Papers by Author: J. Ríos

Abstract: During the conceptual design phase of a Final Assembly Line (FAL), the design solutions that will meet the functional and industrial requirements are defined, i.e.: the basic requirements of industrialization. During this phase, several alternatives are studied, and the most attractive in terms of performance and cost requirements is selected. As a result of the study of these alternatives, it is possible to define an early conceptual design of the assembly line and its basic parameters. The plant needs, long cycle jigs & tools or industrial means and human resources with the necessary skills can be determined in advance. This communication presents a case study focus on the FAL of the AIRBUS A400M.

Abstract: The assembly of components in the aerospace industry is currently supported by procedures based on work instructions. This documentation describes both the sequence of operations to be performed by operators and fundamental parameters of operation. However, sometimes difficulties arise, either by the difficulty of interpreting the information or because the process is too complex. This communication shows the results of the Project MOON (asseMbly Oriented authOring augmeNted reality) developed by AIRBUS Military. MOON uses 3D information from the industrial Digital Mock-Up to generate assembly instructions and their deployment by applying Augmented Reality technology. A prototype was developed for the electrical harness routing in the frame 36 of the AIRBUS A400M.

Abstract: Assembly Line Balancing (ALB) comprises ordering of tasks among workstations to satisfy precedence constraints and objective functions. Due to the specific features of an aircraft, such approach is not fully suitable for the case of an aircraft Final Assembly Line (FAL). Where, the number of workstations relates to technological criteria rather than to a calculation aiming to minimize a specific parameter. Workload smoothing is addressed once the FAL configuration is defined. To improve current practices, a methodological approach was taken to address the conceptual modeling of an aircraft assembly line.

Abstract: This communication describes the experience gained when implementing a Digital Manufacturing methodology to validate the industrial design of the AIRBUS A400M Final Assembly Line using commercial Product Lifecycle Management tools. The implementation project generated a remarkable innovation in the industrialization methods and tools used in AIRBUS Military, contributing to the A400M program success. The document presents: the background and reasons motivating the project, the context, the main barriers identified and the definition of a Final Assembly Line (FAL). An innovative concept of industrial Digital Mock-Up (iDMU) was coined, representing the interoperable grouping of product, processes and manufacturing resources data.