Universal Lifting System (ULS)
Modular Ground Support System for eVTOL Aircraft Manufacturing
The client needed a solution for the complex installation of wings and main batteries on their newly designed aircraft. The system had to be user-friendly, capable of 7-axis finely controlled motion, easily movable, and safe for lifting several hundred pounds high up in the air.
The Finished Product
Universal Lifting System (ULS)
Modular Ground Support System for eVTOL Aircraft Manufacturing
The client needed a solution for the complex installation of wings and main batteries on their newly designed aircraft. The system had to be user-friendly, capable of 7-axis finely controlled motion, easily movable, and safe for lifting several hundred pounds high up in the air.
HOW WE MADE IT HAPPEN
In the fast-paced world of new product development, resources and time are often limited. To overcome these challenges, companies can turn to APE for expert assistance to accelerate their development processes. This case study highlights how APE supported a military vehicle manufacturer in meeting critical delivery deadlines by developing an efficient weld fixturing system and manufacturing process.
As the military vehicle manufacturer approached the final stages of designing their latest vehicle, they faced a significant hurdle. They lacked both the in-house expertise and the bandwidth to develop the necessary fixturing system and manufacturing process to meet their delivery requirements. Recognizing the urgency, they reached out to APE for a solution.
APE’s expertise in developing advanced weld fixtures exemplifies how strategic partnerships can enhance a company’s capabilities and accelerate product development. This collaboration underscores APE’s commitment to providing solutions that meet the most demanding industry standards and delivery requirements.
Contact us today to learn how APE can help accelerate your product development process.
The Finished Product
Universal Lifting System (ULS)
Modular Ground Support System for eVTOL Aircraft Manufacturing
The client needed a solution for the complex installation of wings and main batteries on their newly designed aircraft. The system had to be user-friendly, capable of 7-axis finely controlled motion, easily movable, and safe for lifting several hundred pounds high up in the air.
“This is freaking awesome”
The Finished Product
HOW WE MADE
IT HAPPEN
The client needed a solution for the complex installation of wings and main batteries on their newly designed aircraft. The system had to be user-friendly, capable of 7-axis finely controlled motion, easily movable, and safe for lifting several hundred pounds high up in the air.
APE designed the ULS, a modular ground support system featuring up to 7 axes of controlled motion, tailored to meet the specific requirements of the client.
The system includes:
- Lift
- X-Translate
- Y-Translate
- Pitch
- Roll
- Yaw
- Z+ Travel: Extending the system out at the resultant vector of all preceding motions, allowing for precise placement of the battery into its mounting connections safely and efficiently without overstressing the carbon composite wing structure.
Key Features:
- User-Friendly: Although designed for a manufacturing environment, the system's long cycle time justified only powering the vertical motion. Other motions are manually controlled by hand wheels turning lead screws. This manual control provides physical feedback, preventing the operator from accidentally overstressing the airframe during installation
- Modular Design: The system's components can be swapped out for different operations, such as installing the wings to the fuselage. Pairing two systems together allows for all the degrees of freedom required for safe and easy wing installation.
By collaborating closely with the client's engineering team, APE developed a system that addressed the client's manufacturing challenges, saving time and money. The modular ground support system allowed the client's engineering team to focus on aircraft design while APE handled critical manufacturing processes. This collaboration resulted in a product both companies are proud of, demonstrating the value of APE's innovative engineering solutions.
“This is freaking awesome”
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