John S Killian

US Patent:

6496745, Dec 17, 2002

Filed:

May 17, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/572807

Inventors:

John S. Killian - Fort Worth TX

Assignee:

Lockheed Martin Corporation - Bethesda MD

International Classification:

G06F 1900

US Classification:

700 95, 700114, 700117, 244119, 244120

Abstract:

The present invention provides systems and methods for orienting or assembling a detailed part in a predetermined orientation in which the detailed part is made up of a plurality of component parts. First, a location and alignment are defined by a virtual assembly tool. Next, a unique combination of self-locating features are disposed on the individual component parts in which the unique combination corresponds to the location and alignment defined by the virtual assembly tool. Thus, the virtual assembly tool is integrated into the assembled detailed part. In practice the individual component parts are engaged with predetermined corresponding component parts using the self-locating features. The act of engaging the individual component-parts is repeated until all component parts are engaged with each respective corresponding component parts.