Patent ID: 6098260
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: B21J,B23P,B64F,Y10T

Abstract:
A fastening assembly apparatus for securing two cylindrical fuselage sections together at a seam formed along adjacent edge portions of each said fuselage section, said apparatus comprising:a base unit removably securable to portions of each of said cylindrical fuselage sections generally parallel to said seam and having at least one accurate guide rail which generally follows the circumference of the cylindrical fuselage sections;a plurality of suction elements spaced circumferentially about the base unit for releasably coupling the base unit to the fuselage sections;a first fastening mechanism including:a first drive assembly coupled to said guide rail and movable along a circumferential path defined by said guide rail and over said seam, and adjacent to a first surface of each of said fuselage sections;a second drive assembly supported by said first drive assembly and movable perpendicularly to a direction of movement of said first drive assembly;a second fastening system including;a tower assembly movable independently of said guide rail and disposed so as to face a second surface of each of said fuselage sections for supporting a fastening tool and moving said fastening tool controllably towards and away from said second surface of each of said fuselage sections along said seam;a fastening device supported on said tower assembly for applying a plurality of fasteners to the fuselage sections, said fastening device being movable along three axes of movement.