Method and apparatus for manufacture of reinforced panels

Abstract

Method for tack free positioning of aircraft panel components for subsequent fastening is disclosed. Thus according to the invention, an assembly jig is provided which has a frame, including a plurality of lower contour boards, which pneumatically clamp a plurality of stringers thereon, which stringers hold a panel sheet thereover and on the other side of such sheet, a plurality of upper contour boards. Means are provided for closing the upper contour boards against the sheet, stringers and lower contour boards, to clamp and also to drape-form the sheet against the stringers in a desired contour in such jig assembly so that such components can be subsequently fastened without pretacking. The jig assembly and clamped panel components are then transported to a riveting stage where panel and stringers are riveted together in rivet rows extending across such panel, which rows are spaced laterally between the upper and lower contour boards. The panel assembly is then lifted off the assembly jig, e.g. by overhead crane and transported for assembly, e.g. to an aircraft while the assembly jig is transported from the riveting stage back to its previous location for further panel assembly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.