Substantially Simultaneous Manufacturing Functions
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorPhillip John Crothers
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for performing manufacturing functions on a workpiece. The apparatus may comprise a base, a plurality of autonomous functional components, and a plurality of autonomous movement systems. Each functional component of the plurality of autonomous functional components may be configured to perform a respective function. The plurality of autonomous movement systems may be associated with the base. Each of the plurality of autonomous movement systems may be connected to a respective functional component of the plurality of autonomous functional components.
Claims31
A method comprising:
- autonomously performing a plurality of functions on a first plurality of locations on a workpiece substantially simultaneously using a plurality of autonomous functional components, wherein each of the plurality of functions is different than each other function of the plurality of functions;
- and
- autonomously moving the plurality of autonomous functional components relative to the workpiece and relative to a base using a plurality of autonomous movement systems associated with the base after performing the plurality of functions.
An apparatus comprising:
- a base;
- a plurality of autonomous functional components, in which each autonomous functional component of the plurality of autonomous functional components is configured to perform a respective function;
- and
- a plurality of autonomous movement systems associated with the base, in which each of a first number of the plurality of autonomous movement systems is connected to a respective functional component of the plurality of autonomous functional components.
An apparatus comprising:
- a base;
- a movement assembly connected to the base and configured to move the base relative to a workpiece;
- a plurality of autonomous clamping components having a plurality of operating envelopes;
- a plurality of autonomous functional components, in which each functional component of the plurality of autonomous functional components is configured to perform a different respective single function on the workpiece through an operating envelope of the plurality of operating envelopes;
- a plurality of autonomous movement systems associated with the base, in which each of the plurality of autonomous movement systems is connected to a respective functional component of the plurality of autonomous functional components or a respective clamping component of the plurality of autonomous clamping components;
- and
- a controller in communication with at least one of the movement assembly, the plurality of autonomous clamping components, the plurality of autonomous functional components, or the plurality of autonomous movement systems.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.