Search Results

The goal of this paper is to present an innovative yet practical approach to automated aircraft assembly which meets the evolving aerospace industry requirements for flexibility and modularity. Adaptive Robotized Multifunction Assembly cell -ARMA is then described in two different vantage points: as a concept: a description of the philosophy which led to the development of automated assembly cells is offered as a practical solution: a description of the modular hardware and the powerful information processing system, that supports the individual cells is provided. The configuration which results in the most productive and effective cell while keeping the cost of equipment as low as possible is described. The ability of the cell to adapt to new requirements, as they evolve, is also described.

The fastening quality improvements achieved with automated assembly systems have given rise to a requirement for an on-line quality checking module. The module is capable of determining the key characteristics of an installed fastener without interrupting the automated assembly process. The three key characteristics measured by the module include: Hole diameter Countersinking height Fastener protrusion The module, recently developed by Dassault Aviation's Robotics organization consists of a 50mm x 400mm (2″x15″)module specially configured to fit within a standard barrel of Dassault current multifunction end-effectors. The module can be operated independent of the end-effector, or it can be integrated with the end effector in order to permit the measurements to be effected efficiently during the fastening installation process. The module is capable of providing information that goes beyond the three basic characteristics since it can also be used to measure eccentricity and tapper.

Handheld Automation may appear to be a contradiction in terms. It is not. A wide range of assembly methodologies are currently employed in support of aircraft assembly, two very specific approaches predominate. 1 The most popular approach, which accounts for the majority of the fasteners installed in current production aircraft, consists of a manual process. This requires the operator to perform manual operations in each of the many, if not all, of the steps involved in installing fasteners. Steps include fastener selection, sealant application, fastener insertion, fastener deformation, pin extraction, collar application, or torqueing, as the fastener may require. 2 The other end of the spectrum involves total automation where all of the steps are performed by a machine, with little or no manual involvement by the operator, other than supervision. Handheld automation bridges the gap between these extremes.

Increased attention is being paid to the quality, consistency and cost of aircraft panel fastening operations. The advent of automated fastening has made it possible to achieve substantially greater productivity and quality, however it has also made more evident than ever that inadvertently mixed or otherwise deficient fasteners exact a cost and quality toll that can no longer be accepted. AHG has developed a fastener on line storage, delivery and inspection system that can substantially alleviate these problems. The AHG Modular Cassette Fastener and Delivery System and its associated Inspection and Reloading System permit the end user to inspect, sort, orient, refill and code the Modular Cassettes in a single operation. The inspection process is performed automatically by a combination of sensors, video cameras and software, all of which are under the control of a PC.