Transcript Slide 1
Concept
Target Metrics
Improvement to Auxiliary Fuel Tank Fabrication
Mike Brody Phil Holcolme Adam Konneker
Nick LaRocca Claire Ngengwe
Mission Statement
The purpose of this project is to design a system
which will improve manufacturing process of
Boeing Business Jet auxiliary fuel tanks by making
the process safer and reducing the time it takes to
move the tanks.
Current System
• Outer shell of tank
is completed first
• Hold one BBJ (Boeing 737 Business
Jet) auxiliary fuel tank (size and
weight) plus two workers and
equipment (approx. 1000 lbs)
• Rotate tank through 360-degrees on
one axis
• Raise and lower tank 48 inches.
• As safe as (or safer than) current
process to tank and workers
• Simplified version of our concept
• Detachable tables not included
• Manual pulley system
Frame
• Steel Bar with Pulley System
• Manual winch on both sides
• 4 ft. stroke
• Each tank is lifted
and rotated multiple
times during
fabrication
• Tank is painted on
one side and then
flipped to be painted
on the other side
Problem
• Tanks can be damaged during movement which
may result in scrapping part
• Workers can be injured during lifting
• Process needs improvement in order to better
exhibit lean manufacturing
Tests
• Lift and rotate tank successfully 50
times
• Minimize deflection between uprights
(less than 1/2 in.)
• Adequate winch and rotating hand
wheel ergonomics
• Overall safety
Prototype
• Installing inner
components requires
moving tank
• All movement is
done manually with
2+ workers
• Tanks Lifted by electric pulley
• Rotating and clamping system
• Removable side tables for workers to
stand on while working
Validation & Results
Clamping/Rotation System
• Hand wheel
• Clamp with 4 Bolts
• 360° Rotation
• Polyethylene contact surfaces
Implementation
Prototype and Implementation Cost
Prototype
Material and Machining
Implementation
Material and Machining
Total cost
Results
• Lifting and rotating system 96% reliable
– changes to final design will improve
this
• Average deflection between uprights is
.15 in. which is acceptable
• Good rotating hand wheel ergonomics
• Winch gear ratio can be increased to
reduce # of rotations because force
required is only 1.32 lbf.
• Safety training is necessary
• Pinch points can be covered on pulley
for final design
$
3,034.00
$
6,000.00
$
9,034.00
• Build final design
• Train workers in use and safety
• Implement into manufacturing process
Acknowledgements
The team would like to thank Dr.
Hartman for his advisement, Matt
Porter, Joe Reinhardt, and Caleb
Janssen of PATS Aircraft, and Steve
Beard for help in the machine shop.