摘要:
Methods and systems for configuring a manual and/or automated processing system to conform to a contoured surface of a structure are disclosed. One example includes an automated processing system with a flexible rail configuration. One or more turnbuckles and/or other actuators configure and hold the flexible rail configuration into conformity with the surface (which could be flat or of a curvature) during processing by the automated processing system. Additionally, one or more combination suction-cup pressurized-air devices may be coupled to the flexible rail configuration for selectively attaching the flexible rail configuration to the contoured surface and also for selectively releasing and/or facilitating elevation and movement of the flexible rail configuration above and about the contoured surface. A multi-function end effector may be associated with the flexible rail configuration and be moveable relative thereto.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for installing a fastener in a surface of a structure. A crawler robot may comprise a first movement system and a second movement system. The first movement system may be configured to move the crawler robot and a track system along the surface. The second movement system may be configured to move the crawler robot along the track system on the surface.
摘要:
A burrless, flexible track drilling system employing a counterweight tool balancing subsystem. The counterweight tool balancing subsystem provides essentially a “weightless” feel to a machining subassembly of the system that carries a drill and an electromagnet. This enables an operator to move the machining subassembly vertically with only a very minimal degree of effort being required. The machining subassembly also includes a plurality of lifting subassemblies that aid the user in lifting and lowering the electromagnet away from and toward a pair of panels on which a drilling operation is being performed. This also significantly reduces operator fatigue and contributes to a highly ergonomic system.
摘要:
A burrless, flexible track drilling system employing a counterweight tool balancing subsystem. The counterweight tool balancing subsystem provides essentially a “weightless” feel to a machining subassembly of the system that carries a drill and an electromagnet. This enables an operator to move the machining subassembly vertically with only a very minimal degree of effort being required. The machining subassembly also includes a plurality of lifting subassemblies that aid the user in lifting and lowering the electromagnet away from and toward a pair of panels on which a drilling operation is being performed. This also significantly reduces operator fatigue and contributes to a highly ergonomic system.
摘要:
Methods and apparatus for counterbalanced manufacturing operations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly includes a base, a tool support assembly, and a biasing device. The tool support assembly includes a first component coupled to the base and a second component moveable along a translation axis relative to the first component. The second component is configured to be coupled to a tool operable to perform the manufacturing operation on a workpiece. The biasing device includes a first portion coupled to the first component, a second portion coupled to the second component, and a control component. The first and second portions are moveably coupled and configured to apply a biasing force to the second component to at least partially counterbalance a force exerted on the second component along the translation axis by a weight of the tool support assembly and the tool during performance of the manufacturing operation.
摘要:
A conformal vacuum cup provides a machine tool attachment fitting usable in a flexible-track drill system. Using multiple, independently articulated stiffeners, the conformal vacuum cup conforms to the contour of complex aerostructure surface shapes. The individual stiffeners are decoupled from each other to some extent by grooves and slots molded into resilient overmolding material to support long-axis curving. Spacing pins employ a domed shape consonant with the elastic deformation of the workpiece surface under load. The pins employ a hard material to prevent particle embedment in use and to control position tolerance for drill heads and other tools traveling on the flexible track. Partial holes in each vacuum cup are blocked by diaphragms. Interconnection from a vacuum system manifold to the vacuum cups can be realized by penetrating the diaphragms and inserting barbed fittings connected by vacuum tubing.
摘要:
A cutting tool and track system includes a multi-segment track assembly configured to be removably attached to a surface of a workpiece, a carriage assembly configured to ride along the track assembly, a carriage drive mechanism arranged to drive the carriage assembly along the track assembly, a cutting tool assembly connected to the carriage assembly, and a tool driving system connected to the cutting tool assembly. The cutting tool assembly rotatably supports an end mill type cutting tool that may be driven in a radial cutting plane about the axis of a tubular workpiece or along a workpiece surface. A method is provided for cutting a workpiece wherein a cutting tool assembly rotatably supports an end mill mounted for travel along a predetermined transport path in a cutting plane about a central axis of the workpiece wherein the end mill is first fed through the wall thickness of the workpiece and the cutting tool assembly is moved along the transport path in the cutting plane to cut the workpiece.
摘要:
A guiding device includes a rail which extends in a direction, a plurality of runners distributed in the direction, and, for each runner, at least one runner/rail connection connecting each runner and the rail, configured to allow each runner to pivot independently from the other runners relative to the rail, around an axis of pivoting parallel to the direction.
摘要:
A machine tool adapted to perform operations, for example, machining, on a surface of a part of large size is provided. The machine tool comprises a longitudinal rail and a transverse arm, orthogonal to the longitudinal rail, slidingly fastened at a first end to the longitudinal rail. A second end of the transverse arm is provided with a unit comprising a holding device enabling the unit to be held in position on the part during an operation. The transverse arm bearing a tool is thus precisely positioned on the part on which the operations are carried out.
摘要:
A method and apparatus for installing a fastener in a surface of a structure. A crawler robot may comprise a first movement system and a second movement system. The first movement system may be configured to move the crawler robot and a track system along the surface. The second movement system may be configured to move the crawler robot along the track system on the surface.