Air Data Probe Inspection System Using Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inspection of air data probes for damage and misalignment is subjective and inconsistent, leading to inaccuracies in air data parameter outputs due to environmental exposure and deformation, which affects the accuracy of airspeed, altitude, and other aircraft parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing image-based and video-based analysis techniques to inspect air data probes for misalignment and physical damage, employing a portable electronic device with image sensors, position sensors, and processing units to capture images from multiple orientations, analyze them for alignment errors, and provide maintenance recommendations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection is used, then inspection simplicity is maintained, but inspection accuracy and consistency deteriorate due to subjective judgment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical measurement system. Image sensors capture visual data of the air data probe, and processing units automatically analyze alignment and damage criteria, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies (images) of the air data probe from multiple orientations and analyzes these copies to detect misalignment and physical damage. This allows repeated, consistent measurements without the variability introduced by manual inspection methods.
2Reliability
If manual inspection is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but reliability of air data outputs deteriorates due to inconsistent application of criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback by comparing captured images against established alignment and damage criteria, objectively determining whether the air data probe meets specifications. This feedback mechanism ensures consistent, reliable inspection results that directly impact air data output reliability without requiring complex operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-service by automatically analyzing its own captured data against predefined criteria, eliminating the need for operator judgment. The system independently determines inspection results, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making.
3Stability of the object's composition
If image-based analysis is used, then inspection consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a multi-functional approach where a single portable electronic device with image sensors performs multiple inspection tasks (alignment verification, damage detection, corrosion identification) across different orientations. This universal capability achieves consistent inspection results without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of inspecting an air data (10) probe for damage or misalignment on a mounting surface includes retrieving reference data for the air data probe from a database, capturing images of the air data probe via a camera (30) and generating dimensions from the captured images of the air data probe via a feature extractor (50). An alignment calculator (52) analyzes the generated dimensions from the captured images of the air data probe and the reference data for the air data probe from the database to identify misalignment of the air data probe, and analyzes the generated dimensions from the captured images of the air data probe and the reference data for the air data probe from the database to identify damage of the air data probe. A maintenance recommendation for the air data probe is generated and outputted, based on the identified misalignment or damage of the air data probe.