The Boeing Company

Richard Michael Coleman

Li Chun Chang

Ronald J Steckman

Andrew Michael Huckey

Nicholas A Norman

Russell C McCrum

Joshua B Guerry

Bobby Joe Marsh

Mark Edward Nestleroad

Barry Theophile Cooke

Michael Marcus Vander Wel

Michael Anthony Lazar

James Fortier

Leonard S Bodziony

Orval Marion Nobles

Kinson D Vanscotter

Andrew S Olson

Douglas V Dorsey

James M Fortier

A system for determining an optimal clocking orientation of an object at which to attach mating structure to the object includes a plurality of radiation devices, a plurality of transceivers, and a processor. The radiation devices are mounted on the object which has an as-designed object configuration. The transceivers are configured to generate distance measurements between the transceivers and the radiation devices at different clocking orientations of the object. The processor is configured to determine, based on the distance measurements, as-built object configurations corresponding to the different clocking orientations of the object. The processor is configured to compare the as-built object configurations to the as-designed object configuration and determines an optimal clocking orientation at which the as-built object configuration has the smallest deviation from the as-designed object configuration.

System and method for determining an optimal clocking orientation of an object

A system for determining an optimal clocking orientation of an object at which to attach mating structure to the object includes a plurality of radiation devices mounted on an object, a plurality of transceivers configured to emit radiation toward the object, and a processor. The object potentially has a first as-built object configuration that differs from an as-designed object configuration. The transceivers continuously generate distance measurements between the transceivers and the radiation devices during rotation of the object. The processor continuously determines, based on the distance measurements, additional unique as-built object configurations corresponding to changing clocking orientations of the object during rotation. In addition, the processor continuously compares the first and the additional as-built object configurations to the as-designed object configuration and, after completion of the rotation of the object through at least a portion of one revolution, determines an optimal clocking orientation at which the as-built object configuration has the smallest deviation from the as-designed object configuration.

Dynamic dimensional measurement system

Methods and systems for monitoring an integrity of electrical connectivity between a repair patch and a parent structure include providing the repair patch with an embedded sensor configured to detect electrical conductivity. The repair patch includes a ply of conductive material that overlaps a portion of a conductive layer of the parent structure. A baseline set of sensor data is acquired from the sensor indicative of an electrical connectivity between the ply of conductive material of the repair patch and the conductive layer of the parent structure. One or more additional sets of data may be obtained from the sensor and compared to the baseline set of data to determine an integrity of the electrical connectivity between the ply of conductive material of the repair patch and the conductive layer of the parent structure.

Detection and assessment of damage to composite structure

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 including placing first and second measurement devices proximate first and second aircraft doors, respectively, and determining a first position of the second measurement device relative to a second position of the first measurement device. The method includes placing first and second pluralities of reflective devices inside the aircraft proximate the first and second doors, respectively. The method includes measuring first and second distances from the first and second measurement devices to the first and second pluralities of reflective devices, respectively, and measuring second distances from the second measurement device to the second plurality of reflective devices. Based on a determined position of the second measurement device and further based on the first distances and second distances, third distances are determined between each of the first and second pluralities of reflective devices. The third distances provide a measurement baseline for points on a fuselage and wings.

Aircraft enhanced reference system and method

An advantageous embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for simulating a surface of a structure, the method comprising selecting points on the surface of the structure; identifying a rate of change constraint for each of the points to form a plurality of rate of change constraints, wherein the rate of change constraint is a maximum deviation for a point with respect to an adjacent point; and generating a number of surfaces for the structure using the points and the plurality of rate of change constraints.

Simulating a surface of a structure

A method is provided for assessing accuracy of positioning a NC machine having a spindle that is movable along each of at least two mutually orthogonal translational axes. The method Includes creating a master flame of reference relative to the translational axes by moving the machine along first and second translational axes. For each translational axis, coordinates of a target mounted adjacent the spindle are determined at a number of points along the respective translational axis. A linear fit of the coordinates is then calculated so as to create a set of mutually orthogonal axes defining the master frame of reference. Accuracy of positioning the machine in the master frame of reference is checked by positioning the spindle at a number of locations, measuring the coordinates of the target for each location, and determining errors in positioning of the machine by based upon the measured coordinates and machine-determined coordinates.

Method for assessing accuracy of positioning of a multi-axis numerically controlled machine

Positioning errors of a numerically controlled machine and a fixture are related through a mathematical model to the statistical total error in the position of the machine tool, and maximum allowable amounts are assigned for each of the individual contributing factors to the total error. The relationship between the machine and fixture is checked by a probe mounted in the machine spindle. Functioning and alignment of the probe are checked with the probe. Global positioning accuracy of the machine is checked throughout a working envelope of the machine using a laser measuring instrument. A master coordinate system relative to the ways of the machine is created within the laser instrument by calculating a linear fit of machine position coordinates acquired as the machine is moved along each of two perpendicular axes of the machine, and the master coordinate system is used for the global accuracy and fixture accuracy checks.

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Renton, WA, United States of America

Richard Michael Coleman