The Boeing Company

Vestas Wind Systems A/s

Byungwoo Lee

Michael Yee-Chih Wang

Kevin Scott Callahan

Andrew Elmer Modin

Andrew Hedges

Shuonan Dong

Derek J Flolid

Matthew J O'Brien

James Christopher Elm

Miles Stefanovski

David J Heiser

Provided are methods and systems for aligning multiple parts using simultaneous scanning of features of different parts and using feature-based coordinate systems for determining relative positions of these. Specifically, a feature-based coordinate system may be constructed using one or more critical dimensions between features of different parts. The scanner may be specifically positioned to capture each of these critical dimensions precisely. The feature-based coordinate system is used to compare the critical dimensions to specified ranges. The position of at least one part may be adjusted based on results of this comparison using, for example, a robotic manipulator. The process may be repeated until all critical dimensions are within their specified ranges. In some embodiments, multiple sets of features from different parts are used such that each set uses its own feature-based coordinate system. The part adjustment may be performed based on the collective output from these multiple sets.

Aligning parts using multi-part scanning and feature based coordinate systems

An apparatus for positioning sheets of material in a wind turbine blade mold to form a shell of a wind turbine blade, the mold having a mold surface defining the profile of a portion of the shell, the apparatus comprising: a rail that, in use, is mounted proximate to the mold and follows a path in a direction along the longitudinal length of the mold; and a sheet mounting apparatus coupled to the rail, the mounting apparatus configured to releasably hold a sheet of material and to move along the rail.

Rail apparatus for wind turbine blade construction

Composite prepreg plies are formed and compacted on a contoured tool by a compliant former device using compaction force applied by a vacuum diaphragm. The former device is configured to first clamp and then sweep the plies over features of the tool in a desired sequence.

Method, device and apparatus for vacuum forming composite laminates

A method for initial separation of an adhered backing film from an uncured pre-impregnated composite lamina having an edge includes exposing and supporting the edge of the composite lamina, and applying an impact force to the exposed edge with an automated tool. The impact force is sufficient to cause delamination of the backing film from the composite lamina without damaging the lamina.

System and method for automated initial separation of composite ply backing

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Cupertino, CA, United States of America

Byungwoo Lee