Method and system for conforming assembly systems to contours of curved surfaces

摘要

Methods and systems for configuring a manual and/or automated processing system to conform to a contoured surface of a structure are disclosed. One example includes an automated processing system with a flexible rail configuration. One or more turnbuckles and/or other actuators configure and hold the flexible rail configuration into conformity with the surface (which could be flat or of a curvature) during processing by the automated processing system. Additionally, one or more combination suction-cup pressurized-air devices may be coupled to the flexible rail configuration for selectively attaching the flexible rail configuration to the contoured surface and also for selectively releasing and/or facilitating elevation and movement of the flexible rail configuration above and about the contoured surface. A multi-function end effector may be associated with the flexible rail configuration and be moveable relative thereto.

主权项

1. An apparatus for use in connection with a processing system on a surface having a contour, the apparatus comprising:
an elongated flexible component having a first portion and a second portion; an actuatable component movable between a first position and a second position and having a first portion and a second portion; a first bracket having a first portion and a second portion spaced from the first portion of the first bracket, wherein the first portion of the actuatable component is connected to the first portion of the first bracket, and the first portion of the elongated flexible component is generally fixedly connected to the second portion of the first bracket for movement with and flexure with respect to the first bracket; a second bracket having a first portion and a second portion spaced from the first portion of the second bracket, wherein: the second portion of the actuatable component is connected to the first portion of the second bracket; the second portion of the elongated flexible component is generally fixedly connected to the second portion of the second bracket for movement with and flexure with respect to the second bracket; the actuatable component is configured to induce relative movement between the first bracket and the second bracket upon the actuatable component moving between the first position and the second position; and the elongated flexible component is configured to flex into a contour upon the relative movement between the first bracket and the second bracket; and an actuator that selectively moves the actuatable component between the first position and the second position.