US 10,307,788 B2 · Integrated automation of paint processes incorporating arrayed painting and inkjet printing

Abstract

A method of treating a tubular surface which defines an axis extending from a first surface end to a second surface end includes partially surrounding the tubular surface, at a first position, with a first set of treating units, with the treating units arranged in a first arcuate array. Furthermore, each treating unit is configured to include a plurality of first applicator heads. Additionally, an embodiment of the method includes determining a position of each of the plurality of first applicator heads relative to the tubular surface and moving the first set of treating units from the first position towards a second position. In one non-limiting example, the method further includes independently controlling each of the plurality of first applicator heads to selectively apply a first treatment as the first set of treating units moves from the first position towards the second position.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method of treating a tubular surface defining an axis extending between a front end of the surface and a rear end of the surface, the method comprising:

partially surrounding the tubular surface at a first position along the axis with a first set of treating units, the first set of treating units including a plurality of contiguous, axially aligned treating units arranged in a first arcuate array, each treating unit of the first set of treating units including a plurality of first applicator heads;
determining a position of each of the plurality of first applicator heads relative to the tubular surface;
generating relative movement between the tubular surface and the first set of treating units along the axis, wherein each treating unit of the first set of treating units traverses an axial path over the tubular surface from the first position along the axis to a second position along the axis;
and
independently controlling each of the plurality of first applicator heads to selectively apply a first treatment as the first set of treating units moves from the first position along the axis towards the second position along the axis.

2 more elements

A method for treating a surface of an airplane fuselage defining an axis between a front end of the surface and a rear end of the surface, the method comprising:

partially surrounding the airplane fuselage at a first position along the axis with a first set of treating units, the first set of treating units including a plurality of contiguous, axially aligned treating units arranged in a first arcuate array, each treating unit of the first set of treating units including a plurality of first applicator heads;
determining a position of each of the plurality of first applicator heads relative to the surface of the airplane fuselage;
generating relative movement between the airplane fuselage and the first set of treating units along the axis, wherein each treating unit of the first set of treating units traverses an axial path over the surface of the airplane fuselage from the first position along the axis to a second position along the axis;
and
independently controlling each of the plurality of first applicator heads to selectively apply a first treatment as the first set of treating units moves from the first position along the axis towards the second position along the axis.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Integrated automation of paint processes incorporating arrayed painting and inkjet printing

Life of this patent

Integrated automation of paint processes incorporating arrayed painting and inkjet printing

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16