Abstract:
An assembly system and method for assembling an aircraft wing box (200) or other structure that may define an interior area accessible through at least one access opening are provided. The method includes inserting a robot (250) having an assembly tool (452) mounted thereto into the interior area through the at least one access opening. The assembly tool may be positioned at a fastener location, and may be clamped to the structure. A hole may be made through the structure, and a fastener may be installed in the hole.
Abstract:
An aircraft fuselage barrel (10) includes a skin (12) and a shear tie (18). The shear tie (18) resides within and is integrally formed with the skin (12). The shear tie (18) is separate from and configured for frame attachment thereon. A multi-ring system (79) for fuselage barrel formation includes a mold (68) with a ring (50). The ring (50) has width (W2) approximately equal to a separation distance (D) between two adjacent fuselage frames (22) and includes a module (52) that has a circumferential length (L1) that is greater than a circumferential distance between two fuselage longerons (14). A support structure (80) is coupled to and supports the mold (68). A method of forming the aircraft fuselage barrel (10) includes constructing the support structure (80). Rings (86) of the mold (68) are attached to and over the support structure (80). The mold (68) is constructed. Material is laid-up onto the mold (68) to integrally form the one-piece fuselage barrel (10) including a Hat-configured longeron (14).
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for performing operations on a workpiece. A first frame in a frame system may be held on the workpiece by applying a vacuum to the first frame. A second frame in the frame system may be detached from the workpiece by applying a pressure to the second frame. The second frame may be moved to a location on the workpiece. The second frame may be attached to the workpiece by applying the vacuum to the second frame. An operation may be performed on the workpiece.
Abstract:
An airfoil box and associated method are provided. The airfoil box (10) includes two or more half-shell structures (30, 50). Each half-shell structure (30, 50) is an integral or unitary member that includes at least a portion of the outer skin (16) of the airfoil as well as stiffener members (34, 54) and connection members (38, 58). For example, the half-shell structures (30, 50) can be integrally formed of composite materials. The half-shell structures (30, 50) can be assembled by connecting the connection members (38, 58) with fasteners (70) such as rivets to form the airfoil box (10).