MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

• US 20110047791A1
• Filed: 07/20/2010
• Published: 03/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/25/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Triumph Aerostructures LLC (Triumph Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Triumph Aerostructures LLC (Triumph Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ferenczi, Laszlo, Pekar, Gary
• Granted Patent: US 9,038,265 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 29/791
• CPC Class Codes: B23P 21/004 the units passing two or more work-stations whilst being composed
• CPC Class Codes: B23P 2700/01 Aircraft parts
• CPC Class Codes: B64F 5/10 Manufacturing or assembling aircraft, e.g. jigs therefor
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/534 Multiple station assembly or disassembly apparatus

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a manufacturing system comprising a plurality of work stations having one or more tools for processing a work item, at least one carrier for moving a work item among the plurality of work stations, and a platform for connecting the plurality of work stations. In a further embodiment, at least one of the plurality of work stations is not on a line with the other work stations and may include a lift machine for raising and/or lowering the at least one carrier and the work item. The platform also may preferably comprise at least one rotator for changing the direction of movement of the at least one carrier on the platform. The system also may preferably comprise at least one conveyer for transporting the at least one carrier to the platform.

Claims

1. A manufacturing system comprising:

a plurality of work stations having one or more tools for processing a work item;

at least one carrier for moving said work item among said plurality of work stations; and

a platform for connecting said plurality of work stations.

2. The manufacturing system of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of work stations is not on a line with the other work stations.

3. The manufacturing system of claim 1, said platform comprising:

at least one rotator for changing the direction of movement of said at least one carrier on said platform.

4. The manufacturing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of work stations is a lift machine for raising said at least one carrier and said work item.

5. The manufacturing system of claim 1, wherein at least one of said plurality of work stations is a lift machine for lowering said at least one carrier and said work item.

6. The manufacturing system of claim 1, said system further comprising:

at least one conveyer for transporting said at least one carrier to said platform.

7. The manufacturing system of claim 1, wherein said at least one carrier is a jig for positioning.

8. A manufacturing system for moving an assembly jig, said system comprising:

a plurality of work stations; and

at least one rail that receives said assembly jig,

wherein said assembly jig moves between said plurality of work stations via said at least one rail.

9. The manufacturing system of claim 8, said system further comprising:

at least one rotator for changing the direction of movement of each leg of said assembly jig individually on said at least one rail.

10. The manufacturing system of claim 8, said system further comprising:

at least one drive for changing the direction of movement of said assembly jig on said at least one rail.

11. The manufacturing system of claim 8, said system further comprising:

a turntable at a junction point of said plurality of work stations for changing the direction of movement of said assembly jig within said manufacturing system.

12. The manufacturing system of claim 8, wherein at least one of said plurality of work stations is a lift machine for lifting said assembly jig.

13. The manufacturing system of claim 8, said system further comprising:

a central control unit comprising a single processor for controlling movement of said assembly jig among said plurality of work stations.

14. The manufacturing system of claim 13 wherein said central control unit is elevated at a height above said plurality of work stations.

15. The manufacturing system of claim 8 wherein said at least one rail is a circular rail.

16. The manufacturing system of claim 8 wherein said at least one rail is a straight rail.

17. A manufacturing system comprising:

a plurality of work stations;

at least one carrier for moving a work item among said plurality of work stations, wherein at least one of said plurality of work stations is a lift machine for lifting or lowering said at least one carrier and said work item; and

a platform for connecting said plurality of work stations.

18. The manufacturing system of claim 17, said lift machine further comprising:

three servo axes;

one closed loop non servo axis; and

one open loop platform axis.

19. The manufacturing system of claim 17 wherein at least one gear drive motor directs said at least one carrier and said work item onto said lift machine.

20. The manufacturing system of claim 17, said system further comprising:

at least one sensor monitoring the position of said at least one carrier and said work item on said lift machine.