System and method for assembly of large structures using modular traveling workstations
First Claim
1. A modular assembly system for assembly of large mechanical structures, comprising:
- a plurality of stationary assembly jigs each operable for fixing a mechanical structure in a fixed position, the jigs being spaced apart and arranged in a predetermined sequence along a floor; and
a plurality of modular traveling workstations each operable to perform work operations on the mechanical structure different from the work operations performed by the other workstations, the workstation operable to travel along the floor independently of one another and sequentially engage each jig in accordance with said predetermined sequence and perform their respective work operations on the mechanical structure held in each jig.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The system includes stationary assembly jigs for supporting mechanical structures during assembly thereof, and a plurality of mobile, modular workstations that travel from one assembly jig to another. Each workstation interfaces with the assembly jigs and is configured to facilitate a unique set of work operations on the mechanical structures. The workstations can include worker platforms, parts storage modules, drill and fasten modules, tooless component indexing modules, self-contained cleaning modules, functional testing modules, and others. Docking members on the workstations and the assembly jigs enable the workstations to dock with the jigs for indexing the workstations to the jigs. The assembly jigs can include utility ports and the workstations can include couplers that engage the ports so that electrical, pneumatic, water, vacuum, and/or data communication can be established between the workstations and the jigs.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A modular assembly system for assembly of large mechanical structures, comprising:
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a plurality of stationary assembly jigs each operable for fixing a mechanical structure in a fixed position, the jigs being spaced apart and arranged in a predetermined sequence along a floor; and
a plurality of modular traveling workstations each operable to perform work operations on the mechanical structure different from the work operations performed by the other workstations, the workstation operable to travel along the floor independently of one another and sequentially engage each jig in accordance with said predetermined sequence and perform their respective work operations on the mechanical structure held in each jig. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A modular assembly system for assembly of large mechanical structures, comprising:
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a stationary assembly jig positioned on a floor and operable to fix a mechanical structure in a fixed position for being worked on;
a plurality of modular traveling workstations movable along the floor independently of one another, each workstation being operable to perform work operations on the mechanical structure; and
a docking member on the jig and a cooperative docking member on at least one of the workstations that engages the docking member on the jig to position the workstation in a fixed predetermined position relative to the jig and hold the workstation in said predetermined position throughout work operations by the workstation. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A modular assembly system for assembly of large mechanical structures, comprising:
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at least one stationary assembly jig positioned on a floor and operable to fix a mechanical structure in a fixed position to be worked on; and
a plurality of modular traveling workstations movable along the floor independently of one another, each workstation being operable to perform work operations on the mechanical structure;
wherein one of the workstations comprises a cleaning station comprising two traveling modules operable to engage the assembly jig from opposite sides thereof, said modules including complementary halves of a containment shell that engage each other to enclose the mechanical structure therebetween such that spray cleaning of the mechanical structure can be performed within the containment shell.
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Specification