Dynamic prediction and compensation of aerocraft assembly variation based on state space model

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yujun Cao ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Zhixiong Zhang ◽  
Jianzhong Shang

Purpose – This paper aims to clarify the predicting and compensating method of aeroplane assembly. It proposes modeling the process of assembly. The paper aims to solve the precision assembly of aeroplane, which includes predicting the assembly variation and compensating the assembly errors. Design/methodology/approach – The paper opted for an exploratory study using the state space theory and small displacement torsor theory. The assembly variation propagation model is established. The experiment data are obtained by a real small aeroplane assembly process. Findings – The paper provides the predicting and compensating method for aeroplane assembly accuracy. Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified need to study how the assembly variation propagates in the assembly process.

2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 249-259 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Li ◽  
Jianzhong Shang ◽  
Hong Zhu

Purpose This paper aims to consider a problem of assembly sensitivity in a multi-station assembly process. The authors focus on the assembly process of aircrafts, which includes cabins and inertial navigation system (INSs), and establish the assembly process state space model for their assembly sensitivity research. Design/methodology/approach To date, the process-related errors that cause large variations in key product characteristics remains one of the most critical research topics in assembly sensitivity analysis. This paper focuses on the unique challenges brought about by the multi-station system: a system-level model for characterizing the variation propagation in the entire process, and the necessity of describing the system response to variation inputs at both station-level and single fixture-level scales. State space representation is used to describe the propagation of variation in such a multi-station process, incorporating assembly process parameters such as fixture-locating layout at individual stations and station-to-station locating layout change. Findings Following the sensitivity analysis in control theory, a group of hierarchical sensitivity indices is defined and expressed in terms of the system matrices in the state space model, which are determined by the given assembly process parameters. Originality/value A case study of assembly sensitivity for a multi-station assembly process illustrates and validates the proposed methodology.


2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liang Cheng ◽  
Qing Wang ◽  
Jiangxiong Li ◽  
Yinglin Ke

Purpose This paper aims to present a modeling and analysis approach for multi-station aircraft assembly to predict assembly variation. The variation accumulated in the assembly process will influence the dimensional accuracy and fatigue life of airframes. However, in digital large aircraft assembly, variation propagation analysis and modeling are still unresolved issues. Design/methodology/approach Based on an elastic structure model and variation model of multistage assembly in one station, the propagation of key characteristics, assembly reference and measurement errors are introduced. Moreover, the reposition and posture coordination are considered as major aspects. The reposition of assembly objects in a different assembly station is described using transformation and blocking of coefficient matrix in finite element equation. The posture coordination of the objects is described using homogeneous matrix multiplication. Then, the variation propagation model and analysis of large aircraft assembly are established using a discrete system diagram. Findings This modeling and analysis approach for multi-station aircraft assembly reveals the basic rule of variation propagation between adjacent assembly stations and can be used to predict assembly variation or potential dimension problems at a preliminary assembly phase. Practical implications The modeling and analysis approaches have been used in a transport aircraft project, and the calculated results were shown to be a good prediction of variation in the actual assembly. Originality/value Although certain simplifications and assumptions have been imposed, the proposed method provides a better understanding of the multi-station assembly process and creates an analytical foundation for further work on variation control and tolerance optimization.


2002 ◽  
Vol 124 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Ding ◽  
Dariusz Ceglarek ◽  
Jianjun Shi

This paper considers the problem of evaluating and benchmarking process design configuration in a multi-station assembly process. We focus on the unique challenges brought by the multi-station system, namely, (1) a system level model to characterize the variation propagation in the entire process, and (2) the necessity to describe the system response to variation inputs at both global (system level) and local (station level and single fixture level) scales. State space representation is employed to recursively describe the propagation of variation in such a multi-station process, incorporating process design information such as fixture locating layout at individual stations and station-to-station locating layout change. Following the sensitivity analysis in control theory, a group of hierarchical sensitivity indices is defined and expressed in terms of the system matrices in the state space model, which are determined by the given process design configuration. Implication of these indices with respect to variation control is discussed and a three-step procedure of applying the sensitivity indices for selecting a better design and prioritizing the critical station/fixture is presented. We illustrate the proposed method using the group of sensitivity indices in design evaluation of the assembly process of an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) side panel.


Author(s):  
Yu Ding ◽  
Dariusz Ceglarek ◽  
Jianjun Shi

This paper considers a problem of evaluating and benchmarking process design configuration in a multi-station assembly process. We focus on the unique challenges brought by the multi-station system: (1) a system level model to characterize the variation propagation in the entire process, (2) the necessity to describe the system response to variation inputs at both global (system level) and local (station level and single fixture level) scales. State space representation is employed to recursively describe the propagation of variation in such a multi-station process, incorporating process design information such as fixture locating layout at individual stations and station-to-station locating layout change. Following the sensitivity analysis in control theory, a group of hierarchical sensitivity indices is defined and expressed in terms of the system matrices in the state space model, which are determined by the given process design configuration. Implication of these indices with respect to variation control is discussed and a three-step procedure of applying the sensitivity indices to selecting a better design and prioritizing the critical station/fixture is presented. We illustrate the proposed method using the group of sensitivity indices in design evaluation of the assembly process of a SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) side panel.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahim Ajani ◽  
Cong Lu

Purpose This paper aims to develop a mathematical method to analyze the assembly variation of the non-rigid assembly, considering the manufacturing variations and the deformation variations of the non-rigid parts during the assembly process. Design/methodology/approach First, this paper proposes a deformation gradient model, which represents the deformation variations during the assembly process by considering the forces and the self-weight of the non-rigid parts. Second, the developed deformation gradient models from the assembly process are integrated into the homogenous transformation matrix to model the deformation variations and manufacturing variations of the deformed non-rigid part. Finally, a mathematical model to analyze the assembly variation propagation is developed to predict the dimensional and geometrical variations due to the manufacturing variations and the deformation variations during the assembly process. Findings Through the case study with a crosshead non-rigid assembly, the results indicate that during the assembly process, the individual deformation values of the non-rigid parts are small. However, the cumulative deformation variations of all the non-rigid parts and the manufacturing variations present a target value (w) of −0.2837 mm as compared to a target value of −0.3995 mm when the assembly is assumed to be rigid. The difference in the target values indicates that the influence of the non-rigid part deformation variations during the assembly process on the mechanical assembly accuracy cannot be ignored. Originality/value In this paper, a deformation gradient model is proposed to obtain the deformation variations of non-rigid parts during the assembly process. The small deformation variation, which is often modeled using a finite-element method in the existing works, is modeled using the proposed deformation gradient model and integrated into the nominal dimensions. Using the deformation gradient models, the non-rigid part deformation variations can be computed and the accumulated deformation variation can be easily obtained. The assembly variation propagation model is developed to predict the accuracy of the non-rigid assembly by integrating the deformation gradient models into the homogeneous transformation matrix.


Author(s):  
Junkang Guo ◽  
Jun Hong ◽  
Xiaopan Wu ◽  
Mengxi Wang ◽  
Yan Feng

The variation propagation in mechanical assembly is an important topic in several research fields, such as computer aided tolerancing (CAT) and product quality control. Mathematical models and analysis methods have been developed to solve this practical problem. Tolerance analysis which is based on the rigid hypothesis can be used to simulate the mass manufacturing and assembly. The state space model and stream of variation theory are mainly applied in flexible part assembly. However, in precision machine tool assembly, both tolerance design and process planning critically impact the accuracy performance, mainly because of the fact that the gravity deformation, including the part deformation and the variation in the joint of two connecting parts, cannot be ignored in variation propagation analysis. In this paper, based on the new generation GPS (Geometrical Product Specification and Verification) standards, the verification and modeling of key characteristics variation due to gravity deformation of single part and adjacent parts are discussed. The accurate evaluation of position and orientation variation taking into account form errors and gravity deformation can be solved from this model by FEM. A mathematical model considering rail error, stiffness of bearings is introduced to simulate the motion error in gravity effect. Based on this work to more accurately calculate the variation propagation considering gravity impact, a state space model describing the assembly process of machine tools is proposed. Then, in any assembly process, the final accuracy can be predicted to find out whether the accuracy is out of design requirement. The validity of this method is verified by a simulation of the assembly of a precision horizontal machining center.


2001 ◽  
Vol 124 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Ding ◽  
Jianjun Shi ◽  
Dariusz Ceglarek

Variation propagation in a multi-station manufacturing process (MMP) is described by the theory of “Stream of Variation.” Given that the measurements are obtained via certain sensor distribution scheme, the problem of whether the stream of variation of an MMP is diagnosable is of great interest to both academia and industry. We present a comprehensive study of the diagnosability of MMPs in this paper. It is based on the state space model and is parallel to the concept of observability in control theory. Analogous to the observability matrix and index, the diagnosability matrix and index are first defined and then derived for MMP systems. The result of diagnosability study is applied to the evaluation of sensor distribution strategy. It can also be used as the basis to develop an optimal sensor distribution algorithm. An example of a three-station assembly process with multi-fixture layouts is presented to illustrate the methodology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 460-472 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jing Hu ◽  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Maogen GE ◽  
Mingzhou Liu ◽  
Liu Conghu ◽  
...  

Purpose The optimal control on reassembly (remanufacturing assembly) error is one of the key technologies to guarantee the assembly precision of remanufactured product. However, because of the uncertainty existing in remanufactured parts, it is difficult to control assembly error during reassembly process. Based on the state space model, this paper aims to propose the optimal control method on reassembly precision to solve this problem. Design/methodology/approach Initially, to ensure the assembly precision of a remanufactured car engine, this paper puts forward an optimal control method on assembly precision for a remanufactured car engine based on the state space model. This method takes assembly workstation operation and remanufactured part attribute as the input vector reassembly status as the state vector and assembly precision as the output vector. Then, the compensation function of reassembly workstation operation input vector is calculated to direct the optimization of the reassembly process. Finally, a case study of a certain remanufactured car engine crankshaft is constructed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the method proposed. Findings The optimal control method on reassembly precision is an effective technology in improving the quality of the remanufactured crankshaft. The average qualified rate of the remanufactured crankshaft increased from 83.05 to 90.97 per cent as shown in the case study. Originality/value The optimal control method on the reassembly precision based on the state space model is available to control the assembly precision, thus enhancing the core competitiveness of the remanufacturing enterprises.


Author(s):  
Yu Ding ◽  
Jianjun Shi ◽  
Dariusz Ceglarek

Variation propagation in a multi-station manufacturing process (MMP) is described by the theory of “Stream of Variation.” Given that the measurements are obtained via certain sensor distribution scheme, the problem of whether the stream of variation of an MMP is diagnosable is of great interest to both academia and industry. We present a comprehensive study of the diagnosability of MMPs in this paper. It is based on the state space model and is parallel to the concept of observability in control theory. Analogous to the observability matrix and index, the diagnosability matrix and index are first defined and then derived for MMP systems. The result of diagnosability study is applied to the evaluation of sensor distribution strategy. It can also be used as the basis to develop an optimal sensor distribution algorithm. An example of a three-station assembly process with multi-fixture layouts is presented to illustrate the methodology.


2013 ◽  
Vol 457-458 ◽  
pp. 1058-1063
Author(s):  
Jing Zhao Yang ◽  
Guo Xi Li ◽  
Bao Zhong Wu

The present studies of assembly accuracy predicting for complex products are mainly oriented to the early design stage. The final product assembly accuracy is computed using a variation propagation model, which is constructed based on design tolerance model and assembly model. Generally, the solving results are quite different with the actual values. In this paper, the axis angular variation calculation of the spacecraft cabin at the assembly phase was studied. And a novel analysis method for assembly variation was proposed with the consideration of measurement uncertainty of the key characteristics. An example was studied to illustrate and demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method.


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