Remote Aircraft Surface Inspection With Digital Image Review
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft inspections are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and pose safety risks due to manual methods, and they often result in non-digital documentation that is not easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely inspecting aircraft using an imaging device to acquire images, a control unit to process and display them at a separate location, and a user interface for inspection, enabling digital documentation and reducing physical presence near the aircraft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection methods are used with lifts and support equipment, then inspection can be performed, but inspection time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated imaging system that uses cameras and computer vision technology to capture and analyze aircraft surfaces, eliminating the need for manual handling and lifts while maintaining inspection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-inspection through automated image capture and analysis, where the imaging device autonomously inspects the aircraft without requiring manual operation, reducing both time and labor intensity
2Ease of operation
If manual inspection with lifts is performed, then access to various aircraft areas is achieved, but safety risks increase due to potential falls and accidental contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated imaging system that uses cameras and computer vision technology to capture and analyze aircraft surfaces, eliminating the need for manual handling and lifts while maintaining inspection quality
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device acts as an intermediary between the inspector and the aircraft, capturing images that can be analyzed remotely, thus eliminating direct physical contact and associated safety risks
3Ease of manufacture
If non-digital documentation is used for inspection results, then inspection can be completed, but accessibility and retrieval of inspection data become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates digital copies of inspection results through automated image capture and storage, replacing manual non-digital documentation and enabling easy retrieval, sharing, and analysis of inspection data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated imaging system that uses cameras and computer vision technology to capture and analyze aircraft surfaces, eliminating the need for manual handling and lifts while maintaining inspection quality
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) for inspecting an aircraft (102) at a first location (112), includes an imaging device (104) configured to acquire one or more images (105) of one of or more surfaces (132) of the aircraft (102) at the first location (112). A control unit (106) is in communication with the imaging device (104). The control unit (106) is configured to receive the one or more images (105). A user interface (108) is in communication with the control unit (106). The user interface (108) is at a second location (114) that differs from the first location (112). The user interface (108) includes a display (110). The control unit (106) is configured to show the one or more images (105) on the display (110). As such, the inspection is performed at the first location (112), such as by an individual using the display (110) at the second location (114).