Feature-based coordinate reference

• US 8,863,398 B2
• Filed: 04/01/2011
• Issued: 10/21/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/01/2011
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Inventors: Luepke, Rick A., Sodergren, Matthew A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bennett, G. Bradley
• Application Number:
  US13/078,898
• Publication Number:
  US 20120246904A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,299 Days
• Field of Search: 33/1.CC, 331/21, 335/02, 335/74, 336/44, 336/45
• US Class Current: 33/644
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/002 for measuring two or more coordinates
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 21/042 Calibration or calibration artifacts G01B3/30, G01B9/02072 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 Assembling or joining
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/53 Means to assemble or disassemble

Abstract

A method and system for creating a feature-based coordinate reference is provided. In one aspect, a system comprises a first, second, and third feature location block configured to engage a first, second, and third feature of an object, respectively. Each feature location block has a means for attachment to the object and a target placement feature. The target placement feature of each feature location block is configured to receive a respective target and guide placement of the respective target on the object. A target measuring system measures the locations of the targets on the object, and a coordinate system creates a coordinate reference based on the locations of the targets.

Claims

1. A method for creating a feature-based coordinate reference using at least a first, second, and third feature of an object, the method comprising:

placing a first, second, and third feature location block on the first, second, and third feature of the object, respectively;

placing a first, second, and third target on the object using the first, second, and third feature location block, respectively, wherein each feature location block is configured with a target placement feature for guiding placement of the respective target on the object;

measuring locations of the first, second, and third target; and

creating a coordinate reference based on the locations of the first, second, and third target.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first feature location block is configured to engage the first feature of the object.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein each target placement feature comprises a bushing.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the targets comprises a metrology target.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising holding the first feature location block on the first feature of the object with a vacuum.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising removing the first feature location block from the object by deactivating the vacuum after the respective target is placed on the object.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising an elongated member with a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the first feature location block and the second end connected to the second feature location block.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first feature location block is rotatable with respect to the elongated member.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the elongated member is configured to be adjustable in length along its longitudinal axis.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the elongated member comprises a fixed length.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising connecting the first, second, and third feature location blocks to each other using three elongated members such that the three elongated members form a triangular shaped structure.

12. A system for creating a feature-based coordinate reference on an object with at least a first, second, and third feature of the object, the system comprising:

a first, second, and third feature location block configured to engage the first, second, and third feature of the object, respectively, each feature location block having a means for attachment to the object and a target placement feature configured to receive a respective target and guide placement of the respective target on the object;

a target measuring system configured to measure locations of the targets; and

a coordinate system configured to create a coordinate reference based on the locations of the targets.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein each target placement feature comprises a bushing.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one of the targets comprises a metrology target.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the means for attachment of the first feature location block to the object comprises a vacuum cup.

16. The system of claim 12, further comprising an elongated member with a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the first feature location block and the second end connected to the second feature location block.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the first feature location block is rotatable with respect to the elongated member.

18. The system of claim 16, wherein the elongated member is configured to be adjustable in length along its longitudinal axis.

19. The system of claim 16, wherein the elongated member comprises a fixed length.

20. A method for syncing automation equipment to an aircraft using at least a first, second, and third feature of the aircraft, the method comprising:

placing a first, second, and third feature location block on the first, second, and third feature of the aircraft, respectively;

placing a first, second, and third target on the aircraft using the first, second, and third feature location block, respectively, wherein each feature location block is configured with a target placement feature for guiding placement of the respective target on the aircraft;

measuring locations of the first, second, and third target;

creating a coordinate reference based on the locations of the first, second, and third target; and

syncing the automation equipment to the aircraft using the coordinate reference.