Patent ID: 11753184

Abstract:
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for assembling a wing. Methods include coupling a robot arm to a bracket on a rib held against a wing panel, and operating the coupled robot arm to install shims between the rib and wing panel. Some methods further include mounting (e.g. detachably) the bracket, such as by aligning it with indexing features at the rib. In some methods, the bracket enforces a contour to the rib. Systems include a carriage coupled to a rib, and a robot arm extending therefrom that is operable to perform work (e.g. inspection, installing shims and/or fasteners, etc.) at an interface between the rib and a wing panel. Apparatus includes a robot arm dimensioned for placement at an interface between a rib and a wing panel, with the robot arm including an end effector to perform work upon the interface (e.g. inspection, installing shims and/or fasteners, etc.).