Abstract
This paper describes a fully integrated aircraft Shape control application for large structures during assembly, machining, manufacturing, and /or transportation operations so that Contour and critical aero surface shape is never compromised. This system will utilize a fully automated, wireless, battery powered, Laser Tracker, Laser Radar, and Digital Photogrammetry, networked together, for Large Area Rapid Scanning (LARS) in conjunction with a closed loop, computer controlled, aircraft shape, contour control system. This includes a number of force control modules, that are Metrology linked to this contour shape control system. The Shape Control System receives or retrieves measurement data representing the true shape of the aircraft structure and can now “Best Fit” joining shape surfaces, associated with a desired structure assembly plan. The optimal shape is supported by “Live” flexible Air support cradles, air cushion pads, vacuum cups, and “kinnected” 6 axis Strain Gages. This creates true X, Y, and Z, shape structures control. This “real time” adjustable support load and measured shape controlled technology can evenly support large complex aircraft structures, as they move through the Factory, on Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs). This “Live” Smart Cradle effect out performs current Outside Mold line (OML) CNC machined Contour “One Shape” Support Cradles, in use today.
Cite this paper
Bobby Marsh. The Boeing Company, Commercial Airplanes Production Engineering. Presented at the Coordinate Metrology Systems Conference 2016, Nashville, Tennessee, July 25-29, 2016. Coordinate Metrology Society, reference CMS-2016-006.