a vacuum cup assembly 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the vacuum cup assembly 110 includes a vacuum generator 112 having a housing 114 with a retaining plate 116 coupled to a sealing member 118. The housing 114 includes a pair of tube clips 120 extending from opposing ends thereof, and a plurality of attachment holes 124 (four shown) are disposed in the housing 114 to facilitate the attachment of the housing 114 to the rack 102 (e.g. by bolts or other suitable attachment members). An air supply port 122 is disposed in the housing 114 and is fluidly coupled to a high pressure portion 132 of an internal flow duct 134 (shown in phantom lines) disposed through the housing 114. In this embodiment, the high pressure portion 132 of the internal flow duct 134 leads to a venturi portion 136, and then to a low pressure portion 138. Finally, the internal flow duct 134 exits the housing 114 at a pair of exhaust ports 131 (shown in phantom lines). The housing 114 includes a pair of outwardly-depending exhaust mufflers 126 that at least partially shroud the air exhaust ports 131. Finally, an auxiliary vacuum port 128 is disposed in the housing 114 and is coupled by an auxiliary flow duct 140 (shown in phantom lines) to the low pressure portion 138 of the internal flow duct 114.
  • It will be appreciated that any suitable fluid medium may be used to operate the vacuum cup assemblies 110, and that the present disclosure is not limited to air as the operating fluid medium. For the sake of simplicity, however, throughout the following description, the term air will be used to refer to the operating fluid medium.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 are top and bottom elevational views, respectively, of the retaining plate 116 and the sealing member 118 of the vacuum cup assembly 110 of FIG. 3. FIG. 6 shows various partial cross-sectional views of the retaining plate 116 and the sealing member 118 of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the retaining plate 116 of FIG. 4. As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, a plurality of coupling apertures 130 are disposed through the retaining plate 116 for coupling the retaining plate 116 (and the sealing member 118) to the housing 114 using fasteners (not shown).
  • In operation, a source of pressurized air is coupled to the intake port 106 of the vacuum support assembly 110. The pressurized air passed into the intake manifold 104 and then through the air line 108 to one or more of the vacuum cup assemblies 110. At the vacuum cup assembly 110, the pressurized air enters the air supply port 122 of the vacuum generator 112 (see arrow A) and passes through the high pressure portion 132 (see arrow B) of the internal flow duct 134. The pressurize air then expands through the venturi portion 136 and into the low pressure portion 138 (see arrow C) of the internal flow duct 134. The expanded air is exhausted from the internal flow duct 134 via the exhaust ports 130 (see arrows D) into the surrounding environment.
  • As best shown in FIG. 2, one or more vacuum ports 142 are disposed in a bottom surface 144 of the vacuum generator 112 and provide fluid communication between the low pressure portion 138 of the internal flow duct 134 and a suction chamber 146 formed between the vacuum cup assembly 110 and a workpiece 148 (see FIG. 3). As the pressurized air is expanded through the venturi portion 136, the low pressure portion 138, the exhaust ducts 130, and the suction chamber 146 formed between the vacuum cup assembly 110 and the workpiece 148 is exhausted (i.e. the pressure within the suction chamber 146 drops). As shown in FIG. 6, the sealing member 118 is flexible and bends from an initial non-deflected position 150 (FIG. 6(B)) prior to the reduction of pressure within the suction chamber 146, to a deflected position 152 (FIG. 6(C)) substantially in alignment with a foot 119 as the pressure within the suction chamber 146 is reduced and the vacuum cup assembly 110 is drawn closer to the workpiece 148. Thus, the plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 110 adhere to the workpiece 148 and support the vacuum support assembly 100 in a desired position on the workpiece 148.
  • It will be appreciated that a variety of different vacuum generator 112 configurations may be conceived, and that the vacuum generator is not limited to the particular configuration described above and shown in the accompanying figures. It will also be appreciated that the vacuum generator may be at least partially fabricated from known, conventional vacuum generators 112, including, for example, those vacuum generators offered as model number X5 vacuum generators by PIAB, Inc. of Hingham, Mass.
  • The vacuum cup assemblies 110 may provide several advantages over prior art vacuum cup assemblies. For example, because the vacuum cup assemblies 110 rely on pressurized air which is used to form the necessary pressure drop within the suction chamber 146 locally at each vacuum cup assembly 110, the vacuum support assembly 100 is far less sensitive to pressure losses than prior art assemblies. In contrast to such prior art assemblies, in which the maximum pressure differential along a vacuum line leading from a vacuum source to each vacuum cup assembly is one atmosphere (at most), in the vacuum support apparatus 100, the pressure differential along the air lines 108 leading to the vacuum cup assemblies 110 can be far greater than one atmosphere. Thus, the energy that can be transferred from the point of generation to the point of use though a given size of tube is far greater in embodiments of the present disclosure than in prior art assemblies. As a result, in positive pressure systems in accordance with the present disclosure, because the necessary vacuum can be generated at the vacuum cup assembly more efficiently than in the prior art vacuum-based systems, the apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure may operate more efficiently than comparable prior art systems. Also, because of the improved operational efficiencies, embodiments of the present disclosure may utilize relatively smaller, less bulky components (e.g. smaller diameter tubes), enabling vacuum support assemblies 100 in accordance with the present disclosure to be used in a wider variety of applications.
  • Furthermore, embodiments of vacuum support assemblies may be more robust and reliable in comparison with alternate, prior art vacuum support assemblies. Since the vacuum cup assemblies rely on pressurized air, and since the pressure differential within the air supply system for the pressurized air may greatly exceed one atmosphere, embodiments of the present disclosure may be far less sensitive to leakage and failure of a particular system component (e.g. a sealing member of a vacuum cup assembly). Thus, even in the event that one vacuum usage point (e.g. a vacuum cup assembly) becomes disabled, the reduced pressures within the suction chambers of the other vacuum cup assemblies 110 may remain relatively unaffected, and the vacuum support assembly 100 may continue to operate.
  • In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously eliminate the need for portable vacuum sources to accompany the vacuum support assembly, relying instead on more commonly-available sources of pressurized air. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide improved accessibility and ease of use in comparison with alternate, prior art assemblies.
  • It will be appreciated that a wide variety of support assemblies and manufacturing assemblies may be conceived that incorporate embodiments of apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure. Some embodiments of the present disclosure may advantageously use an integrated assembly of a vacuum cup, vacuum pump/generator, manifold, muffler and mounting system all-in-one. In alternate embodiments, this may be accomplished by using, for example, off-the-shelf components integrated into a common housing, or the generator and muffler may be physically fabricated into the backshell/housing of the vacuum cup. This compact and common design can easily be mounted and plumbed in many different configurations for various applications. In further embodiments, two or more vacuum cup assemblies 110 can share common a vacuum generator 112 and/or supply pressure line 108 to improve reliability, reduced flow requirements, assembly time and tubing lines.
  • For example, one possible embodiment is shown in FIG. 8, which provides a lower isometric view of a rail assembly 200 including a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 110 in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the rail assembly 200 includes a rail member 202 having first and second edges 204, 206. As described, for example, in the above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,385 B1 issued to Buttrick et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,084 B1 issued to Banks et al., which patents are incorporated herein by reference, a manufacturing tool may be operatively coupled to at least one of the first and second edges 204, 206 of the rail member 202 for performing manufacturing operations on the workpiece 148.
  • With continue reference to FIG. 8, the plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 110 are coupled directly to a lower surface 208 of the rail member 202 by fasteners 212 passing through the coupling apertures 130 (FIG. 7). The air lines 108 may extend along an upper surface 214 (not visible in FIG. 8) of the rail member 202, and may provide the necessary flow of pressurized air to the vacuum generators 112 of the vacuum cup assemblies 110 via air holes formed in the rail member 202. FIGS. 9 and 10 are schematic views of first and second hole patterns 216, 218, respectively, that may be formed in the rail member 202 for this purpose. Thus, the above-described advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure may be achieved in a rail assembly 200 as shown in FIGS. 8 through 10.
  • FIG. 11 is an upper isometric view of a rail assembly 300 including a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 310 in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the vacuum cup assemblies 310 are coupled to a lower surface 308 of a rail member 302, and a vacuum generator 312 is disposed between and operatively coupled to a pair of adjacent vacuum cup assemblies 310. The air line 108 is coupled to the vacuum generator 312 and extends along the lower surface 308 of the rail member 302 (i.e. the same surface upon which the vacuum cup assemblies 310 are attached), thereby advantageously leaving the upper surface free from obstructions to facilitate the movement of manufacturing tools or carriage assemblies along the upper surface of the rail member 302.
  • FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the vacuum generator 312 of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, the air line 108 is coupled to the intake port 306 so that pressurized air passes through the internal flow duct 334 disposed within the housing 314. A pair of vacuum ports 328 are fluidly coupled to the internal flow duct 334 (e.g. to the venturi portion 336 or the low pressure portion 338), and are in turn coupled to vacuum lines 329 which lead to the suction chamber 346 of each of the adjacent vacuum cup assemblies 310. As in the embodiment described above, the pressurized air exits the internal flow duct 334 via the exhaust apertures 330, which are at least partially shrouded by the shrouds 336. The above-noted advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure may thereby be achieved in a rail assembly 300 wherein a single vacuum generator 312 creates a reduced pressure (or vacuum) for a pair of adjacent vacuum assemblies as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12.
  • It will be appreciated that various additional embodiments of manufacturing apparatus incorporating one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be conceived in accordance with the present disclosure. Such apparatus may range from automated, computer controlled manufacturing apparatus, to relatively-simple manually-operated apparatus, and even to relatively simple, manually-driven apparatus. Representative manufacturing assemblies which may incorporate apparatus in accordance with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, those manufacturing assemblies generally described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,850,763 issued to Jack et al., as well as the exemplary manufacturing assemblies disclosed in co-pending, commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/016,524 entitled “Flexible Track Drilling Machine” filed Dec. 10, 2001, co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/606,402 entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Servo-Controlled Manufacturing Operations” filed Jun. 25, 2003, co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/606,443 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Counter-Balance Assisted Manufacturing Operations” filed Jun. 25, 2003, co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/606,472 entitled “Methods and Apparatus for Manufacturing Operations Using Opposing-Force Support Systems” filed Jun. 25, 2003, and co-pending, commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/606,473 entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Manufacturing Operations Using Non-Contact Position Sensing” filed Jun. 25, 2003, which patents and patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference.
  • FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a representative manufacturing assembly 400 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, the manufacturing assembly 400 includes a track assembly 410 controllably attachable to a workpiece 130, and a carriage assembly 420 moveably coupled to the track assembly 410. A secondary controller 430 is mounted on the carriage assembly 420 and is operatively coupled to a primary controller 434. At least one of the secondary controller 430 and the primary controller 434 may also be coupled to a manufacturing tool 451 mounted on the carriage assembly 420.
  • As further shown in FIG. 13, the track assembly 410 may include first and second rails 422, 424, each rail 422, 424 being equipped with a plurality of vacuum cup assemblies 414 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum cup assemblies 414 are fluidly coupled to a supply line 416 leading to a source of pressurized fluid 418, such as a pump or the like, such that a reduced pressure may be formed in the suction chambers of the vacuum cup assemblies 414 as described above to secure the track assembly 410 to the workpiece 480.
  • The rails 422, 424 may be connected by one or more connecting members 428, and may be adapted to bend, twist, and flex to adjust to the contours of the workpiece 130. The carriage assembly 420 may translate along the rails 422, 424 by virtue of rollers 432 that are mounted on an x-axis carriage 460 of the carriage assembly 420 and engaged with the rails 422, 424. In a particular embodiment, each rail 422, 424 may have a V-shaped edge engaged by the rollers 32, and the rollers 32 may include V-shaped grooves that receive the V-shaped edges of the rails 422, 424. In another embodiment, the x-axis carriage 460 may be adapted to flex and twist as needed (i.e. as dictated by the contour of the workpiece 130) as the carriage assembly 420 traverses the rails 422, 422 to allow a limited degree of relative movement to occur between the x-axis carriage 430 and the rollers 432. Consequently, a reference axis of the carriage assembly 420 (in the illustrated embodiment, a z-axis normal to the plane of the x-axis carriage 460) may be maintained substantially normal to the workpiece 130 at any position of the carriage assembly 420 along the rails 422, 424.
  • As further shown in FIG. 13, a rack 438 for a rack and pinion arrangement is mounted along the rail 424. A first motor 440 and associated first gearbox 442 is mounted on the carriage assembly 420. An output shaft from the first gearbox 442 has a first pinion gear 444 mounted thereon which engages the rack 438 on the rail 424. Thus, rotation of the first pinion gear 444 by the first motor 440 drives the carriage assembly 420 along the rails 422, 424.
  • With continued reference to FIG. 13, the carriage assembly 420 further includes a y-axis carriage 450 slideably mounted atop the x-axis carriage 460 so that the y-axis carriage 450 can slide back and forth along a y-axis direction perpendicular to the x-axis direction. More particularly, rails 452, 454 are affixed to the opposite edges of the x-axis carriage 460, and rollers 456 are mounted on the y-axis carriage 450 for engaging the rails 452, 454. A rack 458 for a rack and pinion arrangement is affixed to the x-axis carriage 460 along the rail 454. A second motor 480 and associated second gearbox 482 are mounted on the y-axis carriage 450 and drive a second pinion gear (not shown) that engages the rack 458 to drive the y-axis carriage 450 in the y-axis direction. Additional aspects of the manufacturing assembly 400 are described in the above-referenced co-pending, commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/016,524 entitled “Flexible Track Drilling Machine” filed Dec. 10, 2001, previously incorporated by reference herein.
  • In operation, the manufacturing assembly 400 may be mounted onto the workpiece 130 by providing a flow of pressurized fluid medium from the source 418 to the vacuum cup assemblies 414 in a manner as described above. The carriage assembly 420 may then be moved to a desired position over the workpiece 130. Specifically, at least one of the primary and secondary controllers 434, 430 may transmit control signals to the first drive motor 440 to drive the carriage assembly 420 along the track assembly 410, and may also transmit control signals to the second drive motor 480 to adjust the position of the y-axis carriage 450 be coupled to the carriage assembly 420 by, for example, a clamp ring 470 or other suitable structure that provides access to the workpiece 130 for the manufacturing tool 451.
  • It should also be understood that the various operations of the manufacturing assembly 400 may be accomplished in an automated or semi-automated manner using computerized numerically-controlled (CNC) methods and algorithms. Alternately, the various operations of the manufacturing assembly 400 may be performed manually or partially-manually by an operator, such as, for example, by having the operator provide manual control inputs to the primary and/or secondary controllers 434, 430, or by temporarily disabling or neutralizing the above-referenced motors and drive assemblies to permit manual movement. In a particular aspect, at least one of the primary and secondary controllers 434, 430 includes a CNC control system. It may also be noted that manufacturing assemblies in accordance with the present disclosure, including the manufacturing assembly 400 described above, may be operated in combination with a wide variety of manufacturing tools 451, including but not limited to, drilling devices, riveters, mechanical and electromagnetic dent pullers, welders, wrenches, clamps, sanders, nailers, screw guns, or virtually any other desired type of manufacturing tools or measuring instruments.
  • FIGS. 14 and 15 are flow charts of first and second portions, respectively, of a manufacturing process 600 that uses coordinate or “smart” pins in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. In this particular embodiment, the manufacturing process 600 is adapted for manufacture of wing spar of an aircraft wing assembly. It will be appreciated, however, that the manufacturing process 600 may alternately be adapted for the manufacture of any desired article of manufacture, and that embodiments of methods in accordance with the disclosure are not limited solely to the manufacture of a wing spar.
  • As shown in FIG. 14, the manufacturing process 600 may begin with the formation of tool holes in one or more spar webs at a block 602. The spar webs may then be at least one of formed, chemically treated, and primed at a block 604. At a block 606, one or more coordinate pins are applied (or installed) into the tool holes. As described more fully below, the coordinate pins (or smart pins) may remain installed in the tool holes throughout one or more subsequent actions of the manufacturing process 600, and may advantageously be used by one or more pieces of manufacturing equipment throughout the manufacturing process 600. The coordinate pins may, for example, be used to monitor spar growth, to locate spar features, to locate fasteners, to position sealant application machinery, to position automated wash and dry equipment, to obtain manufacturing plan information, or for any other suitable process or activity. At a block 608, the spar chords are machined, and at a block 610, the spar chords are at least one of formed, chemically treated, and primed. At a block 612, measurements of the spar are performed for quality control, and one or more of the blocks 602 through 608 may be repeated as necessary.
  • With continued reference to FIG. 14, at a block 614, the spar webs and chords are sealed, attached together, and permanently coupled (e.g. tack fastened), and a chord locating device may be used to locate the chords and fasteners. A fastening system may install bolts on remaining chord and web locations at a block 616. In a particular embodiment, an O-frame may be suitably employed to allow for quiet sealing of fasteners, and a lighter structure which may be suitable for bolts. An offline verification and maintenance of equipment may be performed at a block 618. Again, measurements of the spar may be performed at a block 620, and one or more previous steps may be repeated as needed.
  • Next, at a block 622, one or more coordinate holes may be drilled for ribposts, stiffeners, brackets, or other components. In one embodiment, a Low Cost Automation Technology (LCAT) adaptive feedback Determinant Assembly (DA) machine is used for these drilling operations. As used in this patent application, a DA machine is a machine that uses matching part-to-part features (e.g. holes, etc.) to assemble a product accurately versus using traditional locating jigs or special tools. At a block 624, an offline verification and maintenance of equipment may be performed. The ribposts and stiffeners may be sealed as required, and installed (e.g. manually) using permanent fasteners in corresponding coordination holes at a block 626. The ribposts and stiffeners may be provided with DA holes at a block 628. Relevant information regarding the manufacturing operation 600 may be transmitted to a manufacturing plan information system at a block 630. Similarly, at a block 632, one or more miscellaneous brackets may be sealed as required, and installed (e.g. manually) using permanent fasteners in corresponding coordination holes, and at a block 634, the brackets may be provided with DA holes. At a block 636, a fastening system installs fasteners at appropriate ribpost, stiffener, and bracket locations. Information from the offline verification and maintenance of equipment at the block 624 may be received into the block 636 for this purpose. In a particular embodiment, for example, an LCAT O-frame fastening system installs bolts and/or rivets during the block 636. The manufacturing process 600 continues at a block 638.
  • Referring now to FIG. 15, measurements of the wing spar may be performed at a block 640, and one or more previous steps may be repeated as needed. At a block 642, coordination holes may be formed for leading edge (LE) web stiffeners and second stage fittings. As described above, in one representative embodiment, an LCAT adaptive feedback DA machine is used for this purpose. Information may be transmitted to or received from an offline verification and maintenance of equipment at a block 644 (or from the block 624). Then, using the web stiffeners from the block 628, the web stiffeners and second stage fittings are sealed as required, and permanent fasteners installed in the coordination holes, at a block 646. At a block 648, information from the manufacturing plan information system may be provided to the block 646.
  • As further shown in FIG. 15, fasteners may be installed into the LE stiffeners and second stage fittings at a block 650. Again, information may be transmitted to or received from an offline verification and maintenance of equipment at a block 652 (or from the block 624). The second stage fittings pick-up operations are performed at a block 654. Again, at a block 656, information from the manufacturing plan information system may be provided to the block 654. A spar cleaning is performed at a block 658. In one particular embodiment, the cleaning may be a “car wash” type of cleaning. At a block 660, the spar fillet is sealed (e.g. with an application system). Sealing pick-up operations are performed at a block 662. Information may be provided at the block 662 from the manufacturing plan information system (block 656). Finally, at a block 664, at least one of a leading edge attachment and a shipping of the part for final assembly is performed.
  • FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a manufacturing operation 700 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the disclosure. In this embodiment, a workpiece 702 (e.g. a wing spar) is being carried by handling equipment 704 while an operator 706 manually applies a plurality of coordinate pins (or smart pins or smart buttons) 710 into a corresponding plurality of holes 708 in the workpiece 702. The holes 708 may be formed by any desired method, including, for example, Determinant Spar Assembly Cell (DSAC), Automated Spar Assembly Tool (ASAT), robot, milling machine, or any other suitable drilling device or method. The coordinate pins 710 may be installed in specific tool hole locations. In one embodiment, the coordinate pins 710 are so-called “quick disconnect” pins. In a particular embodiment, the coordinate pins 710 can include industry-standard HSK type machine tool holders to improve dimensional accuracy. Other suitable types of coordinate pin systems could also be used.
  • It may be noted that each of the coordinate pins 710 installed in the workpiece 702 may be individualized and may contain highly specific characteristics or identification information that is unique to the specified location of each respective coordinate pin 710. Therefore, placement of the coordinate pins 710 into the workpiece 702 may be checked and certified, for example, by a second operator or quality assurance inspector (not shown). The coordinate pins 710 may be kept in a precision equipment box and color-coded, or otherwise marked, for placement in a specific hole location 708. Also, upon completion of manufacturing operations on the workpiece 702, the coordinate pins 710 may be removeable and reusable for similar manufacturing operations on subsequent workpieces 702. For example, a process for installing the coordinate pins 710 could start by assigning a box containing a set of unique coordinate pins 710 to a specific workpiece 702 (e.g. a front wing spar Part No. IGW-200 for a Model 777 aircraft commercially-available from The Boeing Company of Chicago, Ill.). The coordinate pins 710 may be designated for their respective index hole 708 in the workpiece 702 by, for example, color coding of the pins, or cross-referencing numbers that are affixed or stamped on the pins, or any other suitable means. The operator 706 select the correct box of coordinate pins 710 to install for the respective workpiece 702, and then install each coordinate pin 710 into its corresponding index hole 708.
  • FIG. 17 shows enlarged, partial cross-sectional and end elevational views of a coordinate pin 710 of FIG. 16, and a coordinate pin reader 730, in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 17, the coordinate pin 710 may include an identifier 712 containing identification information that may be useful in the performance of one or more actions of the manufacturing process 600 (FIGS. 14 and 15). In one embodiment, for example, the identifier 712 may be embedded within a tip portion of the coordinate pin 710. In an engaged position 740, the pin reader 730 may be engaged with the coordinate pin 710 so that a receiving member 732 of the pin reader 730 engages with the identifier 712 and receives the identification information contained therein. The identification information may be transmitted via a conductive lead 734 to a data acquisition system (not shown), a controller, a manufacturing plan information system, or other suitable data analysis and storage system.
  • In one particular embodiment, the identifier 712 may be a sensor that is embedded into the coordinate pin 710. A number of different types of contact and non-contact sensors are commercially-available that may be used for this purpose. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, a sensor known as a “smart button” available from Dallas Semiconductor, Inc. of Dallas, Tex. may be employed that is about the size of a typical watch battery and has a unique character string identifier that is embedded in a microchip. Each smart button is robust and costs only a few dollars. A smart button reader 730 can read the smart button's unique identifier by simply touching the surface of the smart button. An electrical micro voltage potential between the reader 730 and the button 710 provides the power source to read the button 710. Once the smart buttons 710 are installed then multiple pieces of manufacturing equipment can hook up to any of the coordinate pin locations and read the unique character string identifier for that location. The manufacturing system can then automatically look up the unique character identifier in a table, and may cross-reference the workpiece information for that location.
  • For example, in one representative embodiment, a piece of automated drilling equipment, such as the manufacturing assembly 400 described above and shown in FIG. 13, may be attached to the coordinate pin 710. The drilling equipment may include a pin reader 730 (e.g. in its secondary controller 430 or its manufacturing tool 451), and may download the identification information of the coordinate pin 710 to, for example, the primary controller 434. The primary controller 434 may perform the table look up on the identification information. The identification information may be cross-referenced to the workpiece of interest, and other various details about the manufacturing operation (e.g. airplane model, structure, station number, and data sets for that location). The primary controller 434 may then formulate one or more control signals to the carriage assembly 420 or the manufacturing tool 451 accordingly.
  • The identification information in the coordinate pin 710 may advantageously allow unique identification of each index hole 708 location so that manufacturing equipment will be better able to know where and what assembly operations are to be performed on the workpiece 702. For example, in the representative manufacturing process 600 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the coordinate pins 710 may be installed, for example, in the block 606. Subsequently, the coordinate pins 710 may be employed during various operations and sub-processes of the manufacturing process 600, including, for example, for monitoring spar growth, for locating spar features, to position sealant application machinery, to position washing and drying equipment, to obtain manufacturing plan information, and during any other suitable operation or sub-process. More specifically, in the manufacturing process 600 shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the coordinate pins 710 may be used in numerous processes and sub-processes, including, for example, in blocks 614 through 624, in block 630, in blocks 636 and 642, in block 650, and in blocks 656 through 660.
  • Furthermore, the coordinate pins 710 may remain in the workpiece 702 as the workpiece 702 progresses beyond the manufacturing process 600. In a particular embodiment, for example, the coordinate pins 710 remain in the wing spar 702 after a spar assembly process and into a wing majors assembly process. The wing majors assembly process may use the coordinate pins for the same or similar purposes and uses as during the manufacturing process 600. When manufacturing operations are complete, the coordinate pins 710 may be finally removed and recycled for the next workpiece 702. Thus, the coordinate pins 710 may advantageously establish a common index throughout a production process.
  • Embodiments of apparatus and methods that include indexing in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure may allow a dramatic reduction or elimination of at least some of the traditional tools and traditional “monument like” equipment involved in conventional manufacturing processes. Embodiments of methods and apparatus disclosed herein may be relatively lower cost, relatively simple, and relatively flexible and adaptable in comparison with prior art manufacturing apparatus and methods. Traditional hard tooling and indexing systems are relatively more expensive to design, build, and maintain in comparison with the inventive indexing apparatus and methods disclosed herein. Since tooling for large manufacturing operations, such as a new airplane, typically comprises a substantial percentage of the capital investment needed to begin manufacturing operations, the cost savings attributable to apparatus and methods in accordance with the present disclosure may be substantial.
  • It will also be appreciated that apparatus and methods in accordance with the present disclosure may also provide other advantages over prior art manufacturing apparatus and methods. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may allow index locations to be identified relatively quickly, and may provide a convenient method for configuration control in automated processing operations. Also, embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a method for communicating key manufacturing instructions throughout the manufacturing process at relatively low cost and high reliability. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also provide a method of “mistake proofing” manufacturing operations to reduce or eliminate manufacturing errors.
  • While specific embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should not be limited by the disclosure of the specific embodiments set forth above. Instead, the disclosure should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

Claims (18)

1. A method of performing a manufacturing operation on a workpiece, comprising:
forming an indexing hole in the workpiece;
installing a coordinating pin into the indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information;
positioning a sensor proximate the coordinating pin;
sensing the quantum of indexing information with the sensor; and
performing a manufacturing operation on the workpiece based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein installing a coordinating pin into the indexing hole includes installing a coordinating pin having a microchip embedded therein.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein installing a coordinating pin having a quantum of indexing information includes installing a coordinating pin having a unique character string identifier.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning a sensor proximate the coordinating pin includes positioning a sensor at least partially over an end portion of the coordinating pin.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein sensing the quantum of indexing information with the sensor includes contacting the sensor to the coordinating pin.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein performing a manufacturing operation on the workpiece includes performing a drilling operation at the desired location on the workpiece.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein performing a manufacturing operation on the workpiece includes at least one of monitoring workpiece growth, locating workpiece features, positioning sealant application machinery, positioning washing and drying equipment, and obtaining manufacturing plan information.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting the quantum of indexing information to a controller.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising moving a position of a manufacturing tool relative to the workpiece.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein moving a position of a manufacturing tool relative to the workpiece includes moving a position of a manufacturing tool based on the quantum of indexing information.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein moving a position of a manufacturing tool relative to the workpiece includes traversing a carriage assembly along an elongated rail member based on the quantum of indexing information.
12. A method of performing a manufacturing operation on a workpiece, comprising:
forming an indexing hole in the workpiece;
installing a coordinating pin into the indexing hole, the coordinating pin including a quantum of indexing information;
positioning a sensor proximate the coordinating pin;
sensing the quantum of indexing information with the sensor;
performing a manufacturing operation on the workpiece based at least partially on the quantum of indexing information;
transmitting the quantum of indexing information to a controller; and
moving a position of a manufacturing tool relative to the workpiece.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein installing a coordinating pin into the indexing hole includes installing a coordinating pin having a microchip embedded therein.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein installing a coordinating pin having a quantum of indexing information includes installing a coordinating pin having a unique character string identifier.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein positioning a sensor proximate the coordinating pin includes positioning a sensor at least partially over an end portion of the coordinating pin.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein sensing the quantum of indexing information with the sensor includes contacting the sensor to the coordinating pin.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein performing a manufacturing operation on the workpiece includes performing a drilling operation at the desired location on the workpiece.
18. The method of claim 12, wherein performing a manufacturing operation on the workpiece includes at least one of monitoring workpiece growth, locating workpiece features, positioning sealant application machinery, positioning washing and drying equipment, and obtaining manufacturing plan information.
US12/145,662 2003-09-05 2008-06-25 Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations Abandoned US20080263845A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/145,662 US20080263845A1 (en) 2003-09-05 2008-06-25 Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US50086303P 2003-09-05 2003-09-05
US10/903,713 US7406758B2 (en) 2003-09-05 2004-07-30 Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations
US12/145,662 US20080263845A1 (en) 2003-09-05 2008-06-25 Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/903,713 Division US7406758B2 (en) 2003-09-05 2004-07-30 Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080263845A1 true US20080263845A1 (en) 2008-10-30

Family

ID=34273007

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/903,713 Active 2026-03-02 US7406758B2 (en) 2003-09-05 2004-07-30 Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations
US12/145,662 Abandoned US20080263845A1 (en) 2003-09-05 2008-06-25 Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/903,713 Active 2026-03-02 US7406758B2 (en) 2003-09-05 2004-07-30 Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US7406758B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2005023485A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (35)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6855099B2 (en) * 2001-10-31 2005-02-15 The Boeing Company Manufacturing system for aircraft structures and other large structures
US7406758B2 (en) * 2003-09-05 2008-08-05 The Boeing Company Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations
ES2279693B1 (en) * 2005-07-20 2008-05-16 M.Torres Diseños Industriales, S.A.U. FLEXIBLE ASSEMBLY FOR WORK ON LARGE SURFACES.
US7578642B2 (en) * 2005-08-05 2009-08-25 The Boeing Corporation Flexible single rail drilling system
US7677181B2 (en) * 2006-11-06 2010-03-16 The Boeing Company Interlocking precision flexible rail system
US7611314B2 (en) 2007-08-01 2009-11-03 The Boeing Company Aligning a machine tool with a target location on a structure
US7922272B2 (en) * 2008-04-11 2011-04-12 The Boeing Company Method for application and accurate positioning of graphics on a surface
US8080077B1 (en) * 2008-08-14 2011-12-20 Ellis Mark G Dust collector system
US20100037444A1 (en) 2008-08-15 2010-02-18 Reid Eric M Reconfigurable flexible rail apparatus and method
GB2483891A (en) * 2010-09-23 2012-03-28 Vestas Wind Sys As Method and apparatus for modifying a panel
US9489550B2 (en) * 2013-06-12 2016-11-08 The Boeing Company Positioning systems and methods
US9486917B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2016-11-08 The Boeing Company Mobile automated assembly tool for aircraft structures
US10017277B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2018-07-10 The Boeing Company Apparatus, system, and method for supporting a wing assembly
US10118714B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2018-11-06 The Boeing Company System and method for positioning an automated assembly tool relative to a structure
US10000298B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2018-06-19 The Boeing Company Metrology system for positioning assemblies
US9708079B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2017-07-18 The Boeing Company Mobile automated overhead assembly tool for aircraft structures
US9776330B2 (en) * 2014-04-30 2017-10-03 The Boeing Company Crawler robot and supporting platform
US10427254B2 (en) 2014-04-30 2019-10-01 The Boeing Company Flexible manufacturing for aircraft structures
US9272340B1 (en) * 2014-10-03 2016-03-01 Meridian Equipment, Inc. Blowout preventer milling assembly
TWI549792B (en) * 2014-10-16 2016-09-21 Gison Machinery Co Ltd Pneumatic machinery
FR3029440B1 (en) * 2014-12-03 2017-01-13 Airbus Operations Sas MACHINE TOOL COMPRISING A LONGITUDINAL RAIL, A TRANSVERSE ARM, AND A MOTORIZED UNIT
US9599983B2 (en) * 2015-01-21 2017-03-21 The Boeing Company Systems, methods, and apparatus for automated predictive shimming for large structures
DE102015102024A1 (en) * 2015-02-12 2016-08-18 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Powertrain and method for operating a powertrain
JP6549394B2 (en) * 2015-03-20 2019-07-24 株式会社Subaru Perforating machine and method of manufacturing perforated product
JP6703846B2 (en) 2016-02-05 2020-06-03 株式会社Subaru Punching machine and method for manufacturing punched product
US10981236B2 (en) * 2016-11-01 2021-04-20 Paul Bruce Rothera Device for ensuring proper location of a cutout in a sheet of construction material
US10619630B2 (en) * 2017-01-03 2020-04-14 Sparrow Product Development, Inc. Multi-port thumb pump system
DE102017101858A1 (en) * 2017-01-31 2018-08-02 Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, Germany Gmbh Exhaust system tensioning device, joining device for an exhaust system, method for clamping and method for joining
IT201700066629A1 (en) * 2017-06-15 2018-12-15 Raimondi Spa CUTTING SYSTEM FOR SHEETS
US10773830B2 (en) 2018-04-26 2020-09-15 The Boeing Company Flexible track manufacturing system and method
US11072439B2 (en) 2018-09-07 2021-07-27 The Boeing Company Mobile fixture apparatuses and methods
US10782696B2 (en) 2018-09-07 2020-09-22 The Boeing Company Mobile fixture apparatuses and methods
US10472095B1 (en) 2018-09-07 2019-11-12 The Boeing Company Mobile fixture apparatuses and methods
CN110000739B (en) * 2019-05-07 2021-11-26 北京福田戴姆勒汽车有限公司 Assembling tool for tool box cover plate of vehicle
US11052501B1 (en) * 2020-04-13 2021-07-06 The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security On-wing tool for in-situ cutting on wing-to-fuselage attachment of aircraft

Citations (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2910895A (en) * 1957-12-13 1959-11-03 James C Winslow Power tool with suction foot
US3285102A (en) * 1964-05-04 1966-11-15 Northrop Corp Drilling assembly
US3627436A (en) * 1970-03-24 1971-12-14 Omark Winslow Co Tool feeding apparatus
US3697112A (en) * 1971-04-15 1972-10-10 Eaton Yale & Towne Vacuum pick up head
US3716307A (en) * 1971-10-06 1973-02-13 Kms Ind Inc Venturi head for vacuum systems
US4582460A (en) * 1983-09-09 1986-04-15 Silverberg Howard Z Material handling tool with vacuum base
US4828306A (en) * 1988-03-07 1989-05-09 Blatt John A Vacuum cup control system
US5201560A (en) * 1991-01-24 1993-04-13 John A. Blatt Vacuum cup control apparatus
US5468099A (en) * 1993-08-11 1995-11-21 Vought Aircraft Company Seam tracking drilling machine
US5681022A (en) * 1992-06-26 1997-10-28 Rankin; Noel William George Clamping device
US5697413A (en) * 1996-06-04 1997-12-16 Fuller; Maurice D. Method and machine for fabricating a decorative inlaid floor
US5807034A (en) * 1996-07-19 1998-09-15 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Vacuum drill plate
US6129486A (en) * 1998-07-29 2000-10-10 Putnam; Samuel W. Pipe pulling and pushing apparatus and method
US6158666A (en) * 1997-11-26 2000-12-12 Banks; David P. Vacuum fastened guide and method for supporting tooling on a component
US6210084B1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2001-04-03 The Boeing Company Pressure foot assembly for clamping a joint
US6382889B1 (en) * 2001-02-12 2002-05-07 The Boeing Company Portable multi-axis machine
US6467385B1 (en) * 1999-12-03 2002-10-22 The Boeing Company Panel trimming system
US6494307B1 (en) * 1997-09-08 2002-12-17 Weld Tooling Corporation Flexible track and carriage system
US20030230694A1 (en) * 2002-06-18 2003-12-18 Kalb James R. Suction cup assembly including a quick release venturi
US20040265078A1 (en) * 2003-06-25 2004-12-30 Boyl-Davis Theodore M. Methods and apparatus for track members having a neutral-axis rack
US6843328B2 (en) * 2001-12-10 2005-01-18 The Boeing Company Flexible track drilling machine
US6855099B2 (en) * 2001-10-31 2005-02-15 The Boeing Company Manufacturing system for aircraft structures and other large structures
US7108459B1 (en) * 2002-09-23 2006-09-19 Mueller Thomas L Power assisted drill press
US7137760B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2006-11-21 The Boeing Company Methods and apparatus for manufacturing operations using opposing-force support systems
US7406758B2 (en) * 2003-09-05 2008-08-05 The Boeing Company Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations
US7632047B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2009-12-15 The Boeing Company Methods and apparatus for counterbalance-assisted manufacturing operations

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2673133B1 (en) * 1991-02-27 1996-01-05 Situb Sa MOBILE MACHINE FOR MACHINING ON SITE.
SE506056C2 (en) * 1996-02-16 1997-11-03 Novator Ab Equipment for receiving a hole or recess formation in a curved or planar wall element and for cutting out a disc piece of material suitable for the hole or recess formation

Patent Citations (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2910895A (en) * 1957-12-13 1959-11-03 James C Winslow Power tool with suction foot
US3285102A (en) * 1964-05-04 1966-11-15 Northrop Corp Drilling assembly
US3627436A (en) * 1970-03-24 1971-12-14 Omark Winslow Co Tool feeding apparatus
US3697112A (en) * 1971-04-15 1972-10-10 Eaton Yale & Towne Vacuum pick up head
US3716307A (en) * 1971-10-06 1973-02-13 Kms Ind Inc Venturi head for vacuum systems
US4582460A (en) * 1983-09-09 1986-04-15 Silverberg Howard Z Material handling tool with vacuum base
US4828306A (en) * 1988-03-07 1989-05-09 Blatt John A Vacuum cup control system
US5201560A (en) * 1991-01-24 1993-04-13 John A. Blatt Vacuum cup control apparatus
US5681022A (en) * 1992-06-26 1997-10-28 Rankin; Noel William George Clamping device
US5468099A (en) * 1993-08-11 1995-11-21 Vought Aircraft Company Seam tracking drilling machine
US5697413A (en) * 1996-06-04 1997-12-16 Fuller; Maurice D. Method and machine for fabricating a decorative inlaid floor
US5807034A (en) * 1996-07-19 1998-09-15 Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation Vacuum drill plate
US6494307B1 (en) * 1997-09-08 2002-12-17 Weld Tooling Corporation Flexible track and carriage system
US6158666A (en) * 1997-11-26 2000-12-12 Banks; David P. Vacuum fastened guide and method for supporting tooling on a component
US6210084B1 (en) * 1997-11-26 2001-04-03 The Boeing Company Pressure foot assembly for clamping a joint
US6129486A (en) * 1998-07-29 2000-10-10 Putnam; Samuel W. Pipe pulling and pushing apparatus and method
US6467385B1 (en) * 1999-12-03 2002-10-22 The Boeing Company Panel trimming system
US6382889B1 (en) * 2001-02-12 2002-05-07 The Boeing Company Portable multi-axis machine
US6855099B2 (en) * 2001-10-31 2005-02-15 The Boeing Company Manufacturing system for aircraft structures and other large structures
US6843328B2 (en) * 2001-12-10 2005-01-18 The Boeing Company Flexible track drilling machine
US20030230694A1 (en) * 2002-06-18 2003-12-18 Kalb James R. Suction cup assembly including a quick release venturi
US7108459B1 (en) * 2002-09-23 2006-09-19 Mueller Thomas L Power assisted drill press
US20040265078A1 (en) * 2003-06-25 2004-12-30 Boyl-Davis Theodore M. Methods and apparatus for track members having a neutral-axis rack
US7137760B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2006-11-21 The Boeing Company Methods and apparatus for manufacturing operations using opposing-force support systems
US7488144B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2009-02-10 The Boeing Company Methods and apparatus for track members having a neutral-axis rack
US7632047B2 (en) * 2003-06-25 2009-12-15 The Boeing Company Methods and apparatus for counterbalance-assisted manufacturing operations
US7406758B2 (en) * 2003-09-05 2008-08-05 The Boeing Company Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20050132560A1 (en) 2005-06-23
US7406758B2 (en) 2008-08-05
WO2005023485A1 (en) 2005-03-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7406758B2 (en) Apparatus and methods for manufacturing operations
US5560102A (en) Panel and fuselage assembly
US6170157B1 (en) Determinant spar assembly
EP0888201B1 (en) Determinant spar assembly
JP5444349B2 (en) Reconfigurable flexible rail apparatus and method
EP2881817B1 (en) System and method for operating a machine and performing quality assurance
CN106041955A (en) Automatic hole making device of robot and machining method
CN110640585A (en) Three-dimensional non-contact measuring device and method for blade grinding and polishing
US6625866B2 (en) Determinant passively-located pogo machine
CN104537172A (en) Method for controlling hole group composite position degree error through optimizing clamp layout
CN210676996U (en) Connecting shaft machining clamp for multi-dimensional curved surface blade
CN113752133B (en) Automatic machining production line and machining method for high-pressure turbine guide blade
CN110421383A (en) A kind of the self-adapting float clamping method and device of any attitude locking
CN115415846B (en) Efficient and precise machining method for normal round holes of special-shaped products based on three-axis machine tool
Zhang et al. Development of a reconfigurable welding fixture system for automotive body
CN113458816B (en) Pump shaft clamping flexible positioning method
US6044310A (en) System for automatic alignment of a workpiece
JP2022096610A (en) Indexing apparatus and method of indexing
JP2022091689A (en) Indexing apparatus and indexing method
JP2022101474A (en) Indexing apparatus and indexing method
Chen et al. An automated 3D polishing robotic system for repairing turbine airfoils
CN118492475A (en) Quick finish machining method and system for rudder propeller device hull flange
CN216940273U (en) High-precision waterproof jig
CN106476025A (en) A kind of fast-replaceable robot claw for polishing
CN118769194A (en) Precise assembly process and use method of advanced tool

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION