Optimizing task assignments for multi-head tape laydown
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsWei-Pai Tang, Robert A. Kisch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The operation of automated tape heads used to layup a composite structure is optimized in order to reduce layup time and better balance tape head loading. Ply data is generated that defines the ply segments and tape courses for each sequence of the layup. Each sequence is partitioned into groups of either ply segments or tape courses for the sequence. Multiple possible tape head assignments are generated in which the individual tape heads are assigned to the groups A final set of tape head assignments are selected based on the assignments that minimize the time required to complete the layup.
Claims30
A method of optimizing the loading on a plurality of automated tape application machines used to layup a composite structure in ply sequences, wherein each ply sequence includes ply segments formed by courses of composite tape, comprising the steps of:
- (A) partitioning each sequence into groups of ply segments;
- (B) generating multiple sets of possible machine assignments to the groups, wherein for each group at least one of the machines is assigned to layup the ply segments in the group;
- and,
- (C) selecting one of the sets of possible machine assignments generated in step (B) that optimizes the loading on the machines.
A method of laying up a composite structure using a plurality of automated, composite tape application heads, comprising the steps of:
- (A) generating sequence data representing the shape and location of ply segments, and the paths of composite tape courses for each sequence of the layup;
- (B) analyzing the shape and location of the ply segments using the sequence data generated in step (A);
- (C) partitioning the sequence into groups of tape courses based on the analysis performed in step (B);
- and,
- (D) assigning the tape heads to layup the tape courses in the groups such that non-productive idle time of the tape heads is minimized.
A method for optimizing the efficiency of multiple, automated composite tape application heads used to layup a composite part, comprising the steps of:
- (A) receiving a set of tape course paths used in forming one or more ply segments of a sequence in the layup;
- (B) partitioning the tape courses into groups;
- (C) assigning each of the tape heads to one or more of the groups such that each of the tape heads lays down the tape courses in the one or more groups to which the tape head is assigned, and wherein the tape head assignments are distributed among the groups such that loading on the tape heads is essentially equalized.
A method of optimizing the operation of multiple automated tape heads used to laydown a ply sequence of a composite structure layup, comprising the steps of:
- (A) providing ply data defining the layout of one or more ply segments formed by tape courses in the sequence;
- (B) partitioning at least one of the ply segments and the tape courses into groups;
- (C) making an initial assignment of the tape heads to the groups, wherein each of the tape heads is initially assigned to laydown the tape courses for one or more of the groups;
- (D) determining the time required for the tape heads to complete the ply sequence;
- and,
- (G) reassigning the tape heads to the groups until the time determined in step (D) to complete the ply sequence is minimized.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.