Composite Structure Inspection via Binary Image Boundary Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for inspecting composite structures, such as those used in aircraft, are prone to human error and are time-consuming due to the need for manual analysis of ultrasound or X-ray images to detect irregularities like wrinkles, which can affect mechanical properties.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that acquire and transform images of composite structures into binary form to determine boundary lines between plies, allowing for automated characterization of irregularities, reducing human intervention and increasing efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual analysis of ultrasound or X-ray images is used to detect irregularities, then human expertise can be applied to identify defects, but human error is introduced and the process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual human analysis with an automated image processing system that uses binary image transformation and boundary line detection algorithms to identify irregularities in composite structures, eliminating human error and reducing inspection time while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically processing images through binary transformation and boundary line determination without requiring human intervention, allowing the inspection process to be conducted independently and efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated image processing is implemented to reduce human error, then inspection speed increases, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming images into binary format and using threshold values to differentiate between plies and irregularities, simplifying the detection process while maintaining high inspection speed and reducing system complexity through algorithmic approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9595092B2Methods and systems for inspection of composite irregularities

Publication Date: 2017.03.14 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A method for inspecting a composite structure includes acquiring an image of the composite structure. The composite structure includes at least a first ply and a second ply adjacent the first ply. The method also includes transforming the image into a binary image, and determining a first boundary line between the first ply and the second ply. The method further includes characterizing an irregularity in the composite structure based at least partially on the first boundary line.