Continuous-line manufacturing system and method for composite parts

A method for depositing composite material onto a tool using an automated machine, the method comprising:

• coupling a first mobile platform with a second mobile platform to form a coupled system, the first mobile platform supporting the automated machine and the second mobile platform supporting the tool;
• indexing the automated machine relative to the tool;
• and
• depositing composite material from the automated machine onto the tool while the coupled system moves along a production line.

A manufacturing system comprising:

• a production line;
• an automated machine located on a first mobile platform and configured to perform at least one manufacturing operation;
• a workpiece located on a second mobile platform;
• and
• a coupling feature configured to couple the first mobile platform with the second mobile platform to form a coupled system,
• wherein the first mobile platform and the second mobile platform are configured to travel as the coupled system along the production line while the automated machine performs the at least one manufacturing operation.

A method for laminating composite components on a tool located on a second mobile platform with an automated machine located on a first mobile platform, the method comprising:

• moving the first mobile platform to a predetermined location;
• coupling the first mobile platform to a second mobile platform to form a coupled system;
• driving the coupled system along a continuous moving production line via a motion controller;
• depositing composite materials from the automated machine to the tool as the coupled system moves along the continuous moving production line;
• uncoupling the coupled system upon completion of the depositing;
• returning the first mobile platform to a beginning location along the continuous moving production line;
• and
• advancing the second mobile platform to an autoclave.

An apparatus for laminating composite components on a production line, the apparatus comprising:

• an automated machine mounted on a first mobile platform, wherein the first mobile platform is guided along the production line;
• a tool mounted on a second mobile platform, wherein the second mobile platform is guided along the production line;
• a coupling feature configured to couple the first mobile platform with the second mobile platform, such that the first mobile platform and the second mobile platform may travel along the production line as a coupled system;
• a motion controller coupled with the second mobile platform;
• and
• a controller configured to detect a position of the first mobile platform, a position of the second mobile platform, and a status of the automated machine,
• wherein the controller is configured to control a status of the coupling feature, control travel parameters of the first mobile platform, and control travel parameters of the second mobile platform, and
• wherein the first mobile platform and the second mobile platform are configured to travel independently of each other when in an uncoupled state.