The patented E4000 is a vertical yoke rivet/bolt machine
for wing panel assembly. In the E4000 the yoke moves in
five axes. Due to the use of electromagnetic riveting (EMR)
the yoke can install rivets into rigid fixture assemblies.
This allows the yoke to run over the panel
build and install all of the rivets and lock bolts. Splice
fasteners are also installed. Hence all tack fasteners are
eliminated.
The yoke is supported in the center of a split
gantry. The yoke moves up and down 140" as well as +/-15 degrees
in A and +/-15 degrees in B. The patent pending kinematic design
allows the yoke to rotate precisely about the tool point. Rotary
motion in B is activated by differential motion of the gantry
halves in the X direction. Rotary motion in A is activated by
differential motion of the two Y axes, one on each gantry half.
The gantry is capable of extremely accurate and practically
unlimited travel in the X axis. This accuracy results from
precision scales on both beds and electronic backlash control
with dual drives for each gantry half. Precision scales are also
utilized in the Y (vertical) axis. The heads on the yoke are
equipped for the installation of both rivets and lock bolts in a
range of grips lengths and diameters.
The E4000 is supported by the
E4000 wing fixture
which holds all of the components in
position on form boards which rotate out of the way to provide the
machine with access to all of the fasteners.