Cable-Suspended 3D Measurement for Non-Contact Structural Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately measuring structural anomalies on large structures like aircraft without physical contact is challenging due to accessibility and contact constraints, making it difficult to obtain precise position measurements for repair planning.
Innovation Solution
A remotely operated cable-suspended platform with on-board sensors and computer processing techniques to acquire three-dimensional coordinates and scale information, using a pan-tilt mechanism, camera, and laser range meter to measure distances and angles, allowing for non-destructive inspection from moderate to large distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact methods are used to measure structural anomalies, then measurement precision can be improved, but accessibility and contact constraints make it difficult to reach the location of interest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical contact measurement methods with optical measurement methods. A camera captures images of structural anomalies from a distance, and a laser range meter measures distances to points on the anomaly. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact while maintaining measurement precision through computational processing of optical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a remotely operated platform with imaging equipment. This intermediary captures visual and distance data between the operator and the target structure, enabling measurements without direct physical contact. The intermediary translates physical distances into measurable optical parameters.
2Ease of operation
If non-contact measurement methods are used, then accessibility constraints are resolved, but measurement precision and accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact measurement with optical measurement systems. The camera captures high-resolution images of structural anomalies, and the laser range meter provides precise distance measurements. These optical measurements are processed computationally to achieve measurement precision comparable to or exceeding contact methods, while maintaining the advantage of non-contact operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy or representation of the physical structure through imaging. The camera captures detailed visual information about the structural anomaly, creating a digital model that can be analyzed without physical contact. This copying approach preserves measurement precision by capturing fine details in the optical domain.
3Ease of operation
If remote measurement is performed from moderate to large distances, then contact constraints are eliminated, but the complexity of the measurement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated platform. The remotely operated vehicle carries both a camera for imaging and a laser range meter for distance measurement, allowing it to perform multiple measurement tasks from a single location. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate systems while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The remotely operated platform serves as an intermediary that consolidates multiple measurement instruments. By integrating the camera and laser range meter on a single mobile platform, the system manages complexity through centralized control and coordination, rather than requiring separate complex systems for each measurement function.
4Productivity
If automated measurement systems are deployed, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously - imaging, distance measurement, and coordinate calculation - all from a single platform. This multi-functionality increases productivity by eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement operations while managing complexity through integrated control of all functions from one system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automated coordinate calculations and measurements without requiring manual intervention for each measurement point. The computer processes images and distance data automatically to calculate three-dimensional coordinates of structural anomalies, improving productivity through self-service automation while keeping the control system manageable.
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 accurate measurement of structural anomalies on large structures, facilitating precise repair planning and maintenance by providing discrete or continuous measurements of three-dimensional coordinates and distances without physical contact.
Implementation Method 1
a laser range meter affixed to the camera
Implementation Method 2
suspending the cable-suspended platform from a plurality of cables connected to the equipment support member
Implementation Method 3
a pan-tilt mechanism mounted to the equipment support member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
Systems and methods for measuring the distance to a target object (102) and acquiring three-dimensional coordinates, scale information, and point-to-point distance information for that target object in an environment using a remotely operated cable-suspended platform (16, 18). The system uses on-board sensors (132, 138) and processing techniques to provide discrete or continuous measurements of the distances between points on a target object or the scale of the target object. The addition of on-board three-dimensional measurement capabilities to cable-suspended platforms enables these systems to acquire three-dimensional position data defined in the coordinate system of the environment, determine distances between objects or between points on the same object. The system can also be used to determine the scale factors of items in images captured by a camera (130) carried by the cable-suspended platform, in the course of performing metrology-related tasks. (Fig. 1)