Purpose -This paper aims to describe the development and testing of a system for the automated assembly of aircraft fuselage panels. Design/methodology/approach -The system described in this paper uses a low-cost industrial robot and laser stripe sensor to assemble stringers on to a fuselage panel prior to riveting. The method uses a combination of measurement and best fit placement algorithms to optimally locate parts relative to existing features. Findings -The paper demonstrates that with a combination of metrology and mathematical processing standard industrial robots can be used to assemble aero-structure subassemblies. The paper also demonstrates that the system can work within the tolerances required within the aerospace industry. Originality/value -The paper introduces techniques for compensating for the inherent distortion that occurs in airframe components during manufacture. This is an enabling technology that will significantly increase the number of possible applications for industrial robots in the assembly of aero-structures.
PurposeDescribes the application of standard industrial robots to the assembly and riveting of aerostructure sub‐assemblies.Design/methodology/approachDescribes the design and operation of special purpose end‐effectors for assembly and solid riveting and their integration in an aerostructure sub‐assembly fabrication cell. The robots are controlled by a novel control system which allows the cell to compensate for distortion and misalignment of the components.FindingsDemonstrates that with advanced control standard industrial robots can be used to assemble aerostructure sub‐assemblies.Originality/valueIntroduces techniques for compensating for the inherent distortion that occurs in airframe components during manufacture. This is an enabling technology that will significantly increase the number of possible applications for robots in the assembly of aerostructures.
Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to describe the measurement-assisted assembly of aero-engine fabricated components and evaluate its capability. Design/methodology/approach -The system described in this paper uses in-process measurement sensors to determine the component's exact location prior to the assembly operation. The core of the system is a set of algorithms capable of best fitting measurement data to find optimal assembly of components. Findings -The paper demonstrates that with a combination of non-contact metrology systems and mathematical processing, standard industrial robot can be used to assemble fabricated components. Scanning parts after it has been picked up was very effective as it compensates for possible components deformation during previous manufacturing processes and robot handling errors. Originality/value -The paper introduces techniques for compensating the deformation that occurs in aero-engine fabricated components and potential component handling errors. The developed system reduces the reliance on part holding fixtures and instead uses a laser-guided robot. This ensures that the system is highly flexible and re-configurable.
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