Advanced automated process for the wing-to-body join of an aircraft with predictive surface scanning
US10275565B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 6, 2015 |
| Grant date | Apr 30, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B19/402
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed aircraft wing-to-body join methods include (a) applying targets to a wing and a body assembly at the respective wing root and wing stub, (b) determining the 3D locations of the targets by photogrammetry, (c) generating 3D surface profiles for the interface surfaces of the wing root and wing stub by combining scans of the interface surfaces, (d) calculating a virtual fit between the wing and the body assembly that defines one or more gaps between the generated 3D surface profiles of the wing root and wing stub, (e) positioning at least three position sensors within the wing root and/or the wing stub, and (f) aligning the wing to the body assembly to achieve a real fit consistent with the calculated virtual fit using feedback from the position sensors. Methods of determining the target locations and/or the 3D surface profiles may utilize a mobile scanning platform.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.