Backscatter X-Ray Imaging for One-Sided Fastener Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting one-sided fasteners, such as Composi-Lok™ fasteners, are limited by the size of optical instruments and require physical entry into structures, making them inefficient for large quantities of fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A backscatter x-ray system with an x-ray device and movable platform that emits x-rays from the frontside of a structure, detects backscatter, and generates images for inspection and analysis, allowing non-invasive evaluation of fastener installations and other structural aspects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical instruments such as borescopes are inserted into fastener holes for inspection, then visual inspection of fastener installation can be performed, but the size of borescopes prevents insertion into relatively small fastener holes and focal length limitations reduce resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical inspection system (borescope) with a non-contact x-ray imaging system. The x-ray device emits x-rays through the structure and detects backscattered x-rays to form images of fastener installations, eliminating the need to physically insert inspection equipment into fastener holes while providing superior resolution and penetration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the inspection method from optical to x-ray imaging, utilizing different physical parameters (x-ray penetration and backscatter characteristics) to achieve inspection of fastener installations. This parameter change enables inspection of previously inaccessible or difficult-to-reach fastener locations with improved resolution
2Ease of operation
If a technician physically enters the structure to inspect fastener installations, then direct visual inspection can be performed, but for relatively small structures physical entry is difficult and for structures having a large quantity of one-side fasteners crawling through the wing and inspecting each fastener installation is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual physical inspection with an automated x-ray imaging system. The system can be positioned externally and automatically captures x-ray images of multiple fastener locations, eliminating the need for technicians to physically enter and crawl through structures, thereby dramatically reducing inspection time and improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (x-ray images) of the fastener installations on the backside of the structure, allowing inspection from the frontside without physical entry. These images serve as replicas of the internal fastener conditions, enabling efficient documentation and analysis
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
Enables efficient and non-invasive inspection of fastener installations and other structural features, reducing time and effort compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The x-ray emitter emits x-rays that penetrate the structure from the frontside
Implementation Method 2
The x-ray detector detects a backscatter of the x-rays reflected from the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A backscatter x-ray system has an x-ray device, a movable platform, and a processor. The x-ray device includes an x-ray emitter and an x-ray detector. The movable platform positions the x-ray device relative to a frontside of a structure. The processor is communicatively couplable to the x-ray device. The x-ray emitter emits x-rays that penetrate the structure from the frontside. The x-ray detector detects a backscatter of the x-rays reflected from the structure. The processor generates x-ray images of the structure based on the backscatter, and analyzes the x-ray images in a manner facilitating at least one of manufacturing and inspection of the structure.