The Boeing Company

Other

Nicholas A Norman

Andrew Michael Huckey

Richard Michael Coleman

Li Chun Chang

Ronald J Steckman

Jeffrey H Hunt

Branko Lakic

Christopher A Greer

Monica Tatar

Ian Ribble

Methods and devices of shaping a part during a manufacturing process. The devices include a contouring unit that applies a force to one or more contact points of an index section of the part, and a measuring unit that measures a shape of a virtual index section of the part. The methods include applying a force to the index section of the part and shaping the separate the virtual index section of the part. The shaping can shape the virtual index section to a target shape.

Systems and methods for shaping a part

A manufacturing system includes a holding structure and actuators that are coupled to the holding structure. The actuators support the component and apply displacements to select locations of the component to change a current shape of the component toward a target shape of the component. The system includes a metrology system that takes measurements of the current shape of the component. The system includes a controller that utilizes a closed feedback loop to determine a deviation between the current shape and the target shape based on the measurements and to provide commands that iteratively change the displacements in response to changes in the current shape until the current shape is within a tolerance of the target shape.

Manufacturing systems and methods for shaping and assembling flexible structures

A method of manufacturing a part having an opening for receiving an insert, including forming the opening having an internal surface wherein the internal surface has a polygonal cross-section including a plurality of sides. The polygonal cross-section comprises a polygon having an area larger than a cross-section of the insert, and the sides constrain the insert so as to locate the insert in the opening when the insert is inserted into the opening.

Method of designing a part for additive manufacturing (AM) that will increase part accuracy and reduce the need for post processing

Disclosed is a container for housing a diaphragm game call, comprising a case having a first member, a second member, and a line of connection therebetween, a fastening means for connecting the first and second members, and at least one moisture-retaining member disposed between the first and second members. The moisture-retaining member is preferably a sponge that can be soaked with an alcohol-free mouthwash, which helps to prevent the latex reed in the diaphragm game call from drying out and requiring replacement. The mouthwash also acts as a sanitizer to prevent the accumulation of germs and bacteria. A D-ring on the exterior of the case provides an attachment location for a lanyard, which allows a user to carry the device around his or her neck, or to remove the lanyard and carry the device in a pocket.

Diaphragm game call case

An edge stabilizer for a composite structure includes an elongate edge support segment, defining a geometric shape of an edge of the composite structure, and a connector, configured to attach the edge support segment to the edge of the composite structure. The edge support segment comprises first and second halves configured to attach together around the edge, each half including a shoulder, opposing mating relationship of the shoulders defining a slot for receiving the edge. The edge stabilizer can be part of a system for stabilizing an edge of a composite barrel section. The system can also include a moveable cart, the barrel section being supportable upon the cart.

Edge stabilizing system and method for composite barrel segments

A barrel assembly for a composite structure includes a barrel of composite material, a first end ring, and a mid support. The barrel of composite material has a first end, an interior surface and an outer surface, and the first end ring is removably attached to the first end. The first end ring has a perimeter that is substantially congruent with the first end, and is configured to maintain a shape of the barrel. The mid support is removably disposed within the barrel, and has a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from a central hub to contact the interior surface, to maintain a shape of the barrel.

Transport and assembly system and method for composite barrel segments

A method and apparatus for drilling a hole through a first part and a second part. An image of a first pilot hole in the first part may be generated using an imaging system. A first feature related to the first pilot hole in the first part may be identified based on the image. A second feature related to a second pilot hole in the second part may be identified based on the image. A drilling vector for drilling the hole through the first part and the second part may be identified based on the first feature and the second feature.

Growing community of inventors

Summerville, SC, United States of America

Nicholas A Norman