AR-Guided Tapping Inspection System for Aircraft Composites
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tapping inspections for aircraft parts, particularly those made of fiber-reinforced plastics, heavily rely on operator skill to determine appropriate tapping positions and impact loads, leading to variability in inspection results due to the subjective nature of the process.
Innovation Solution
A tapping inspection system comprising a hand-held hammer with integrated sensors and a Head-Mounted Display (HMD) for augmented reality, which superimposes target tapping positions onto the inspection area, collects and analyzes sound and impact data to reduce operator dependency, using a microphone and ultrasonic sensor for sound detection and an IMU for position tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tapping inspection is performed by operator, then inspection flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but skill dependency increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated system comprising a hammer device, sound collection device, and position detection device. The hammer device automatically taps at detected defect positions, the sound collection device captures impact sounds, and the system automatically analyzes results, eliminating dependency on operator skill while maintaining inspection flexibility through programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that mediates between the inspection target and the operator. This control system receives defect position information, controls the hammer device to tap at specific positions, collects and analyzes sound data, and provides automated judgment, thereby removing the direct skill-dependent connection between operator and inspection target.
2Measurement precision
If automated hammer device is used, then measurement precision and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hammer device is designed as a multi-functional universal tool that combines position detection capabilities, automatic tapping function, and sound collection functionality. This integrated design reduces the need for separate specialized devices while achieving automated precise inspection, thereby managing device complexity through functional consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hammer device is equipped with position detection functionality that enables it to automatically identify and navigate to defect positions without external guidance. The device self-determines tapping locations based on received defect position information and autonomously executes the inspection process, reducing the need for complex external control systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple inspection parameters are collected, then measurement precision and defect detection accuracy are improved, but loss of time in data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements real-time feedback processing by immediately analyzing sound data as it is collected during the tapping process. The system compares collected sound characteristics against reference data and provides instant defect determination, eliminating delayed batch processing and reducing overall inspection time while maintaining high detection accuracy through continuous monitoring.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables precise and consistent tapping inspections by guiding operators to accurate positions, improving inspection accuracy and reducing skill-dependent variability, while allowing for data recording and analysis to determine the presence of defects.
Implementation Method 1
a microphone 6A for detecting a sound wave
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic sensor 6B for detecting an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 3
a position detection unit 7B for detecting a position of the hammer 2
Data Source
AI summary
A tapping inspection system includes a hand-held hammer, a display, a device, a position detection unit and a storage. The hammer is for tapping an inspection portion. The display is configured to display a target position to be tapped with the hammer. The target position is superimposed on the inspection portion. The device is for collecting sound generated when the inspection portion is tapped with the hammer. The position detection unit is configured to detect a position in the inspection portion tapped with the hammer. The storage is configured to store an inspection record created by relating the sound collected by the device with the position detected by the position detection unit.