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US 9,708,079 B2Granted
Mobile automated overhead assembly tool for aircraft structures
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsMatthew Ray DesJardien, Eric M. Reid, Steven A. Best, Daniel Saeil Martin
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for performing an operation on a work surface of a structure. The apparatus may comprise a motion platform and an overhead support system. The motion platform may be configured to be positioned above the work surface of the structure to perform the operation on the work surface. The overhead support system may be configured to carry the motion platform across a floor of a manufacturing environment from a first location to a second location.
Claims45
An apparatus comprising:
- a motion platform configured to be positioned above a work surface of a structure to perform an operation on the work surface;
- an end effector on the motion platform, wherein the end effector comprises a shuttle table configured to move a set of tools along a track system in the shuttle table;
- an overhead support system configured to carry the motion platform across a floor of a manufacturing environment from a first location to a second location;
- a movement system associated with the overhead support system, wherein the movement system is configured to move the overhead support system from the first location to the second location;
- and
- an overhead track system having tracks overhead of the structure, wherein the overhead track system is secured to the overhead support system and is configured to move the motion platform along a longitudinal axis of the overhead support system.
3 more elements
A method comprising:
- carrying a motion platform across a floor of a manufacturing environment from a first location to a second location using an overhead support system;
- positioning the motion platform above a work surface of a structure to perform an operation on the work surface;
- positioning an end effector relative to a location on the work surface using the motion platform, wherein the end effector comprises a shuttle table configured to move a set of tools along a track system in the shuttle table;
- moving the overhead support system from the first location to the second location using a movement system;
- and
- moving the motion platform along a longitudinal axis of the overhead support system using an overhead track system secured to the overhead support system, wherein the overhead track system is overhead of the structure.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.