Assembly line fabrication and assembly of aircraft wings
US11807395B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 2021 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29L2031/3085
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for fabricating a wing panel. Methods include aligning a strongback over a wing panel, vacuum attaching a wing panel surface and pogos extending beneath the strongback, and adjusting the length of pogos to enforce a contour to the wing panel. Systems include a strongback to extend over a wing panel, adjustable-length pogos extending beneath the strongback, and vacuum couplers to attach to a wing panel surface. Other systems include a track, work stations along the track, a strongback to extend over the wing panel and move along the track, adjustable-length pogos extending beneath the strongback, and vacuum couplers to attach to a wing panel surface. Apparatus includes a shuttle having adapters that mate the shuttle with a track, adjustable-length carriers with vacuum couplers to couple with a wing panel surface, and indexing units that interact with indexing features in a manufacturing excess of the wing panel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.