Compliant UAV Support Arm for Remote Nondestructive Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive inspection techniques are time-consuming, expensive, and often dangerous for humans, and existing UAV systems lack non-destructive inspection capabilities and maintenance assistance for remote structures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and system utilizing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a support arm and non-destructive inspection (NDI) scanning devices, including pivotally or telescoping arms with compliant members, and various attachment mechanisms for secure scanning and maintenance tools, enabling remote NDI and maintenance activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human-based inspections are used, then inspection accuracy can be maintained, but the inspection process becomes dangerous and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a UAV as an intermediary carrier that transports NDI scanning devices to remote structures for inspection. The UAV serves as a mediator between the inspector and the target structure, eliminating the need for human inspectors to physically access dangerous locations while maintaining inspection capabilities through automated scanning devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human-based manual inspection with an automated system consisting of UAV, support arm mechanism, and NDI scanning devices. The mechanical system includes a compliant support arm with pivot joints and telescoping sections that automatically position the scanning device, substituting human physical presence and manual operations with automated mechanical systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support arms are used for NDI devices, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to surface variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic support arm system with pivot joints and telescoping sections that can adjust their configuration in real-time. The arm transitions between rigid and compliant states, maintaining structural stability during positioning while adapting to surface variations through controlled movement and compliance mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm system changes its physical parameters (length, angle, position) dynamically to adapt to different inspection scenarios. The telescoping sections alter the arm's length, while pivot joints change the arm's orientation, allowing the system to maintain both stability and adaptability by adjusting these parameters based on surface conditions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple NDI sensors are integrated, then inspection comprehensiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple NDI scanning devices with different sensing capabilities (eddy current, ultrasonic, acoustic, optical, x-ray backscatter, computed tomography, surface roughness, IR thermography, microwave, and terahertz sensors) into a single multi-functional inspection system. Each sensor type addresses specific inspection needs, and their integration on the UAV platform provides comprehensive inspection capabilities while sharing common support infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a nondestructive inspection (“NDI”) system that includes an unmanned aerial vehicle (“UAV”) comprising a body structure and at least one support arm. The support arm includes a first arm portion having a first end coupled to the body structure and a second end coupled to a second arm portion. The second arm portion includes a first end coupled to the second end of the first arm portion and a second end coupled to an NDI scanning device. The support arm also includes a compliant member disposed between the first arm portion and the second arm portion. The NDI scanning device includes one or more NDI sensors.