Patent ID: 6671941
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: B64F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of producing an aircraft assembly tool for supporting an aircraft component comprising:a) calculating a plurality of predetermined positions and corresponding orientations in space at which the aircraft component is to be supported; b) designing a fixture frame configured to provide support for the aircraft component at predetermined locations of the frame associated with said predetermined positions; c) constructing the fixture frame by selecting elongate members having predetermined lengths and connecting the elongate members together by means of releasable fastening means; d) providing a plurality of pick-up devices, each having a receiving element for carrying the component, by selecting further elongate members having predetermined lengths and connecting the further elongate members together and to the receiving element by means of clamping elements adapted selectively to allow at least three degrees of freedom of movement of each receiving element along at least two orthogonal axes and around at least one axis coplanar with the orthogonal axes; e) securing the pick-up devices to the fixture frame at the predetermined locations; and f) adjusting each receiving element along/around the orthogonal axes to align the receiving element with a respective predetermined position and orientation.