Patent Description:
Manufacturing of large structures in the aerospace industry typically requires manual processing, manually placing the structure into a workstation, and manually moving it out of the workstation.

Challenges arise related to proper orientation and support of large structures within a work cell, specifically in work cells utilizing overhead mechanical equipment. Other difficulties arise related to movement of large structures into and out of work cells, and more particularly to automated transfer of large structures.

Accordingly, those skilled in the art continue with research and development efforts in the field of manufacturing large aerospace structures.

<CIT> states, in its abstract: A flexible fastening machine tool having first and second facing pedestals is mounted on first and second pairs of rails. The pedestals are movable along the rails in a Y-axis direction. A rail base is provided and the second pair of rails is mounted on the rail base. A third pair of rails that extend in an X-axis direction are mounted to the floor, and the rail base is positioned on the third pair of rails, such that the second pedestal is movable along the third pair of rails in the X-axis direction toward and away from the first pedestal. A first movable carriage is mounted on the first pedestal and a second movable carriage is mounted on the second pedestal. A frame member is supported by the first and second carriages and the frame member holds a workpiece. The first and second carriages are independently movable toward and away from the first and second pairs of rails such that the fixture frame is capable of being raised, lowered and tilted. A C-frame is mounted on the third pair of rails and the C-frame is capable of performing tooling operations on the workpiece.

<CIT> states in its abstract: The invention relates to a processing system for aircraft structural components with a processing station (<NUM>) which has a positioning device (<NUM>) for receiving and moving an aircraft structural component (3a, b) and a manipulator (<NUM>) with a tool (<NUM>), preferably a riveting machine (5a). , wherein the manipulator (<NUM>) is set up to move the tool (<NUM>), a working area (<NUM>) of the processing station (<NUM>) being defined by that area in which the aircraft structural component (3a, b) can be processed by the tool (<NUM>). The invention is characterized in that the processing system comprises a loading area (<NUM>) spaced apart from the work area (<NUM>) for loading and/or unloading the aircraft structural component (3a, b) and that the processing system comprises a traversing device (<NUM>) which is set up to to move the aircraft structural component (3a, b) picked up by the positioning device (<NUM>), in particular completely, between the working area (<NUM>) and the loading area (<NUM>). The invention also relates to a method for machining aircraft structural components.

<CIT> states in its abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

<CIT> states in its abstract: A device for spatially aligning at least two large-format subassembly components, particularly at least one side shell, at least one upper shell, at least one lower shell and/or at least one floor structure, relative to each other for integrating a component, particularly a fuselage section of an aircraft, is provided which includes at least two positioning devices for taking up in each case a subassembly component, particularly at least two side shell positioners, at least one upper shell positioner and/or at least one lower shell positioner, at least one measuring device for acquiring a multitude of measured data, particularly of positioning data relating to the subassembly components and/or to the positioning devices, at least one control and/or regulating device, particularly at least one CNC control system, and at least one neuronal network. Moreover, a method for aligning the subassembly components is also provided.

<CIT> states in its abstract: Until now, an orientation pattern has been projected onto the skin by means of lasers. The stringers provided with an adhesive film are then positioned by hand on the skin and fixed by pressure weights. A precision of ±<NUM> is thus achieved. The fine positioning takes place by means of comb templates. The templates are set one after the other, pressure weights being removed from the stringers after each setting, so a manual orientation of the stringers is made possible. The weights are then set again. The imprecision is still ±<NUM>. This procedure is very time-consuming and not precise enough. It is therefore proposed to use a gantry robot with a gripper beam to position the stringers, the gantry robot cooperating with a loading unit and a heating station. The time spent is thus substantially reduced and the precision of the product is decisively increased.

Disclosed are systems for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment according to claim <NUM>.

In another example, the disclosed system includes a support beam elongated along a longitudinal axis. The support beam has a first end portion and second end portion longitudinally opposed from the first end portion. The support beam includes a first male indexing feature proximate the first end portion and a second male indexing feature proximate the second end portion. The system further includes a first frame assembly located within one work cell of a plurality of work cells. The first frame assembly has a first base portion , a first riser portion defining a first vertical axis, and a first carriage, the first carriage being connected to the first riser portion and moveable relative to the first riser portion along the first vertical axis. The first carriage has a first female indexing feature configured to engage with the first male indexing feature. The system further includes a second frame assembly located within the one work cell of the plurality of work cells. The second frame assembly has a second base portion, a second riser portion defining a second vertical axis, and a second carriage. The second carriage is connected to the second riser portion and is moveable relative to the second riser portion along the second vertical axis. The second carriage includes a second female indexing feature configured to engage with the second male indexing feature.

Also disclosed are methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment according to claim <NUM>.

In one example, the disclosed method includes connecting the workpiece to a support beam. The method further includes engaging the support beam with a first frame assembly. The method further includes engaging the support beam with a second frame assembly. The engaging the support beam with the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly includes indexing the support beam with the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly.

Other examples of the disclosed systems and methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific examples described by the present disclosure. Other examples having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the present disclosure. Like reference numerals may refer to the same feature, element, or component in the different drawings.

Illustrative, non-exhaustive examples, which may be, but are not necessarily, claimed, of the subject matter according to the present disclosure are provided below. Reference herein to "example" means that one or more feature, structure, element, component, characteristic, and/or operational step described in connection with the example is included in at least one aspect, embodiment, and/or implementation of the subject matter according to the present disclosure. Thus, the phrases "an example," "another example," "one or more examples," and similar language throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example. Further, the subject matter characterizing any one example may, but does not necessarily, include the subject matter characterizing any other example. Moreover, the subject matter characterizing any one example may be, but is not necessarily, combined with the subject matter characterizing any other example.

For the purpose of this disclosure, the terms "coupled," "coupling," and similar terms refer to two or more elements that are joined, linked, fastened, attached, connected, put in communication, or otherwise associated (e.g., mechanically, electrically, fluidly, optically, electromagnetically) with one another. In various examples, the elements may be associated directly or indirectly. As an example, element A may be directly associated with element B. As another example, element A may be indirectly associated with element B, for example, via another element C. It will be understood that not all associations among the various disclosed elements are necessarily represented. Accordingly, couplings other than those depicted in the figures may also exist.

References throughout the present specification to features, advantages, or similar language used herein do not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the examples disclosed herein should be, or are in, any single example. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, discussion of features, advantages, and similar language used throughout the present disclosure may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same example.

Disclosed are automated methods and systems for orienting a workpiece in a cell, supporting a strong back beam using a structure, such as a J-frame, and moving a workpiece from one cell to the next cell. The supporting structure includes fixed points attached to an overhead structure. The supporting structures are used at each cell location as a part of the indexing of a workpiece along with adjustable arms/straps to connect to the overhead equipment.

The supporting structure provides the capability to precisely orient the workpiece in the cell. Utilizing rail-based machine beds, a metrology reinforced coordinate system is produced. Metrology cycles, part positioning cycles, and machine re-initialization cycles may be performed at any time in any combination to optimize the process. The structure provides the capability to change the elevation of the workpieces in the manual work cells for the purposes of ergonomic optimization. The structure further allows the overhead equipment to be supported while other components, such as bridges, are \ swapped out and/or recycled thereby providing a method of de-conflicting and re-cycling the overhead gantry system. The structure may further allow the overhead equipment to be lowered onto transportation carts for storage and maintenance as required.

The disclosed system <NUM> and method <NUM> may utilize a control system <NUM>. The control system may utilize a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) based controller. The supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) based controller for the disclosed system <NUM> and method <NUM> utilize feedback control to ensure proper movement between the plurality of work cells <NUM>. The system <NUM> and method <NUM> may be automated such that each step of the method <NUM> is performed automatically based upon data <NUM> analysis and commands received from a control system <NUM>. Further, any reference to moving or a movable component of the disclosed system <NUM> and method <NUM> may refer to automated movement based upon workpiece <NUM> geometry and position within the system <NUM>. For example, movement may automatically occur to position the workpiece <NUM> in a desired location within a work cell <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. n, etc. of the system <NUM> for the work to be performed in that work cell on that particular shape and size of workpiece <NUM>. Movement may include movement along any axis or plane needed to position the workpiece <NUM> properly within the work cell.

Disclosed is a system <NUM> for supporting a workpiece <NUM> in a manufacturing environment <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In one example, the manufacturing environment <NUM> includes a plurality of work cells <NUM>, see <FIG>. The plurality of work cells <NUM> includes, individually, work cells <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. n, etc. At least one work cell <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,. n etc. of the plurality of work cells <NUM> includes a first frame assembly <NUM> and a second frame assembly <NUM> such that each are located within one work cell (e.g., <NUM>) of the plurality of work cells <NUM>.

In one example, the system <NUM> includes a control system <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The control system <NUM> includes a computer <NUM>. The computer <NUM> may utilize one or more numerical control program <NUM> to direct movement of the workpiece <NUM> within a work cell of the plurality of work cells <NUM> or between the plurality of work cells <NUM>. The control system <NUM> may utilize a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) based controller <NUM> to direct movement and facilitate data <NUM> analysis.

Referring to <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes a support beam <NUM>. The support beam <NUM> is elongated along a longitudinal axis L. The support beam <NUM> may include a truss <NUM>. The support beam <NUM> includes a first end portion <NUM> and a second end portion <NUM>. The second end portion <NUM> is longitudinally opposed from the first end portion <NUM>. The support beam <NUM> includes a first beam-side indexing feature <NUM> proximate the first end portion <NUM> and a second beam-side indexing feature <NUM> proximate the second end portion <NUM>, see <FIG>. In one example, the support beam <NUM> includes a metallic material and is substantially rigid.

Referring to <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes a first frame assembly <NUM>. The first frame assembly <NUM> may be generally L-shaped or J-shaped. The first frame assembly <NUM> includes a first base portion <NUM>. The first frame assembly <NUM> further includes a first riser portion <NUM>. The first riser portion <NUM> defines a first vertical axis V<NUM>. In one example, the first riser portion <NUM> and the first base portion <NUM> are integral such that the first frame assembly <NUM> is a single, monolithic piece.

Still referring to <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes a first carriage <NUM>. The first carriage <NUM> is connected to the first riser portion <NUM> of the first frame assembly <NUM>. The first carriage <NUM> is moveable relative to the first riser portion <NUM> along the first vertical axis V<NUM>. For example, the first carriage <NUM> may be movable via any mechanical means such as automated movement via a command <NUM> from control system <NUM>, manual movement, or a combination thereof. The first carriage <NUM> includes a first frame-side indexing feature <NUM> configured to engage with the first beam-side indexing feature <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the system <NUM> includes a second frame assembly <NUM>. The second frame assembly <NUM> may be generally L-shaped or J-shaped. The second frame assembly <NUM> includes a second base portion <NUM> and a second riser portion <NUM>. In one example, the second base portion <NUM> and the second riser portion <NUM> are integral such that the second frame assembly <NUM> is a single, monolithic piece. The second riser portion <NUM> defines a second vertical axis V<NUM>. The system <NUM> further includes a second carriage <NUM>. The second carriage <NUM> is connected to the second riser portion <NUM> and is moveable relative to the second riser portion <NUM> along the second vertical axis V<NUM>. The second carriage <NUM> includes a second frame-side indexing feature <NUM> configured to engage with the second beam-side indexing feature <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the workpiece <NUM> is suspended from the support beam <NUM>. The system <NUM> may include a hanger <NUM> connected to the support beam <NUM>, see <FIG>. The hanger <NUM> may be located for hanging the workpiece <NUM> from the support beam <NUM>.

In one example, the workpiece <NUM> is a wing panel <NUM> of an aircraft <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The workpiece <NUM> may include a composite material. The composite material may include a reinforcement material embedded in a polymeric matrix material, such as carbon fibers embedded in a thermoset (or thermoplastic) resin.

In one example, the first base portion <NUM> of the first frame assembly <NUM> is fixedly connected to an underlying floor <NUM> (e.g., a factory floor). Further, the second base portion <NUM> of the second frame assembly <NUM> is fixedly connected to the underlying floor <NUM> (e.g., a factory floor). In another example, both the first base portion <NUM> of the first frame assembly <NUM> and the second base portion <NUM> of the second frame assembly <NUM> are fixedly connected to the underlying floor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first frame assembly <NUM> is spaced a distance D apart from the second frame assembly <NUM>. In one example, the distance D is at least about <NUM> meter. In another example, the distance D is at least about <NUM> meters. In another example, the distance D is at least about <NUM> meters. In yet another example, the distance D is greater than about <NUM> meters.

Referring to <FIG>, in one example, the first riser portion <NUM> of the first frame assembly <NUM> includes a first track <NUM>. The first carriage <NUM> may be configured to engage with the first track <NUM> and to move relative to the first riser portion <NUM> along the first track <NUM> (i.e., the first carriage <NUM> may be moveable relative to the first riser portion <NUM>).

The system <NUM> may include a motor <NUM>, which may be configured to selectively effect movement of the first carriage <NUM> along the first track <NUM> when the first carriage <NUM> is engaged with the first track <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. For example, the motor <NUM> may enable movement of the first carriage <NUM> vertically along first vertical axis V<NUM> along the first track <NUM> based upon desired location for a workpiece <NUM> and based upon geometry of the workpiece <NUM>. Movement of the first carriage <NUM> along the first track <NUM> may be controlled by the control system <NUM>, such as control based upon data <NUM> collected and sensed by one or more sensor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one example, the second riser portion <NUM> includes a second track <NUM>. The second carriage <NUM> may be configured to engage with the second track <NUM> and move relative to the second riser portion <NUM> along the second track <NUM>.

The system <NUM> may include another motor <NUM> configured to selectively effect movement of the second carriage <NUM> along the second track <NUM>. For example, the motor <NUM> may enable movement of the second carriage <NUM> vertically along second vertical axis V<NUM> along the second track <NUM> based upon desired location for a workpiece <NUM> and based upon geometry of the workpiece <NUM>. Movement of the of the second carriage <NUM> along the second track <NUM> may be controlled by the control system <NUM> based upon data <NUM> collected and sensed by one or more sensor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one example, the first beam-side indexing feature <NUM> includes a first male indexing feature <NUM>. The first frame-side indexing feature <NUM> includes a first female indexing feature <NUM> sized and shaped to closely receive the first male indexing feature <NUM>. In one example, the first male indexing feature <NUM> is or includes a first ball member <NUM> and the first female indexing feature <NUM> is or includes a first socket member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In another example, the first male indexing feature <NUM> is or includes a generally cone-shaped member and the first female indexing feature <NUM> is or includes a generally cup-shaped member.

Referring to <FIG>, in one example, the second beam-side indexing feature <NUM> includes a second male indexing feature <NUM> and the second frame-side indexing feature <NUM> includes a second female indexing feature <NUM> sized and shaped to closely receive the first male indexing feature <NUM>. In one example, the second male indexing feature <NUM> is or includes a second ball member <NUM> and the second female indexing feature <NUM> is or includes a second socket member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one example, the system <NUM> includes a first sensor <NUM> positioned to detect engagement between the first beam-side indexing feature <NUM> and the first frame-side indexing feature <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> is in communication with the control system <NUM> such that any data <NUM> collected from the first sensor <NUM> is sent to the control system <NUM> for analysis. In one example, the first sensor <NUM> includes a force sensor <NUM>. In another example, the first sensor <NUM> includes a motion detector.

Referring to <FIG>, in one example, the system <NUM> includes a second sensor <NUM> positioned to detect engagement between the second beam-side indexing feature <NUM> and the second frame-side indexing feature <NUM>. The second sensor <NUM> is in communication with the control system <NUM> such that any data <NUM> collected from the second sensor <NUM> is sent to the control system <NUM> for analysis. In one example, the second sensor <NUM> includes a force sensor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the system <NUM> may include a gantry <NUM> selectively interfaceable with the support beam <NUM> to move the support beam <NUM> within the manufacturing environment <NUM>. Gantry <NUM> may selectively interface with the support beam <NUM> based upon dimensions of a workpiece <NUM> for supporting with the support beam <NUM> in the manufacturing environment. The gantry <NUM> may selectively interface with the support beam <NUM> by any suitable mechanical interfacing means. In one example, the gantry <NUM> is configured to only move the support beam <NUM> in two directions, the two directions defining a plane P that is generally perpendicular to the first vertical axis V<NUM>. The support beam <NUM> may include a coupling feature <NUM> positioned to facilitate interfacing the support beam <NUM> with the gantry <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one or more examples, the system <NUM> for supporting the workpiece <NUM> in a manufacturing environment <NUM> includes support beam <NUM> elongated along a longitudinal axis L. The support beam <NUM> includes first end portion <NUM> and second end portion <NUM> longitudinally opposed from the first end portion <NUM>. The support beam <NUM> includes first male indexing feature <NUM> proximate the first end portion <NUM> and second male indexing feature <NUM> proximate the second end portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM> further includes first frame assembly <NUM> located within one work cell (e.g., <NUM>) of the plurality of work cells <NUM>. The first frame assembly <NUM> includes first base portion <NUM>, first riser portion <NUM> defining first vertical axis V<NUM>, and first carriage <NUM>. The first carriage <NUM> is connected to the first riser portion <NUM> and is moveable relative to the first riser portion <NUM> along the first vertical axis V<NUM>. The first carriage <NUM> first female indexing feature <NUM> configured to engage with the first male indexing feature <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM> further includes second frame assembly <NUM> located within the one work cell (e.g., <NUM>) of the plurality of work cells <NUM>. The second frame assembly <NUM> includes second base portion <NUM>, second riser portion <NUM> defining second vertical axis V<NUM>, and second carriage <NUM>. The second carriage <NUM> is connected to the second riser portion <NUM> and is moveable relative to the second riser portion <NUM> along the second vertical axis V<NUM>. The second carriage <NUM> includes second female indexing feature <NUM> configured to engage with the second male indexing feature <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the system <NUM> may include a first sensor <NUM>. First sensor <NUM> may be positioned to detect engagement between the first male indexing feature <NUM> and the first female indexing feature <NUM>. The system <NUM> may further include a second sensor <NUM> positioned to detect engagement between the second male indexing feature <NUM> and the second female indexing feature <NUM>. The first sensor <NUM> and the second sensor <NUM> may be in communication with the control system <NUM> such that they are configured to send sensed data <NUM> to the control system <NUM> for analysis.

Referring to <FIG>, disclosed is a method <NUM> for supporting a workpiece <NUM> in a manufacturing environment <NUM>. The method <NUM> may be used in conjunction with the system <NUM> shown and described herein. In one example, each step of the method <NUM> may be automated such that it utilizes a control system <NUM> to automate each step.

In one example, the method <NUM> includes connecting <NUM> the workpiece <NUM> to a support beam <NUM>. The support beam <NUM> is elongated along a longitudinal axis L. The support beam <NUM> incudes a first end portion <NUM> and second end portion <NUM> longitudinally opposed from the first end portion <NUM>. The support beam <NUM> further includes a first beam-side indexing feature <NUM> proximate the first end portion <NUM> and a second beam-side indexing feature <NUM> proximate the second end portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the method <NUM> includes engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with a first frame assembly <NUM>. In one example, the first frame assembly <NUM> includes a first base portion <NUM>, a first riser portion <NUM> defining a first vertical axis V<NUM>, and a first carriage <NUM>. The first carriage <NUM> includes a first frame-side indexing feature <NUM>, see <FIG>. The first carriage <NUM> is connected to the first riser portion <NUM> and moveable relative to the first riser portion <NUM> along the first vertical axis V<NUM>. For example, the first carriage <NUM> is movable such that it may change position along first vertical axis V<NUM> based upon workpiece <NUM> geometry and specifications. The engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the first frame assembly <NUM> includes moving the first carriage <NUM> relative to the first riser portion <NUM> such that the first frame-side indexing feature <NUM> engages the first beam-side indexing feature <NUM> of the support beam <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, the method <NUM> further includes engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with a second frame assembly <NUM>. The second frame assembly (<NUM>) has a second base portion <NUM>, a second riser portion <NUM> defining a second vertical axis V<NUM>, and a second carriage <NUM>. The second carriage <NUM> includes a second frame-side indexing feature <NUM>. The second carriage <NUM> is connected to the second riser portion <NUM> and moveable relative to the second riser portion <NUM> along the second vertical axis V<NUM>. For example, the second carriage <NUM> is movable such that it may change position along second vertical axis V<NUM> based upon workpiece <NUM> geometry and specifications. The engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the second frame assembly <NUM> includes moving the second carriage <NUM> relative to the second riser portion <NUM> such that the second frame-side indexing feature <NUM> engages the second beam-side indexing feature <NUM> of the support beam <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the method <NUM> may include sensing <NUM> when the first frame-side indexing feature <NUM> engages the first beam-side indexing feature <NUM>. The method <NUM> may further include sensing <NUM> when the second frame-side indexing feature <NUM> engages the second beam-side indexing feature <NUM>. The data <NUM> collected from sensing <NUM> and <NUM> may be analyzed by the control system <NUM> to determine movement within the system <NUM>.

In example, the engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the first frame assembly <NUM> and the engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the second frame assembly <NUM> are performed simultaneously. In another example, the engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the first frame assembly <NUM> and the engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the second frame assembly <NUM> are performed sequentially. In another example, the engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the first frame assembly <NUM> and the engaging <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the second frame assembly <NUM> includes indexing <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with the first frame assembly <NUM> and the second frame assembly <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the method <NUM> includes moving <NUM> the support beam <NUM> to a position proximate the first frame assembly <NUM> and the second frame assembly <NUM> prior to the engaging the support beam <NUM> with the first frame assembly <NUM> and the engaging the support beam <NUM> with the second frame assembly <NUM>. Moving <NUM> the support beam <NUM> includes moving <NUM> the support beam <NUM> with a gantry <NUM>. In another example, the moving <NUM> the support beam <NUM> includes moving <NUM> the support beam <NUM> in only two directions, the two directions defining a plane P that is generally perpendicular to a first vertical axis V<NUM> defined by the first frame assembly <NUM>.

Examples of the subject matter disclosed herein may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and aircraft <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. During pre-production, service method <NUM> may include specification and design (block <NUM>) of aircraft <NUM> and material procurement (block <NUM>). During production, component and subassembly manufacturing (block <NUM>) and system integration (block <NUM>) of aircraft <NUM> may take place. Thereafter, aircraft <NUM> may go through certification and delivery (block <NUM>) to be placed in service (block <NUM>). While in service, aircraft <NUM> may be scheduled for routine maintenance and service (block <NUM>). Routine maintenance and service may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, etc. of one or more systems of aircraft <NUM>.

Each of the processes of service method <NUM> may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For the purposes of this description, a system integrator may include, without limitation, any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may include, without limitation, any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on.

As shown in <FIG>, aircraft <NUM> produced by service method <NUM> may include airframe <NUM> with a plurality of high-level systems <NUM> and interior <NUM>. Examples of high-level systems <NUM> include one or more of propulsion system <NUM>, electrical system <NUM>, hydraulic system <NUM>, and environmental system <NUM>. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles disclosed herein may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry. Accordingly, in addition to aircraft <NUM>, the principles disclosed herein may apply to other vehicles, e.g., land vehicles, marine vehicles, space vehicles, etc..

The disclosed systems and methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment may be employed during any one or more of the stages of the manufacturing and service method <NUM>. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding to component and subassembly manufacturing (block <NUM>) may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft <NUM> is in service (block <NUM>), such as by employing the disclosed systems and methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment. Also, one or more examples of the disclosed systems and methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment may be utilized during production stages, i.e. component and subassembly manufacturing (block <NUM>) and manufacturing and system integration (block <NUM>), for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft <NUM>. Similarly, one or more examples of the disclosed systems and methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment may be utilized, for example and without limitation, while aircraft <NUM> is in service (block <NUM>) and/or during maintenance and service (block <NUM>).

The disclosed systems and methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment are described in the context of an aircraft. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the disclosed systems and methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment may be utilized for a variety of applications. For example, the disclosed systems and methods for supporting a workpiece in a manufacturing environment may be implemented in various types of vehicles including, e.g., helicopters, watercraft, passenger ships, automobiles, and the like.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for supporting a workpiece (<NUM>) in a manufacturing environment (<NUM>), the system comprising:
- A support beam (<NUM>) elongated along a longitudinal axis (L) and comprising a first end portion (<NUM>) and a second end portion (<NUM>) longitudinally opposed from the first end portion (<NUM>), the support beam (<NUM>) comprising a first beam-side indexing feature (<NUM>) proximate the first end portion (<NUM>) and a second beam-side indexing feature (<NUM>) proximate the second end portion (<NUM>);
- a first frame assembly (<NUM>) comprising a first base portion (<NUM>), a first riser portion (<NUM>) defining a first vertical axis (V<NUM>), and a first carriage (<NUM>), the first carriage (<NUM>) being connected to the first riser portion (<NUM>) and moveable relative to the first riser portion (<NUM>) along the first vertical axis (V<NUM>), wherein the first carriage (<NUM>) comprises a first frame-side indexing feature (<NUM>) configured to engage with the first beam-side indexing feature (<NUM>);
- a second frame assembly (<NUM>) comprising a second base portion (<NUM>), a second riser portion (<NUM>) defining a second vertical axis (V<NUM>), and a second carriage (<NUM>), the second carriage (<NUM>) being connected to the second riser portion (<NUM>) and moveable relative to the second riser portion (<NUM>) along the second vertical axis (V<NUM>), wherein the second carriage (<NUM>) comprises a second frame-side indexing feature (<NUM>) configured to engage with the second beam-side indexing feature (<NUM>); and
- a gantry (<NUM>) selectively interfaceable with the support beam (<NUM>) to move the support beam (<NUM>) within the manufacturing environment (<NUM>) based upon data collected and sensed by one or more sensors (<NUM>).