Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of an object. A platform may be moved along a path relative to the object using a robotic device. A liquid may be applied onto the plurality of surfaces of the object using an applicator associated with the platform. The liquid may be worked into the plurality of surfaces using a plurality of cleaning elements associated with the platform to dislodge undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. A plurality of flexible members may be moved along the plurality of surfaces to dry the plurality of surfaces and remove the undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. An airflow may be generated that moves the undesired material into a vacuum duct in a vacuum system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of an object. A platform may be moved along a path relative to the object using a robotic device. A liquid may be applied onto the plurality of surfaces of the object using an applicator associated with the platform. The liquid may be worked into the plurality of surfaces using a plurality of cleaning elements associated with the platform to dislodge undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. A plurality of flexible members may be moved along the plurality of surfaces to dry the plurality of surfaces and remove the undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. An airflow may be generated that moves the undesired material into a vacuum duct in a vacuum system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning surfaces of an object. A platform may be moved along a path relative to the object using a robotic device. A liquid may be applied onto the plurality of surfaces of the object using an applicator associated with the platform. The liquid may be worked into the plurality of surfaces using a plurality of cleaning elements associated with the platform to dislodge undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. A plurality of flexible members may be moved along the plurality of surfaces to dry the plurality of surfaces and remove the undesired material from the plurality of surfaces. An airflow may be generated that moves the undesired material into a vacuum duct in a vacuum system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealant to a structure. The method comprises scanning a surface of the structure with a vision system to form scanned data. The method further determines a sealant application path for the structure using the scanned data. The method also controls movement of an application tip along the sealant application path using a controller.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for applying materials at interface areas formed by fasteners and parts. Specifically, a material is delivered to an interface area such that at least a portion of a fastener remains free from this material. The interface area may be sealed such that the material is contained within that area. As such, a controlled amount of the material is dispensed in a precise location. An applicator used for this process may include a housing and inner guide slidably disposed within this housing. The material may be delivered through an annular flow channel between the housing and inner guide. The inner guide may be sealed against and, in some embodiments, centered with respect to the fastener. The housing may be sealed with respect to the part and, in some embodiments, may be rotated with respect to the part to redistribute the material at the interface area.

Abstract: A sealing system for applying resin to a cut edge of a composite structure, the cut edge having exposed carbon fibers. The system includes: a tool that comprises a nozzle and a resin source; a controller configured to control: a movement of the tool, and flow of resin from the resin source to the nozzle; and an application tip connected to the nozzle of the tool and configured to apply the resin to the cut edge of the composite structure. The application tip may have an exterior surface with a circular cross section and an indentation for a first length along a longitudinal axis of the application tip and a first end and a second end configured such that a resin flows from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for attaching a nozzle to a fluid dispensing system and a tip to the nozzle. In one illustrative example, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a nozzle retaining structure having nozzle retaining areas holding nozzles. A nozzle may be selected for use based on a nozzle identifier element corresponding to each of the nozzles. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected to attach the fluid dispensing system to the nozzle selected. Further, the fluid dispensing system may be moved by a robotic device towards a tip retaining structure having tip retaining areas holding tips. A tip may be selected for use based on a tip identifier element corresponding to each of the tips. The robotic device may move the fluid dispensing system to the tip selected to attach the nozzle to the tip selected.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for shaping sealant applied to a fastener. Methods include pressing, using an end effector of a robotic arm, a dabbing tool against the sealant, the sealant sealing a surface of the fastener along a surface of an assembly, the pressing of the dabbing tool shaping an exterior surface of the sealant. Methods also include releasing an amount of solvent from the dabbing tool in response to the pressing, the amount of solvent reducing adhesion between the dabbing tool and the sealant, the amount of solvent being released, at least in part, from a porous member included in the dabbing tool. Methods further include disengaging the dabbing tool from the sealant after the shaping of the exterior surface of the sealant.

Abstract: A sealing system for applying resin to a cut edge of a composite structure, the cut edge having exposed carbon fibers. The system includes: a tool that comprises a nozzle and a resin source; a controller configured to control: a movement of the tool, and flow of resin from the resin source to the nozzle; and an application tip connected to the nozzle of the tool and configured to apply the resin to the cut edge of the composite structure. The application tip may have an exterior surface with a circular cross section and an indentation for a first length along a longitudinal axis of the application tip and a first end and a second end configured such that a resin flows from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying resin to a cut edge of a composite structure, the cut edge having exposed carbon fibers. The method comprises scanning the cut edge of the composite structure with a vision system to form scanned data. The method further determines an application path for the cut edge of the composite structure using the scanned data. The method also applies the resin to the cut edge of the composite structure by controlling movement of an application tip along the application path using a controller.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for shaping sealant applied to a fastener. Methods include pressing, using an end effector of a robotic arm, a dabbing tool against the sealant, the sealant sealing a surface of the fastener along a surface of an assembly, the pressing of the dabbing tool shaping an exterior surface of the sealant. Methods also include releasing an amount of solvent from the dabbing tool in response to the pressing, the amount of solvent reducing adhesion between the dabbing tool and the sealant, the amount of solvent being released, at least in part, from a porous member included in the dabbing tool. Methods further include disengaging the dabbing tool from the sealant after the shaping of the exterior surface of the sealant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a fluid onto a number of surfaces. In one illustrative example, an apparatus may comprises a base having a number of channels, a number of flexible members extending from the base, and an applicator extending from the base on a same side as the number of flexible members. A flexible member in the number of flexible members may have a fluid channel connected to at least one of the number of channels in the base to allow a fluid flowing through the number of channels to flow out of the fluid channel. The applicator may be configured to apply the fluid flowing out of the number of flexible members onto a number of surfaces.

Abstract: A method of generating a path for processing a physical profile of a part with a tool is provided. The physical profile has a shape. The method comprises identifying a processing location on the physical profile of the part. The processing location is within an inspection region. The method also comprises identifying an inspection-region location based on the processing location. An inspection region is geometrically associated with the inspection-region location. The method additionally comprises identifying a processing location on the physical profile of the part. The processing location is within the inspection region. The method also comprises generating at least a portion of the path based on the processing location and the processing location.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for applying materials at interface areas formed by fasteners and parts. Specifically, a material is delivered to an interface area such that at least a portion of a fastener remains free from this material. The interface area may be sealed such that the material is contained within that area. As such, a controlled amount of the material is dispensed in a precise location. An applicator used for this process may include a housing and inner guide slidably disposed within this housing. The material may be delivered through an annular flow channel between the housing and inner guide. The inner guide may be sealed against and, in some embodiments, centered with respect to the fastener. The housing may be sealed with respect to the part and, in some embodiments, may be rotated with respect to the part to redistribute the material at the interface area.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for shaping sealant applied to a fastener. Tools disclosed herein include a housing that includes a first end, a second end, and a chamber, the first end including a first opening defining a first portion of the chamber, the second end being configured to be coupled to a robotic sealant applicator, the housing further including a second opening configured to transfer a solvent from an external reservoir to the chamber. The tools may also include a porous member included in the chamber, the porous member being configured to store an amount of solvent, the porous member being further configured to apply a designated shape to the sealant applied to the fastener in response to the sealant contacting the porous member, and the porous member being further configured release at least a portion of the solvent in response to the sealant contacting the porous member.

Abstract: Provided are methods and systems for applying materials at interface areas formed by fasteners and parts. Specifically, a material is delivered to an interface area such that at least a portion of a fastener remains free from this material. The interface area may be sealed such that the material is contained within that area. As such, a controlled amount of the material is dispensed in a precise location. An applicator used for this process may include a housing and inner guide slidably disposed within this housing. The material may be delivered through an annular flow channel between the housing and inner guide. The inner guide may be sealed against and, in some embodiments, centered with respect to the fastener. The housing may be sealed with respect to the part and, in some embodiments, may be rotated with respect to the part to redistribute the material at the interface area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming and shaping a fillet at an interface. A fluid may be dispensed from a nozzle onto the interface as the nozzle is moved along the interface to form the fillet. An exposed surface of the fillet may be worked using a fairing element associated with the nozzle, as the nozzle is moved along the interface and the fluid is dispensed from the nozzle.

Abstract: A method (100) of generating a path (470) for processing a physical profile (230) of a part (200) with a tool (303) is provided. The physical profile (230) has a shape. The method (100) comprises identifying a processing location (440a) on the physical profile (230) of the part (200). The processing location (440a) is within an inspection region (450a). The method (100) also comprises identifying an inspection-region location (460b) based on the processing location (440a). An inspection region (450b) is geometrically associated with the inspection-region location (460b). The method (100) additionally comprises identifying a processing location (440b) on the physical profile (230) of the part (200). The processing location (440b) is within the inspection region (450b). The method (100) also comprises generating at least a portion of the path (470) based on the processing location (440a) and the processing location (440b).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying resin to a cut edge of a composite structure, the cut edge having exposed carbon fibers. The method comprises scanning the cut edge of the composite structure with a vision system to form scanned data. The method further determines an application path for the cut edge of the composite structure using the scanned data. The method also applies the resin to the cut edge of the composite structure by controlling movement of an application tip along the application path using a controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a sealant to a structure. The method comprises scanning a surface of the structure with a vision system to form scanned data. The method further determines a sealant application path for the structure using the scanned data. The method also controls movement of an application tip along the sealant application path using a controller.