The Boeing Company

John Hartmann

Tanni Sisco

Kwok Tung Chan

Scott Charles Tomchick

Frank Charles Mestemacher

Eric M Reid

Jeffrey Devlin

Riley Harrison HansonSmith

Jeffrey Martin Devlin

Kowk Tung Chan

Riley Hansonsmith

A method for installing a fastener system. A position on a structure relative to an overhang on the structure is automatically sensed for installing a fastener system in a hole using an offset collar installer. The offset collar installer is moved about a rotation axis to the position such that a collar in the fastener system is held in the position over the hole. The offset collar installer is connected to a platform and rotatable about the rotation axis. The collar is fastened to an engagement feature for a bolt in the hole.

Fastener installation

A compound contour vacuum track, and an automated fastening machine using the track, for automation of final assembly inside an aircraft fuselage. The track is mounted at an angle to a surface, such as an inside surface of the fuselage, wherein the surface has one or more holes through which fasteners are inserted. The automated fastening machine is mounted on the track to traverse the track while performing fastening functions and steps. The automated fastening machine includes a carriage, arm, and end effector, wherein the arm is mounted on the carriage and the end effector is mounted on the arm. The carriage is attached to the track for positioning the arm and end effector, the arm is attached to the carriage for positioning the end effector, and the end effector is attached to the arm for installing the fasteners into the holes of the surface.

Compound contour vacuum track for automation of final assembly from the interior of a fuselage

Offset fastener installation system

Automated fastening machine using a compound contour vacuum track for automation of final assembly from the interior of a fuselage

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

John Hartmann