Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for Composite Wing Assembly
On Jun 25, 2019/By Fori Automation, LLC/In Assembly Systems, Automated Guided Vehicles, Material Handling Systems
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for Aerospace Wing Assembly Systems
Fori recently provided seven high capacity Aerospace AGVs for the automated transport of tooling for spar assembly, supporting the production of composite wing assemblies.
Features:
- Guidance Technology: Magnetic bar, inertial with pencil magnets, natural feature/laser contour
- Capacity: 120,000 lbs./54,545 kg.
- Safety: Safety scanners and bumpers, Siemens safety PLC, system interlocks
- Controls: Siemens open architecture, vehicle management system
- Keys to Success: Vehicle synchronization, custom designed chassis, and highly accurate and repeatable.
- Results: Improved flexibility and decreased crane usage
The seven high capacity AGVs, capable of auto-leveling and synchronized transport of tooling up to 120,000 pounds have been designed to accommodate projected wing production. The Fori AGVs will be the primary method of transporting the tooling and product through the assembly process. Traditional assembly systems rely heavily on overhead crane utilization, the AGV based solution eliminates the reliance on cranes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lehMe10Vx9g
The AGVs were developed to support a lean, automated manufacturing methodology. The goal of the project was to automate the entire material handling process for the assembly of the spars. Notably, the load and unload of the autoclaves used for curing the composite wing spars. The loading of the autoclave is completed utilizing a natural feature guidance system, the AGV uses the walls of the autoclave for the guidance in and out, while still maintaining +/- five mm accuracy.
The design intent was to build a vehicle that was modular and interchangeable. The AGV system is required to transport many tools of different lengths and weights. The AGV system needs to be able to accommodate synchronization of up to three AGVs during the lift and transport from assembly stations.
Each of the AGVs is outfitted with four servo based lifters and a laser alignment system which provides measurement feedback to the on-board PLC for the dynamic leveling of the tooling during transport. The system must maintain levelness within +/- 1/8” from each end of the tool.
A Fori Vehicle Management System has been provided to monitor system I/O, communication between the AGVs, tooling and automated assembly stations. Scheduling of moves also occurs at the Fori VMS.
For more information about Fori Automation's aerospace assembly products, please visit our website. |
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