Automated apparatus for performing maintenance functions on airfoil-shaped bodies having short chord lengths, the apparatus being movable in a spanwise direction along the airfoil-shaped body. In accordance with various embodiments, the apparatus comprises a blade crawler capable of supporting any one of a plurality of end effectors for performing a set of maintenance functions on an airfoil-shaped body, such as a blade component. Included in these functions are multiple options for nondestructive inspection, drilling, grinding, fastening, applique application, scarfing, ply mapping, depainting, cleaning, and painting devices that are attached as the end effector for the blade crawler. As a whole, the blade crawler reduces maintenance time, labor hours and human errors when robotic maintenance functions are performed on blade components.

Apparatus for automated maintenance of aircraft structural elements

A method and apparatus for performing an assembly operation (664). A tool (629) may be macro-positioned (661) relative to an exterior (234) of a fuselage assembly (114). The tool (629) may be micro-positioned (663) relative to a particular location (662) on the exterior (234) of the fuselage assembly (114). An assembly operation (664) may be performed at the particular location (662) on the panel (216) using the tool (629).

Mobile platforms for performing operations along an exterior of a fuselage assembly

A method and apparatus for performing an operation (111) on a work surface (116) (116) of a structure (106). The apparatus may comprise a motion platform (122) and an overhead support system (118). The motion platform (122) may be configured to be positioned above the work surface (116) (116) of the structure (106) to perform the operation (111) on the work surface (116) (116). The overhead support system (118) may be configured to carry the motion platform (122) across a floor (107) of a manufacturing environment (100) from a first location (117) to a second location (121).

Mobile automated overhead assembly tool for aircraft structures

A method and apparatus for performing an operation on a surface of a structure. An assembly system may comprise a motion platform and a mobile platform. The motion platform may be configured to be positioned below the surface of the structure to perform the operation on the surface. The mobile platform may be configured to carry the motion platform across a floor of a manufacturing environment from a first location to a second location.

Mobile automated assembly tool for aircraft structures

A method and apparatus for supporting a structure. The apparatus may comprise a support, a load-balancing structure associated with the support, and a set of connection devices associated with the load-balancing structure. The set of connection devices may be configured to connect to the structure to form a set of control points. Each of the set of connection devices may be configured to independently control a location of a corresponding control point in the set of control points.

Apparatus, system, and method for supporting a wing assembly

A low-profile, automated guided vehicle (AGV) performs surface treatments over large areas of a structure having limited access, such as an aircraft underbelly. The AGV includes a movable gantry provided with automated robot. The robot has interchangeable end effectors for carrying out the surface treatments. Travel of the AGV relative to structure is controlled by a ground guidance system.

Performing Surface Treatments Using an Automated Guided Vehicle

A mobile fixture configured to move a structure in a manufacturing environment may include a motorized base configured to move on a surface and a support system connected to the motorized base, the support system being configured to support the structure, the support system being configured to position the structure along at least one of an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis, the support system being configured to position the structure about the Z-axis, and the support system being configured to provide free rotation of the structure about at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

Apparatus and method for moving a structure in a manufacturing environment

A mobile vehicle is used to place, compact and inspect composite plies at selected locations on a tool. The vehicle includes an on-board supply of composite plies, a transfer platen for transferring plies to the tool, a compactor for compacting plies on the tool, and an inspection device for inspecting plies on the tool, each operated and manipulated by an on-board manipulator such as a robot.

Mobile system for automated layup and compaction of composite laminates

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable an object with a complex shape difficult to support such as a wing used in manufacture of a structure such as an aircraft to be moved with its attitude accurately kept in a manufacturing environment such as an assembly line.SOLUTION: A mobile fixture 320 movably supporting a structure 304 includes: a motorized base 322 configured to move on a surface 312 of a manufacturing environment; and a support system connected to the motorized base 322, the support system being configured to support the structure 304, the support system being configured to position the structure 304 along at least one of an X-axis in the direction of movement of the structure 304, a Y-axis orthogonal to the X-axis in the surface 312, and a Z-axis perpendicular to the surface 312, the support system being configured to position the structure 304 about the Z-axis, and the support system being configured to provide free rotation of the structure 304 about at least one of the X-axis and the Y-axis.

Apparatus and method for moving structure in manufacturing environment

A method for distributing energy to a group of ground-based machines. The energy is supplied to the group of ground-based machines through a pattern of inductive power transfer lines physically associated with a ground in a work area. Operations are performed with the group of ground-based machines in the work area. The group of ground-based machines moves in the work area without following a path based on the inductive power transfer lines.

Daniel Mark McDonagh

Papers

Performing Surface Treatments Using an Automated Guided Vehicle

Apparatus and method for moving a structure in a manufacturing environment

Mobile system for automated layup and compaction of composite laminates

Apparatus and method for moving structure in manufacturing environment

Power system for ground-based machines