Method for processing curved sheets using magnetic clamping members

摘要

In one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for manipulating a plurality of curved sheets is provided. Each of the plurality of curved sheets includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The apparatus includes tooling to be coupled to the upper surface of each of the plurality of curved sheets. The tooling is capable of moving the plurality of curved sheets relative to each other and abutting the plurality of curved sheets so that the upper surface of each of the plurality of curved sheets is coextensive with a virtual arcuate surface. The apparatus also includes a welding apparatus capable of welding the plurality of curved sheets together after abutting the plurality of curved sheets.

主权项

1. A method of manufacturing an assembly including a first curved sheet and a second curved sheet, the first curved sheet including a first upper surface and a first edge, the second curved sheet including a second upper surface and a second edge, the method comprising:
supporting the first upper surface of the first curved sheet and the second upper surface of the second curved sheet, wherein supporting the first upper surface and the second upper surface comprises:
extending first holders from a first side of a housing toward a first exterior of the first curved sheet, wherein the first holders have first selectively variable lengths;coupling the first holders to the first exterior of the first curved sheet, wherein when the first holders are coupled to the first exterior of the first curved sheet at least two of the first holders have different first lengths;extending second holders from a second side of the housing toward a second exterior of the second curved sheet, wherein the second holders have second selectively variable lengths; andcoupling the second holders to the second exterior of the second curved sheet, wherein when the second holders are coupled to the second exterior of the second curved sheet at least two of the second holders have different second lengths; abutting the first edge of the first curved sheet and the second edge of the second curved sheet so that the first upper surface of the first curved sheet and the second upper surface of the second curved sheet are coextensive with a virtual arcuate surface; positioning a processing station to face a first lower surface of the first curved sheet and a second lower surface of the second curved sheet, wherein the positioning of the processing station further comprises:
positioning a friction-stir-welding apparatus to face the first lower surface and the second lower surface;locating a first magnetic member relative to the first upper surface of the first curved sheet adjacent the first edge of the first curved sheet;locating a second magnetic member relative to the first lower surface of the first curved sheet adjacent the first edge;locating a third magnetic member relative to the second upper surface of the second curved sheet adjacent the second edge of the second curved sheet;locating a fourth magnetic member relative to the second lower surface of the second curved sheet adjacent the second edge; andmagnetically coupling the first magnetic member to the second magnetic member and the third magnetic member to the fourth magnetic member after abutting the first edge and the second edge, wherein the second magnetic member and the fourth magnetic member are coupled to and moveable with the processing station relative to the first curved sheet and the second curved sheet; and welding the first edge of the first curved sheet and the second edge of the second curved sheet together to create a weldment after abutting the first edge and the second edge.