Patent ID: 6202275
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: B23Q,B25B,G05B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of assembling a contoured structure comprising:individually adjusting a plurality of rigid bars to the desired contoured surface of a portion of a structure on a precision assembly table comprising said plurality of rigid bars whose position is capable of individual adjustment to define said desired contoured surface;positioning said portion of said structure on said plurality of rigid bars;holding said portion of said structure in position on said plurality of rigid bars disposed to form the desired contour with a hold down fixturesuch that said structure mechanically conforms to said contoured surface established by said plurality of rigid bars; andconnecting any remaining portions of said structure to said portion of said structure positioned on said precision assembly table after said portion of said structure has conformed to said desired contoured surface to form a contoured structure;measuring the position of said rigid bars during assembly operations; andadjusting the position of said rigid bars so that their position conforms to said desired contour.