Flexible Automated Assembly Systems for Large CFRP-structures

In this publication an approach for flexible automated assembly systems for large CFRP-structures will be presented. This approach divides the assembly system into two main components, the automated joining process and the flexible automated holding fixture. Special attention will be given to the holding fixture, its components and automatic processes to achieve an optimal 6D-position and shape of the CFRP-structure to be assembled.First, a short overview about the state-of-the-art assembly systems will be given, followed by a description of the approach and the developed generic prototype for flexible automated holding fixtures. The prototype will be presented as a future solution that opens new possibilities of adaptive assembly optimization in comparison to conventional part specific systems. Furthermore, the main automatic processes applied to the generic prototype will be presented as independent technologies working together as an intelligent system. The automatic processes to be described are machine measurement, contact-points adjustment, 6D-position adjustment and shape adjustment.