Abstract: A torsion box panel assembly includes a plurality of sub-panels each having a skin secured to a core, and a plurality of hinges each coupled between a different pair of the sub-panels such that each sub-panel is foldable relative to an adjacent sub-panel along a respective hinge. The hingedly-coupled sub-panels together form a base panel having an expanded configuration in which each hinge is closed and the surfaces of the sub-panel skins are substantially co-planar. The base panel, in its expanded configuration, has a planar panel surface defined, at least in part, by the combination of the co-planar sub-panel skins. At least one stabilizing member is secured to the planar panel surface and spans all of the closed hinges to lock the sub-panels together to form a torsion box panel.

Abstract: A torsion box panel assembly includes a plurality of sub-panels each having a skin secured to a core, and a plurality of hinges each coupled between a different pair of the sub-panels such that each sub-panel is foldable relative to an adjacent sub-panel along a respective hinge. The hingedly-coupled sub-panels together form a base panel having an expanded configuration in which each hinge is closed and the surfaces of the sub-panel skins are substantially co-planar. The base panel, in its expanded configuration, has a planar panel surface defined, at least in part, by the combination of the co-planar sub-panel skins. At least one stabilizing member is secured to the planar panel surface and spans all of the closed hinges to lock the sub-panels together to form a torsion box panel.

Abstract: A method of generating a manufacturing process for producing an assembly and a computer system or systems implementing the method. The method generally includes the steps of: designing at least one assembly to be produced having at least two components to be engaged to one another such that the area where the components are to be engaged thereby defines at least one contact area; generating a representation, typically a three-dimensional representation, of the assembly; assigning a unique identifier to each individual component of the assembly or, when a group of more than one identical components is utilized in the assembly, assigning identical unique identifiers to each component of the group, thereby identifying each component as identical; assigning manufacturing instructions to the contact area; and generating manufacturing instructions for the manufacturing process based at least in part on the identifier and the contact area.

Abstract: A method of generating a manufacturing process for producing an assembly and a computer system or systems implementing the method. The method generally includes the steps of: designing at least one assembly to be produced having at least two components to be engaged to one another such that the area where the components are to be engaged thereby defines at least one contact area; generating a representation, typically a three-dimensional representation, of the assembly; assigning a unique identifier to each individual component of the assembly or, when a group of more than one identical components is utilized in the assembly, assigning identical unique identifiers to each component of the group, thereby identifying each component as identical; assigning manufacturing instructions to the contact area; and generating manufacturing instructions for the manufacturing process based at least in part on the identifier and the contact area.

Abstract: A method of generating a manufacturing process for producing an assembly and a computer system or systems implementing the method. The method generally includes the steps of: designing at least one assembly to be produced having at least two components to be engaged to one another such that the area where the components are to be engaged thereby defines at least one contact area; generating a representation, typically a three-dimensional representation, of the assembly; assigning a unique identifier to each individual component of the assembly or, when a group of more than one identical components is utilized in the assembly, assigning identical unique identifiers to each component of the group, thereby identifying each component as identical; assigning manufacturing instructions to the contact area; and generating manufacturing instructions for the manufacturing process based at least in part on the identifier and the contact area.