RTLS in Aerospace Manufacturing
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The document discusses Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) in aerospace manufacturing, highlighting their environments, use cases, and technological challenges. It emphasizes the importance of accurate tracking of tools, assets, and components both indoors and outdoors, using technologies like RFID and Ultra Wideband (UWB). Various applications, such as process visibility and foreign object debris detection, are considered, along with challenges related to infrastructure and accuracy.
RTLS in Aerospace Manufacturing
- 1. RTLS in Aerospace ManufacturingPeter Batty and Russ Chandler
- 2. OverviewEnvironmentsUse casesTechnology challenges and approachesAll images are from public Internet sites and are intended to be general indications of typical aerospace environments: they are not showing or implying any specific projects or customers.
- 3. Environments
- 4. Photo by jeffmcneill - http://flic.kr/p/6Fw3cdManufacturing / Assembly
- 5. Manufacturing / AssemblyPhoto provided by Boeing, via blog.seattlepi.com
- 6. OutdoorsImage from Bing Maps
- 8. In transitPhoto by yui.kubo - http://flic.kr/p/DkT7w
- 9. Use cases
- 10. Tracking toolsFind toolsKeep sets togetherRestrict to areasPhoto provided by Boeing, via blog.seattlepi.com
- 11. Tracking assemblies / componentsLocation often implies process stageTrack assets or paperworkPhoto provided by Boeing, via blog.seattlepi.com
- 12. Tracking across multiple locationsDistributed manufacturingProcess visibility
- 13. Tool configurationConfigure tool settings based on locationConfirm operations carried outImage showing Atlas Copco tools from directindustry.com
- 14. FOD detectionForeign Object Debris / DamageInside wings or other assembliesPhoto provided by Boeing, via blog.seattlepi.com
- 15. Technology challenges and approaches
- 16. Indoor location - RFIDSuitable for some use casesEntrance and exit of assets
- 17. Indoor location - RFIDSuitable for some use casesEntrance and exit of assetsApplies to some process flows, but some limitationsLess applicable to tool tracking
- 18. Indoor Location - RTLSContinuous location trackingSparse infrastructureVery flexibleCommon infrastructure for multiple applicationsUltra Wideband (UWB) most common approach
- 19. UWB considerationsTDOA versus AOACommunications channelTag density, range, update rateTag form factors, battery lifeIntrinsic safetyPresenceGPS integrationSoftware platform and applications
- 20. Indoor location - presenceLow infrastructure, low location accuracyFixed or mobile receiversFOD within wings etcStorage containers
- 21. Outdoor locationPrevious options applicableGPS a useful additionNeed last known locationMore costly, power hungryIntrinsic safety
- 22. Multi-mode solutionsCommon tag with UWB, presence, GPSCommon infrastructure / software platformControl channel important for switching modes
- 23. SummaryEnvironmentsApplicationsTechnologyIndoorOutdoorStorageTransitAssetsToolsProcessVisibilityRFIDUWBPresenceGPSPhoto by jeffmcneill - http://flic.kr/p/6Fw3cd
Editor's Notes
- #5: Final assembly
- #6: Wing manufacturing
- #7: May or may not have good infrastructure (power and network) in all locations
- #11: Tools often expensiveLast known location often good enoughBasic requirement is to find a toolSets of tools may need to be kept togetherAlso requirements that certain tools should be restricted to/from certain areas (e.g. right wing)Potentially indoor, outdoor, storage containers, in transit
- #12: Often location implies stage in processWant ability to define areas with entry and exit eventsAction may depend on more than just location (could pass through same location multiple times, action depends on previous steps)Sometimes track associated paperworkPotentially indoor, outdoor, in transit
- #13: Major value in this in coordinating distributing manufacturingVisibility across multiple plantsProduction integration“VIP” – visible industrial process (do we use this term?)
- #14: Automated setting of tool configuration (e.g. torque settings) based on location of tool and assemblyConfirmation that correct tool operations carried outMore common in auto but applicable to aero
- #15: Inside wings or other assembliesIn outdoor test areas – stray items likely to be stored in nearby containers
- #18: Less flexibility to change workflowsOften limitations on location of infrastructure on the building floorLess applicable to applications like tool tracking
- #19: Good balance of high accuracy with relatively low infrastructureVery flexible for granular workflow trackingSame infrastructure applicable for tool tracking, control, etcTypical accuracy ~1ft, depends on environment
- #20: TDOA only versus AOA optionSeparate communications channel (for tool control and feedback, varying tag update rates, etc)Characteristics of tags – form factor, battery life, etcIntrinsically safe required?Integration with other technologies – presence, GPS, etcSoftware platform and applications
- #21: Useful for areas where low precision location is acceptableGood for FOD within wings and other assemblies (other RF e.g. 2.4GHz better than UWB for penetration through metal)Good for storage containers
- #22: All options already discussed apply in various casesGPS is a useful addition for some use cases, especially for larger areas (don’t need infrastructure)Need last known location for GPS (aircraft shadow, metal containers etc)
- #23: Common tag with UWB, presence, GPS very useful for full cycle of applicationsCommon infrastructure / software platformControl channel important for switching modes