US 12,296,984 B2
Assembly line fabrication and assembly of aircraft wings
Daniel R. Smith, Woodinville, WA (US); and Darrell D. Jones, Mill Creek, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed on Dec. 19, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/545,481.
Application 18/545,481 is a division of application No. 17/454,289, filed on Nov. 10, 2021, granted, now 11,891,193.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/115,057, filed on Nov. 18, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2024/0158099 A1, May 16, 2024
Int. Cl. B64F 5/10 (2017.01); B23P 21/00 (2006.01); B64C 3/18 (2006.01); B64C 3/26 (2006.01); B64F 5/50 (2017.01)
CPC B64F 5/10 (2017.01) [B23P 21/004 (2013.01); B64C 3/185 (2013.01); B64C 3/187 (2013.01); B64C 3/26 (2013.01); B64F 5/50 (2017.01); B23P 2700/01 (2013.01)] 41 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for assembling a wing, the method comprising:
suspending an upper wing panel, comprising a predetermined contour, of an aircraft beneath a shuttle, the shuttle comprising pogos extending from the shuttle and enforcing the predetermined contour;
translating a rib to a position underneath the upper wing panel;
placing the rib into direct contact with the upper wing panel; and
affixing the rib directly to the upper wing panel while the upper wing panel remains suspended.