Method and apparatus for ensuring the dimensional constancy of multisegment physical structures during assembly

US8082052B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• AIRBUS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Ulrich Stark · Stade, DE
• Jörg Schrickel · Fredenbeck, DE
• Oliver Kraatz · Weyhe, DE
• Dirk Gross · Hannover, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 27, 2007
• Grant date: Dec 20, 2011
• Expiry date: Nov 1, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/51
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for ensuring the dimensional constancy of multisegment physical structures, in particular aircraft structures, during assembly are disclosed. The method includes setting up a spatially-fixed three-dimensional coordinate system which encloses the subsequent assembled physical structure and introducing a plurality of segments of the physical structure to be assembled into the spatially-fixed three-dimensional coordinate system. The method includes recording the positions of the individual segments and the positions of already assembled groups of segments repeatedly within the spatially-fixed three-dimensional coordinate system during assembly. The method includes correcting the position of a respective segment or of a respective already assembled group of segments if a respective record shows that the positions of the respective segment or of the respective already assembled group of segments is outside a tolerance band, which is predetermined in accordance with a desired dimensional constancy, by a respective predetermined nominal value.