Trajectory planning method for docking of large aircraft components

Abstract

Purpose

In the digital assembly system of large aircraft components (LAC), the docking trajectory of LAC is an important factor affecting the docking accuracy and stability of the LAC. The main content of docking trajectory planning is how to move the LAC from the initial posture and position to the target posture and position (TPP). This paper aims to propose a trajectory planning method of LAC based on measured data.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the posture and position error model of the wing is constructed according to the measured data of the measurement points (MPs) and the fork lug joints. Second, the particle swarm optimization algorithm based on the dynamic inertia factor is used to optimize the TPP of the wing. Third, to ensure the efficiency and stability of posture adjustment, the S-shaped curve is used as the motion trajectory of LAC, and the parameters of the trajectory are solved by the generalized multiplier method. Finally, a series of docking experiments are carried out.

Findings

During the process of posture adjustment, the motion of the numerical control locator (NCL) is stable, and the interaction force between the NCLs is always within a reasonable range. After the docking, the MPs are all within the tolerance range, and the coaxiality error of the fork lug hole is less than 0.2 mm.

Originality/value

In this paper, the measured data rather than the theoretical design model is used to solve the TPP, which improves the docking accuracy of LAC. Experiment results show that the proposed trajectory method can complete the LAC docking effectively and improve the docking accuracy.

Citation

Li, S.-G., Chu, W., Huang, X. and Xu, J. (2023), "Trajectory planning method for docking of large aircraft components", Robotic Intelligence and Automation, Vol. 43 No. 3, pp. 235-253. https://doi.org/10.1108/RIA-12-2022-0278