Automated Aircraft Surface Inspection Using Sensor Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft inspection methods are time-consuming, require skilled maintenance operators, and can miss inconsistencies due to the difficulty in accessing upper portions of aircraft, leading to inconsistent results and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a network of sensor systems to generate high-quality data about the aircraft's surface by assigning sensors to specific portions of the inspection volume based on their capability, allowing for thorough and accurate identification of inconsistencies without the need for human operators to physically access all areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection by maintenance operators is used, then inspection accuracy can be maintained through human judgment, but inspection time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical inspection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of the aircraft surface and uses automated defect detection algorithms to identify inconsistencies, eliminating the need for manual visual inspection by maintenance operators while maintaining high accuracy and reducing inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the aircraft surface for inspection purposes. By capturing high-resolution images and processing them through automated algorithms, the system allows multiple inspections of the same area without requiring physical re-access, enabling thorough examination while reducing overall inspection time through parallel processing of multiple image datasets.
2Ease of operation
If manual inspection methods are used, then flexibility in accessing different areas can be maintained, but consistency and reliability of inspection results decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aircraft surface into multiple inspection zones and uses multiple cameras positioned at different locations to capture images of specific portions. Each camera is assigned to capture images of particular areas, ensuring complete coverage while maintaining consistent inspection quality across all zones through standardized imaging parameters and automated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal inspection system that can inspect various aircraft types and configurations using the same automated camera and image processing platform. The system adapts to different inspection scenarios through configurable parameters and standardized procedures, ensuring consistent and reliable results across diverse applications without requiring manual adjustment for each case.
3Measurement precision
If skilled maintenance operators perform inspections, then quality of inspection can be maintained, but training requirements and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for skilled human operators with an automated optical inspection system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to detect surface defects. This substitution eliminates the need for extensive training while maintaining or improving inspection quality through consistent automated application of detection algorithms and objective analysis of captured images.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-calibration and self-validation through automated image processing algorithms that objectively analyze captured images without human intervention. The system automatically compares images against reference standards and identifies defects based on predefined criteria, ensuring consistent quality without requiring trained operators to make subjective judgments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for inspecting an object. In response to a presence of the object in an inspection area, a volume containing the object is identified. The volume has a plurality of portions. A number of sensor systems is assigned to the plurality of portions of the volume. Each sensor system in the number of sensors systems is assigned to a number of portions in the plurality of portions of the volume based on whether each sensor system is able to generate data with a desired level of quality about a surface of the object in a particular portion in the plurality of portions. Data about the surface of the object is generated using the number of sensor systems assigned to the plurality of portions of the volume. A determination is made as to whether a number of inconsistencies is present on the surface of the object using data.