The Boeing Company

Michael Yee-Chih Wang

Byungwoo Lee

Jeffrey Lawrence Miller

Jonas Beuchert

Roger Erh Hsiang Chen

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

Systems and methods are provided for facilitating fabrication of a composite part. An illustrative method includes loading a Numerical Control (NC) program that directs layup of tows by a fiber placement machine to create a laminate for curing into a composite part, identifying tow information recited in the NC program, applying inputs based on the tow information to a neural network that has been trained with measurements describing tow placement within other laminates that have been laid-up, and reporting likelihood of a fabrication discrepancy that is out of tolerance, based on an output of the neural network.

Growing community of inventors

Bellevue, WA, United States of America

Michael Yee-Chih Wang