• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    apparatus and method for applying film material to a surface of an elongated element film material (32) is applied to a surface of an elongated structural element (34). a carriage (36) moved along the structural element (34) dispenses, compacts and cuts the film material (32) in a single pass along the structural element (34).
    公开号:BR112015010720B1
    申请号:R112015010720-6
    申请日:2013-09-30
    公开日:2021-03-30
    发明作者:America O. Schaaf；Richard A. Miller；Donald A. Anderson
    申请人:The Boeing Company；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention
    [001] The present description relates in general to the application of film on a substrate, and deals more particularly with a method and apparatus for applying and adjusting a film material along a surface of an elongated structural element, such as a composite longeron. 2. Fundamentals
    [002] Composite structures and other structures can be bonded together using a structural film adhesive material that can include a support such as a lining fabric to control the thickness of the joining line. For example, in the aircraft industry, a composite longeron can be joined to another composite part such as a back, joining or, in a secondary bonding operation, using a structural film adhesive material that is applied on the surface of a longeron flange. The longeron flange with the adhesive film applied is placed against the back and the adhesive film is cured using thermal or other techniques.
    [003] The preparation of long composite structural elements, such as aircraft longerons for an adhesive bonding operation is a multi-stage process that is currently very time-consuming and labor-intensive. An adhesive film material is manually unwound to the length of the longeron, which can be (90 feet) or more in the case of aircraft application, and a protective polymeric backing film must then be removed from the film. The entire length of the film material is then rolled over by a team of workers in order to place the underside of the adhesive film on a longeron base flange. Workers then manually trim excess film material at the edges of the base flange. This hand trimming technique can be tedious, time-consuming and present a risk of damage to the edges of the base flange, particularly where the flange is chamfered. During trimming by hand, residues of foreign objects can be produced which, if adhered to the longeron, can affect the ability of the joint. After trimming, the film material is smoothed by hand, after which the longeron is turned and processed in a vacuum bag in order to compact the film material against the base flange of the longeron.
    [004] Thus, there is a need for a method and apparatus for applying film material to long structural elements that reduce the dependence on manual work, and that improves the process flow time. There is also a need for a method and apparatus for applying film material that provide rapid trimming of excess material to match structural details and that eliminate the need for vacuum bag compaction. SUMMARY
    [005] The described modalities provide a method and apparatus for applying film material in the form of a roll to surfaces of long structural elements such as composite longerons, stringers, beams and glued joints, to name just a few. A film material applicator is used to place, adjust, remove a backing and compact film material in a single pass along the length of the structural element. The film material applicator and related application method can reduce the process flow time, as well as recurring costs including labor and materials. Better use of material can be achieved, along with better uniformity of the film material and adaptation. Potential damage to the edges of the structural element during trimming of the film material is reduced or eliminated. The film applicator avoids the use of internal motors and automated controls, and is therefore relatively simple, reliable and easy to use. The film applicator can be easily configured and manually operated by production workers.
    [006] In accordance with a described embodiment, an apparatus is provided for applying film to a surface of an elongated element. The apparatus comprises a carriage, rollers adapted to mount the carriage for movement along the elongated member, and a supply of film material in the carriage to dispense film. The apparatus further comprises a compacting roller on the carriage for compacting the film against the surface of the elongated element, and a film cutting assembly for adjusting both edges of the film material as the carriage moves along the elongated element.
    [007] The elongated element may include a top, base and sides, and the rollers engage the top, base and sides of the elongated element. The rollers can include front and rear rollers mounted on the car to catch the sides of the elongated element, and front and rear traction tires mounted on the car to engage the top of the elongated element. The film includes a bottom liner and the apparatus additionally comprises a bottom liner collection cylinder mounted on the carriage to collect and accumulate the bottom liner as the film is dispensed from the film supply, and a collection drive assembly of the bottom liner to drive the bottom liner collection cylinder to rotate as the carriage moves along the elongated member. The film supply includes a roll of film material feed for rotation in the carriage, and the bottom liner collection drive assembly is driven by the rotation of the film feed roll. The film cutting assembly may include a pair of spaced arms laterally attached to the pivot on the carriage, and a pair of cutting blades respectively attached to the arms to cut edges of the film material as the carriage moves along the elongated element. The film cutting assembly additionally includes a guide slot for guiding the film material, and follower surfaces adapted to slide the edges of the elongate element slidably. The surfaces of the follower are coupled to the cutting blades and guide the cutting blades to cut the film material along the edges of the elongated element.
    [008] According to another embodiment, an apparatus is provided for applying film material to a flange surface of an elongated composite longeron. The apparatus comprises a carriage adapted to be mounted and movable along the elongated composite longeron, a compacting roller mounted on the carriage to compact film material against the flange surface as the carriage moves along the longeron and a set of material feed roller in the carriage adapted to contain a quantity of film material and dispense the film material on the compaction roller. The apparatus may additionally comprise a collection cylinder in the carriage adapted to collect a bottom coating on the film material as the film material is dispensed on the compaction roller, a heater in the car to heat the flange surface as the carriage moves along the composite longeron, and a film adjuster to adjust edges of the film material to match the outline of the composite longeron after the film material has been compacted against the flange surface. The carriage includes an upper flange adapted to be positioned above the flange surface and onto which the compaction roller, film material feed roller assembly, pickup roller, heater, and film adjuster are mounted, and a lower frame adapted to be arranged under the flange surface. The apparatus may additionally comprise rollers on the bottom frame to catch the carriage against the elongated composite longeron, a bottom cover collection cylinder mounted on the top flange adapted to collect a bottom cover on the film material, and a drive coupled between the film feed roller assembly and bottom cover collection cylinder to drive the bottom cover collection cylinder rotation. The film adjuster comprises a pair of followers adapted to engage and follow opposite edges of the flange surface, and a pair of cutting blades respectively pivoted on the followers to cut the film material along the opposite edges of the flange surface.
    [009] According to an additional embodiment, a method of applying film material to a surface of an elongated element is provided. The method comprises moving a car along the surface of the elongated element, dispensing film from a material supply in the car, compacting the film against the surface of the elongated element using a compacting roller on the car as the car moves along the surface of the elongated element, and adjusting edges of the film that have been compacted against the surface of the elongated element, including using the carriage to move at least scissors through the film as the carriage moves along the elongated element surface. Dispensing, compacting and trimming are carried out in a single pass as the carriage moves along a surface of the elongated element. The method may further comprise removing a backing from the film being dispensed, and accumulating the backing into a backing collection cylinder in the car. Trimming the edges of the film includes extracting a pair of cutting blades through the film as the carriage moves along a surface of the elongated element, following the edges of the elongated element, and moving the cutting blades to follow the edges of the elongated element. surface of the elongated element.
    [0010] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a method of applying film material along the length of a flange surface to a composite longeron is provided. The method comprises placing a film material applicator on the flange surface, moving the film material applicator along the length of the composite longeron, using the film material applicator to dispense and applying film material on the flange surface to the as the film material applicator moves along the length of the composite longeron, and use the film material applicator to adjust the edges of the film material to substantially match the edges of the flange surface as the film applicator film material moves along the length of the composite longeron. Placing the film material applicator on the flange surface includes holding the film material applicator against a top, base and sides of the composite longeron. Using the film material applicator to adjust the edges of the film material includes following the edges of the flange surface, moving the cutting blades to follow the edges of the flange surface, and using the cutting blades to cut the edges of the film material. film along the edges of the flange surface. The method may further comprise collecting scrap film in a cylinder on the car produced by cutting the edges of the film material. The method may also include collecting a bottom coating of the film material in a cylinder in the car. The spools can slide during the collection of the scrap film and the bottom coating of the film material using slip clutches.
    [0011] The features, functions and advantages can be obtained independently in several modalities of the present description or can be combined in also other modalities in which additional details can be seen with reference to the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0012] The unpublished resources considered characteristic of the illustrative modalities are presented in the attached claims. The illustrative modalities, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, their objectives and additional advantages, will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative modality of the present description when dealt with in the accompanying drawings, in which:
    [0013] Figure 1 is an illustration of a functional block diagram of a film material applicator according to the described modalities.
    [0014] Figure 2 is an illustration of a perspective view of a longeron with a base flange surface on which film material is applied using the film material applicator shown in figure 1.
    [0015] Figure 3 is an illustration of an end view of the longeron shown in figure 2.
    [0016] Figure 4 is an illustration of a top perspective view showing one side of the film material applicator in the process of placing film on a longeron flange.
    [0017] Figure 5 is an illustration similar to figure 4, but showing the opposite side of the film material applicator.
    [0018] Figure 6 is an illustration of a bottom perspective view showing one side of the film material applicator.
    [0019] Figure 7 is an illustration similar to figure 6, but showing the opposite side of the film material applicator.
    [0020] Figures 8-11 are illustrations respectively similar to those in Figures 4-7, but enlarged to show additional details of the film material applicator.
    [0021] Figure 12 is an illustration of a perspective view of the rear half of the film material applicator, showing details of the film cut set and film scrap collection set.
    [0022] Figure 13 is an illustration of an elevation view of one side of the film material applicator.
    [0023] Figure 14 is an illustration of an elevation view from the other side of the film material applicator.
    [0024] Figure 15 is an illustration of a top plan view of the film material applicator.
    [0025] Figure 16 is an illustration of a perspective view on one side of the film feed roller assembly.
    [0026] Figure 17 is an illustration of a perspective view from the other side of the film feed roll assembly.
    [0027] Figure 18 is an illustration of a perspective view of the film scrap collection set.
    [0028] Figure 19 is an illustration of a perspective view of the film material, showing diagrammatically the portions that are dispensed, placed, trimmed and collected.
    [0029] Figure 20 is an illustration of a front perspective view of the film cut assembly.
    [0030] Figure 21 is an illustration of a rear perspective view of the film cut assembly.
    [0031] Figure 22 is an illustration of a perspective view of the film cut set shown in figures 20 and 21, illustrating the edges of a film being cut.
    [0032] Figure 23 is an illustration of a flow chart of an embodiment of a method of applying a film material over an elongated element surface.
    [0033] Figure 24 is an illustration of a flow chart of a method of using the film applicator to apply film material to the flange of a longeron.
    [0034] Figure 25 is an illustration of a flowchart of aircraft production and service methodology.
    [0035] Figure 26 is an illustration of an aircraft block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [0036] Referring first to figure 1, the described modalities relate to an apparatus 30 for dispensing, placing, compacting and adjusting film material 32 on the surface 60a of the elongated structural element 34. For simplicity of description, the apparatus 30 will be hereinafter referred to as a film applicator 30, and film material 32 may be referred to as film 32, material 32 or film material 32. In the illustrated example discussed in more detail below, structural element 34 is a composite longeron however, it should be understood that the film applicator 30 can be used to apply film material 32 to the surface of any long relatively narrow element, such as, without limitation, stringers, beams, glued joints, etc. The film material 32 can comprise any relatively thin flexible material that needs to be applied to the elongated structural member 34, such as, but without limitation, an adhesive.
    [0037] The film applicator 30 comprises several functional components discussed below that are mounted on a carriage 36 for rolling movement along the structural element 34 by means of clamping rollers 38. Clamping rollers 38 engage and catch the top , base and sides of the structural member 34 in order to both guide and index the film applicator 30 as the film applicator 30 moves along the length of the structural element 34 in the direction of displacement or placement 54.
    [0038] Film applicator 30 includes a film feed roll assembly 40 containing a supply of film material 32 which is dispensed and fed onto a film compaction roll 46. Film compaction roll 46 compresses the material of film 32 against surface 60a as the carriage 36 moves along the length of the structural member 34. Optionally, a suitable heater 52 such as an infrared heater mounted on the carriage 36 can be used to heat 52a the surface 60a just before the film 32 is placed and compacted in order to improve the adhesion of the film material 32 to the surface 60a. As film 32 is dispensed, a bottom liner 56, typically a polymer film material protectively covering film material 32, is removed from film material 32 and fed into a bottom coating collection cylinder 42 A film cutting assembly 48 mounted on the carriage 36 behind the film compaction roll 46 trims the outer edges of the film material 32 to substantially match the edges of the structural element 34. The scrap of film 58 resulting from this trimming operation is accumulated in a 50 film scrap collection set that is also mounted on the cart 36.
    [0039] Referring now to figures 2 and 3, the structural element 34 may comprise a longeron of composite laminate 34, which is shown in an inverted position in the figures. The longeron 34 includes a base flange 60 and a top flange 62 connected by a central core 64, forming a generally "T" shaped cross section (in the inverted position). The base flange 60 includes a flange surface 60a extending the entire length of the longeron 34 and has a "W" width. In the example shown in figures 2 and 3, the width "W" is substantially constant over the entire length of the longeron 34, however, in other examples, the width "W" of the flange surface 60a can vary. Also, although the illustrated flange surface 60a is substantially flat, in other examples, the flange surface 60a can be curved, and / or twisted along its length. Opposite longitudinal edges 66 of the base flange 60 can be chamfered. In order to connect the base flange 60 to another structure such as, for example, and without limitation, a back (not shown), a film adhesive is applied to the surface of the base flange 60a using the film applicator 30 shown in figure 1 and described in more detail below.
    [0040] Attention now turns to figures 4-15 which illustrate a modality of the film applicator 30 that can be used to place film material 32 on the flange surface 60a of a longeron 34. In this example, the surface of flange 60a includes an upward taper 68 (see Figures 4 and 5) along its opposite chamfered edges 66. As shown in figures 9, 10, 13 and 14, the film applicator 30 includes a carriage 36 comprising a lower frame 84 and an upper frame 100 which are fixedly attached to each other by clamps 86. Handlebars 98 on opposite sides of the upper flange 100 are adapted to be picked up by a worker to handle and transport the film applicator 30, and to move it by hand manually. longon 34 during the film application process. Stabilizer wheels 92 attached to the outer ends of clamps 86 can be used to support and guide the film applicator 30 through a fixture (not shown) that can be used to hold the longeron 34 in a fixed inverted position during the placement process of film.
    [0041] A first set of longitudinally spaced clamping rollers 38a (Figures 6 and 7) mounted on the lower frame 84 engages opposite sides 64a of the web 64 (see Figure 3), hereby indexing the carriage 36 laterally in the longeron 34. The clamping rollers 38a can be formed of any suitable material, such as, without limitation, a synthetic rubber, and can be spring loaded inwards against the sides 64a of the web 64. A second set of longitudinally spaced clamping rollers 38b (see Figures 10 and 13) similar in construction to the pinch rollers 38a is also mounted on the lower frame 84, and rests upwards on the bottom surface of the base flange 60b (see Figure 3) of the base flange 60. Pinch rollers 38b they can be spring loaded upwards against the bottom surface of the base flange 60b. Clamping rollers 38b, in combination with other components discussed below, vertically index the trolley 36 and take the film applicator 30 no longeron 34. The clamping rollers 38a, 38b effectively guide and allow the trolley 36 to roll along the surfaces 64a, 64b (Figure 3) of the longeron 34.
    [0042] The film feed roller assembly 40 generally comprises a removable feed roller 96 in which a quantity of film material 32 can be stored. A bottom liner collection cylinder 42 collects and accumulates a protective bottom liner 56 on the film material 32 as the film material 32 is removed from the film feed roll assembly 40. The film material 32 is fed in a bite opening 70 (Figures 13 and 14) between the compaction roller 46 and the flange surface 60a as the carriage 36 moves along the longeron 34. Although not shown in the drawings, the film material 32 may include a second bottom coating that remains adhered to the film material 32 as it is compacted against the flange surface 60a.
    [0043] Referring now in particular to figures 13-17, the bottom cover collection cylinder 42 is mounted on an axis 80 by a spring loaded sliding clutch 76 that allows the collection cylinder 42 to slide relative to the axis 80 under certain conditions, discussed later. As best seen in figures 14 and 17, the shaft 80 together with the feed roller 96 supported from the top for rotation on a support clamp 106 mounted on the upper flange 100. The shaft 80 is driven by a drive belt of the cylinder. collection 108 coupled with a toothed pulley 110 attached to the feed roller 96, and driven by its rotation, so that, normally, the bottom cover collection cylinder 42 rotates in sync with the rotation of the feed roller 96 as it is that the film 32 is removed from the feed roller 96.
    [0044] Referring now again to figures 4-14, the compaction roller 46 is supported from the top for rotation on the upper flange 100 and is adapted to rest on the surface of the flange 60a. The film 32 removed from the feed roller 96 is fed into the bite opening 70 and then compacted against the flange surface 60a by the compaction roller 46 so that the film 32 adheres substantially uniformly to the flange surface 60a. Optionally, depending on the application, a suitable heater 52, which can comprise, without limitation, an infrared heater, is mounted on the upper frame 100, in front of the compaction roller 46 and extends substantially over the entire width of the flange surface. base 60a. The heater 52 works to heat the flange surface 60a prior to the placement of the film material 32 in order to promote adhesion of the film to the surface 60a. Another device for heating the surface of the base flange 60a just before the placement of the film may be possible.
    [0045] A centrally located front traction tire 104 (Figures 5, 9, 13, 14) is supported from the top for rotation on the upper flange 100, and is positioned above the front set of the pinch rollers 38b. Spring loading of the front pinch roller assembly 38b causes the front drive tire 104 to be pulled down against the surface of the base flange 60a, effectively "pinching" the base flange 60 between the front drive tire 104 and the front set of clamping rollers 38b. Similarly, the base flange 60 is clamped between the compaction roller 46 and the clamping rolls 38a, 38b.
    [0046] Referring now to Figures 12-15 and 20-22, the film cutting assembly 48 comprises a pair of laterally spaced pivot arms 118 which are attached to the pivot in a mounting clamp 114 by pivot pins 116. The mounting bracket 114 is attached to the upper flange 100, as best seen in figures 8, and 13-15. Scissor follower arms 94 are attached to pivots on the outer ends of articulation arms 118 by followers 126 which are attached to articulation arms 118 by pivot shafts 129. Each of followers 126 includes a lower guide surface 126a (Figures 21 and 22 ) which supports and guides the film 32 as the film 32 passes through the film cutting assembly 48. The lower guide surface 126a can be formed of a low-friction material that is resistant to wear, such as, without limitation , a UHMW polyethylene (ultra high molecular weight). Spring plates 128 are attached to the followers 126 and, although not shown in the drawings, a spring can be connected between the spring plates 128 in order to predispose the hinge arms 118 to swing inwardly towards each other.
    [0047] Each of the scissor follower arms 94 comprises an upper follower arm 122, and a lower follower arm 124 that are spaced apart from one another to form film guide slits 102 into which the outer edge of film 32 is fed. Each of the upper trailing arms 122 is provided with a support pad 138 that can be formed of a low-friction material that is resistant to wear, such as UHMW polyethylene which is adapted to support the outer edges of the film 32 as it moves. it passes through the guide slot 102 in the trailing arms of the scissor 94. Guide blocks 132 are attached to the ends of the lower trailing arms 124. Pivot blocks 130 are attached to the guide blocks 132 and include surfaces of the upper follower 130a that are respectively matched in geometry with the edge contour 66 of the longeron 34.
    [0048] In the illustrated example, the upper follower surfaces 130a are chamfered to match and engage the chamfered edges 66 (Figure 3) of the longeron 34, below the film 32. The upper chamfered surfaces 130a of the pivot blocks 130 can also include a layer of low friction material that is resistant to wear such as UHMW polyethylene. Cutting blades 134, made of suitable wear-resistant material such as carbide, are releasably attached to the scissor follower arms 94 by thumbscrews 136 that hold blades 134 against the follower 126, pivot blocks 130 and guide blocks 132 Moving the film material applicator 30 along the longeron 34 forces the cutting blades 134 through the film material 32 (including any background coating that may be present on the film material 32), thereby trimming the film material film 32 to match the width of the base flange surface 60a along the length of the longeron 34. The cutting blades 134 are guided by the chamfered follower surfaces 130a on the pivot blocks 130 which are predisposed for sliding engagement with the chamfered edges 66 (Figure 3) of the longeron 34. Pivot assembly of chamfered follower surfaces 130a together with cutting blades 134 allows cutting blades 134 to follow and cut in individually the film material 32 along the opposite beveled edges 66 of the longeron 34, thereby matching the cut width of the film material 32 with the geometry of the top flange 60.
    [0049] Attention now turns to figures 12, 13, 15 and 18 which illustrate additional details of the film scrap collection set 50. A pair of scrap collection rollers 44 is mounted on an axis by means of a slip clutch 72 that allows rollers 44 to slide relative to axis 74 under certain conditions described in more detail below. The shaft 74 is supported from the top for rotation on a vertical collection support clamp 82 that is attached to an adjacent pair of mounting clamps 86. A rear-wheel tire 88 can be made of any suitable material that provides traction against the film 32. Rear drive tire 88 is mounted for rotation on a pair of laterally spaced arms 85 (see Figure 18) attached to clamps 86. A gear wheel 112 attached to the end of drive tire 88 is connected by a drive belt of the pickup roller 108 on a gear wheel (not shown) on shaft 74. Rotation of drive tire 88 due to the rolling of the film 32 during the film loading process leads to the rotation of the pickup rollers 44 through the belt drive 108.
    [0050] In operation, a supply of film material 32 is loaded onto feed roller 96 in preparation to cover the flange surface 60 of the longeron 34 with material. As previously discussed, the longeron 34 can be placed in a fixture (not shown) that is designed to hold the longeron 34 in a fixed inverted position during the film placement process. The film applicator 30 is loaded at one end of the longeron 34 and the film 32 is pulled down and into the bite opening 70 (Figure 13) between the compaction roller 46 and the flange surface 60a, while the bottom coating 56 is separated and partially wound on the bottom liner collection cylinder 42. In cases where a fixture is used to hold the longeron 34, stabilizer rollers 92 can be placed on the fixture in preparation to roll the film applicator 30 down the length longeron 34.
    [0051] Workers hold the handlebars 98 to move the film applicator 30 along the length of the longeron 34. In some embodiments, however, it may be possible to move the film applicator 30 along the longeron 34 using computer-controlled equipment, modifications to incorporate automotive operation, or other automated equipment (not shown). The heater 52 heats the flange surface 60a immediately in front of the compaction roller 46. Linear motion of the film applicator 30 pulls film material 32 from the film feed roller 96. As film material 32 is fed into the roller compaction 46, the bottom liner 56 is collected in the bottom liner collection cylinder 42 which is belt driven by the rotation of the feed roller 96. In the case where the feed roller 96 rotates more quickly than the feed roller bottom lining collection 42, slip clutch 76 allows dynamic sliding of the bottom lining collection cylinder 42.
    [0052] After the film 32 has been compacted under the compaction roller 46, the film cutting assembly 48 trims the edges of the film 32 to match the width of the flange surface 60a, even in cases where the width of the The base flange surface 60a can vary over the length of the longeron 34. As best seen in Figure 22, predisposition into the hinge arms 118 causes the cutting blades 134 to cut the film 32 at the edges of the flange surface. base 60a. The film scrap 58 passes through the guide slits 102 in the scissor following arms 94 and is collected on the scrap collection rollers 44. The scrap collection rollers 44 are belt driven by the rear drive tire 88. In the event that the scrap pickup rollers 44 rotate more slowly than the rear drive tire 88, the slip clutch 72 allows for dynamic sliding of the rollers 44. Figure 19 diagrammatically illustrates the processing of film 32 during the process of loading film material . The film material 32 is removed from the feed roll 96 and the bottom liner 56 is wound on the bottom liner collection cylinder 42. The film 32 is compacted and then cut into 61. Scrap film 58 is wound on the spools of collecting scrap of film 44 as film 32 is cut to match the width of the flange surface 60a, including along the taper of the flange 68.
    [0053] Figure 23 illustrates the overall steps of a method of applying film 32 to the surface 60a of an elongated element 34. In 140, a carriage 36 is moved along the surface 60a of the elongated element 32, and in 142 the film 32 it is dispensed with a supply of film 40 in the carriage 36. In 144, the film 32 is compacted against the surface 60a using a compaction roller 46 as the carriage 36 moves along the surface 60a. In step 146, the edges of the film 32 are trimmed, using the carriage 36 to move the cutting blades 134 through the film 32.
    [0054] Figure 24 illustrates the general steps of a method of applying film material 32 over the length of a base flange surface 60a to a composite longeron 34. Starting at 148, a film material applicator 30 is placed on the flange surface 68a. At 150, the film applicator 30 is moved along the length of the longeron 34. At 152, the film applicator 30 is used to dispense and apply film material 32 to the flange surface 60a as the film applicator 30 moves to the along the length of the longeron 34. At 154, the film applicator 30 is used to adjust the edges of the film material 32 to substantially match the edges of the flange surface 60a as the film applicator 30 moves along the length of the film. longeron 34.
    [0055] Modalities of the description can find use in a variety of potential applications, particularly in the transportation industry, including, for example, aerospace, marine, automotive applications and other applications where automated disposal equipment can be used. Thus, referring now to FIGS. 25 and 26, modalities of the description can be used in the context of an aircraft manufacturing and service method 160 shown in figure 25 and an aircraft 162 shown in figure 26. Aircraft applications of the described modalities may include, for example, without limitation, longerons, stringers, glued joints, and beams, to name but a few. During pre-production, the exemplary method 160 may include specification and design 164 for aircraft 162 and material acquisition 166. During production, component and subassembly manufacturing 168 and system integration 170 for aircraft 162 take place. Then, aircraft 162 can undergo certification and delivery 172 in order to be put into service 174. While in service by a customer, aircraft 162 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 176, which may also include modification, reconfiguration, remanufracture, and so on.
    [0056] Each of the method 160 processes can be done or performed by a system integrator, a third party and / or an operator (for example, a customer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and subcontractors to the main system; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors and suppliers; and an operator can be an airline, rental company, military entity, service organization, and so on.
    [0057] As shown in figure 26, aircraft 162 produced by exemplary method 160 may include a frame 178 with a plurality of systems 180 and an interior 182. Examples of high-level systems 180 include one or more of a propulsion system 184 , an electrical system 186, a hydraulic system 188, and an environmental system 190. Any number of other systems can be included. The described method and apparatus can be employed to place and adjust film material in one or more elongated components that form part of the frame 178 or the interior 182 such as, without limitation, longerons and stringers. Although an example of aerospace is shown, the principles of the description can be applied to other industries, such as the marine and automotive industries.
    [0058] Systems and methods designed here can be employed during any one or more of the stages of the production and service method 160. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to the production process 168 can be made or manufactured in a similar way to the components or subassemblies produced while aircraft 162 is in service. Also, one or more apparatus modalities, method modalities, or a combination of these can be used during production stages 168 and 170, for example, substantially dispatching the assembly or reducing the cost of an aircraft 162. Similarly, one or more of apparatus modalities, method modalities, or a combination of these can be used while aircraft 162 is in service, for example, and without limitations, for maintenance and service 176.
    [0059] The description of the different illustrative modalities has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the modalities in the manner described. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, different illustrative modalities can provide different advantages, compared to other illustrative modalities. The selected modality or modalities are chosen and described in order to better explain the principles of the modalities, the practical application, and to allow those skilled in the art to understand the description for various modalities with various modifications that are suitable for the particular use contemplated.
    [0060] Thus, in short, according to the first aspect of the present invention is provided: A1. An apparatus for applying film material to a surface of an elongated element, comprising: a car; rollers adapted to mount the carriage for movement along the elongated element; a supply of film material in the car to dispense film material; a compaction roller on the carriage to compact the film material against the surface of the elongated element; and a film cutting assembly for adjusting at least one edge of the film material as the carriage moves along the elongate member. A2. An apparatus is also provided according to paragraph A1, in which the elongated element includes a top, a base and sides, and the rollers engage the top, base and sides of the elongated element. A3. An apparatus according to claim A2 is also provided, wherein the rollers include: front and rear rollers mounted on the car to catch the sides of the elongated element, and front and rear traction tires mounted on the car to engage the top of the elongated element . A4. Also provided is the apparatus according to either paragraph A1 or paragraph A2, in which the film material includes a bottom liner and the apparatus further comprises: a bottom liner collection cylinder mounted on the carriage to collect and accumulate the bottom coating as the film material is dispensed from the film material supply; and a bottom liner collection drive assembly for driving the bottom liner collection cylinder to rotate as the carriage moves along the elongate member. A5. Also provided is the apparatus in accordance with paragraph A4, in which: the supply of film material includes a film feed roll mounted for rotation in the carriage, and the bottom cover collection drive assembly is driven by rotation of the film feed roll. A6. Also provided is the apparatus according to any of the preceding paragraphs, in which the film cutting set includes: a pair of laterally spaced arms attached to a pivot on the carriage, and a pair of cutting blades respectively attached to the arms for respectively cut two opposite edges of the film material as the carriage moves along the elongated element. A7. Also provided is the apparatus according to any of the preceding paragraphs, in which the film cutting set includes: a pair of pivot-mounted cutting blades on the carriage to respectively cut two opposite edges of the film material as the car moves along the elongated element. A8. Also provided is the apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the film cutting assembly additionally includes: surfaces of the follower coupled with the cutting blades for sliding engagement and following the opposite edges of the surface of the elongated element. A9. Also provided is the apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the opposite edges of the elongated element surface are chamfered, and wherein: the surfaces of the follower are chamfered to substantially match the geometry of the opposite chamfered edges of the element surface elongated. A10. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the film cutting assembly further includes: a guide slot for guiding the film material, and surfaces adapted to engage edges of the elongated and contoured element substantially matching the edges contours of the elongated element. 81. An apparatus for applying film material to a flange surface of an elongated composite longeron, comprising: a carriage adapted to be assembled and movable along the elongated composite longeron; a compacting roller mounted on the carriage to compact film material against the flange surface as the carriage moves along the longeron; an assembly of the film feed roller in the carriage adapted to contain a quantity of film material and to dispense the film material on the compaction roller; a collection cylinder in the carriage adapted to collect a bottom coating on the film material as the film material is dispensed on the compaction roller; a heater in the car to heat the flange surface as the car moves along the composite longeron; and a film adjuster to adjust edges of the film material to match an outline of the composite longeron after the film material has been compacted against the flange surface. 82. The apparatus according to paragraph 11 is also provided, in which the carriage includes: an upper frame adapted to be positioned above the flange surface and in which the compaction roller, film feed roller assembly, cylinder film, heater and film adjuster are mounted, and a lower frame adapted to be arranged under the flange surface. 83. The apparatus according to paragraph B2 is also provided, in which it additionally comprises: rollers in the lower frame to catch the car against the elongated composite longeron. 84. The apparatus according to paragraph 12 is also provided, further comprising: a bottom cover collection cylinder mounted on the upper flange adapted to collect a bottom cover on the film material; and a drive coupled between the film feed roller assembly and the bottom liner collection cylinder to drive rotation of the bottom liner collection cylinder. 85. The apparatus according to any of paragraphs B1 to B4 is also provided, in which the film adjuster comprises: followers adapted to engage and follow opposite edges of the flange surface, and a pair of cutting blades respectively mounted to pivot on the followers and coupled with the followers to cut the film along the opposite edges of the flange surface.
    [0061] In accordance with the additional aspect of the present invention, there is provided: C1. A method for applying film material to a surface of an elongated element, comprising: moving a car along the surface of the elongated element; dispensing film material from a supply of film material in the car; compact the film material against the surface of the elongated element using a compacting roller on the carriage as the carriage moves along the surface of the elongated element; and adjusting the edges of the film material that has been compacted against the surface of the elongated element, including using the carriage to move at least scissors through the film material as the carriage moves along the surface of the elongated element. C2. Also provided is the method according to claim 16, wherein the dispensing, compacting and trimming are carried out in a single pass as the carriage moves along a surface of the elongate member. C3. Also provided is the method according to either paragraph C1 or paragraph C2, further comprising: removing a bottom coating from the film material being dispensed, and accumulating the bottom coating in a bottom coating collection cylinder in the car.
    [0062] C4. Also provided is the method according to any of paragraphs C1 to C3, in which trimming the edges of the film material includes: extracting a pair of cutting blades from the film material as the carriage moves along a surface of the elongated element, follow the edges of the surface of the elongated element, and move the cutting blades to follow the edges of the surface of the elongated element.
    [0063] In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, it is provided: D1. A method for applying film material the length of a flange surface to a composite longeron, comprising: placing a film material applicator on the flange surface; moving the film material applicator along the length of the composite longeron; use the film material applicator to dispense and apply film material to the flange surface as the film material applicator moves along the length of the composite longeron; and using the film material applicator to adjust the edges of the film material to substantially match the edges of the flange surface as the film material applicator moves along the length of the composite longeron. D2. Also provided is the method according to paragraph D1, in which placing the film material applicator on the flange surface includes holding the film material applicator against a top, base and sides of the composite longeron. D3. Also provided is the method according to either paragraph D1 or paragraph D2, in which using the film material applicator to adjust the edges of the film material includes: following the edges of the flange surface, moving cutting blades to follow the edges of the flange surface, and use the cutting blades to cut edges of the film material along the edges of the flange surface. D4. Also provided is the method according to paragraph 22, in which it further comprises: collecting scrapped film in a cylinder in the film material applicator produced by cutting the edges of the film material.
    权利要求:
    Claims (13)
    [0001]
    1. Apparatus for applying film material to a surface of an elongated element, characterized by the fact that it comprises: a car (36); rollers (38) adapted to mount the carriage (36) for movement along the elongated element (34); a supply of film material (32) in the carriage (36) for dispensing film material (32); a compaction roller (46) in the carriage (36) for compacting the film material (32) against the surface of the elongate element (34); and a film cutting assembly (48) for adjusting at least one edge of the film material (32) as the carriage (36) moves along the elongated element (34), where the elongated element (34) includes a top, a base and sides, and the rollers (38) engage the top, base and sides of the elongate member (34).
    [0002]
    2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the rollers (38) include: front and rear rollers (38a, 38b) mounted on the carriage (36) to catch the sides of the elongated element (34), and tires front and rear drive wheels (104, 88) mounted on the carriage (36) to engage the top of the elongated element (34).
    [0003]
    Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the film material (32) includes a bottom liner (56) and the apparatus additionally comprises: a bottom liner collection cylinder (42) mounted on the carriage (36) to collect and accumulate the bottom liner (56) as the film material (32) is dispensed from the film material supply; and a bottom liner collection drive assembly for driving the bottom liner collection cylinder (42) to rotate as the carriage (36) moves along the elongate member (34).
    [0004]
    4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized by the fact that: the supply of film material (32) includes a film feed roller (40) mounted for rotation on the carriage (36), and the drive assembly for The collection of the bottom coating is triggered by the rotation of the film feed roller (40).
    [0005]
    Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the film cutting set includes: a pair of laterally spaced arms (94) attached to a pivot on the carriage (36), and a pair of blades cutting edges (134) respectively attached to the arms (94) to respectively cut two opposite edges of the film material (32) as the carriage (36) moves along the elongated element (34).
    [0006]
    Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the film cutting set includes: a pair of cutting blades (134) pivoted to the carriage (36) to cut respectively two opposite edges of the film material (32) as the carriage (36) moves along the elongate member (34).
    [0007]
    Apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the film cutting set additionally includes: follower surfaces (130a) coupled with the cutting blades (134) for sliding engagement and following the opposite edges of the surface of the elongated element (34).
    [0008]
    Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the opposite edges of the elongated element surface (34) are chamfered, and in which: the surfaces of the follower (130a) are chamfered to substantially match the geometry of the edges opposite chamfers of the elongated element surface (34).
    [0009]
    Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the film cutting assembly additionally includes: a guide slot (102) for guiding the film material (32), and surfaces adapted to engage edges of the elongated element (34) and with contours substantially matching the contours of the edges of the elongated element (34).
    [0010]
    10. Method for applying film material to a surface of an elongated element, characterized by the fact that it comprises: moving a carriage (36) along the surface of the elongated element (34), the carriage (36) comprising rollers (38) adapted to mount the carriage (36) for movement along the elongated element (34); dispensing film material (32) from a supply of film material in the car (36); compact the film material (32) against the surface of the elongated element (34) using a compaction roller (46) on the carriage (36) as the carriage (36) moves along the surface of the elongated element (34); and adjusting the edges of the film material (32) that has been compacted against the surface of the elongated element (34), including using the carriage (36) to move at least a pair of scissors (134) through the film material (32) to size that the carriage (36) moves along the surface of the elongated element (34), where the elongated element (34) includes a top, base and sides, and the rollers (38) engage the top, base and sides of the element elongated (34).
    [0011]
    11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the dispensing, compacting and trimming are carried out in a single pass as the carriage (36) moves along a surface of the elongated element (34).
    [0012]
    Method according to either of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that it further comprises: removing a bottom coating (56) from the film material (32) being dispensed, and accumulating the bottom coating (56 ) in a bottom coating collection cylinder (42) in the carriage (36).
    [0013]
    Method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the trimming of the edges of the film material includes: extracting a pair of cutting blades (134) through the film material (32) as the carriage (36) moves along a surface of the elongated element (34), following the edges of the surface of the elongated element (34), and moving the cutting blades (134) to follow the edges of the surface of the elongated element (34 ).
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    CA2888348A1|2014-06-05|
    US9370910B2|2016-06-21|
    CA2888348C|2018-09-04|
    JP2016506310A|2016-03-03|
    WO2014084956A1|2014-06-05|
    JP6293164B2|2018-03-14|
    BR112015010720A2|2017-07-11|
    CN104812553B|2020-06-09|
    US20150136328A1|2015-05-21|
    EP2928667A1|2015-10-14|
    KR20150091041A|2015-08-07|
    ES2647444T3|2017-12-21|
    KR102054496B1|2019-12-10|
    US20140150964A1|2014-06-05|
    EP2928667B1|2017-08-02|
    CN104812553A|2015-07-29|
    US9067374B2|2015-06-30|
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    法律状态:
    2018-03-06| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2018-03-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2018-03-20| B06I| Publication of requirement cancelled [chapter 6.9 patent gazette]|Free format text: ANULADA A PUBLICACAO CODIGO 6.6.1 NA RPI NO 2462 DE 13/03/2018 POR TER SIDO INDEVIDA. |
    2019-12-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-02-17| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-03-30| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 30/09/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/690,809|2012-11-30|
    US13/690,809|US9067374B2|2012-11-30|2012-11-30|Method and apparatus for applying film material to elongate members|
    PCT/US2013/062528|WO2014084956A1|2012-11-30|2013-09-30|Method and apparatus for applying film material to elongate members|
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