Correlating Inspection Data with CAD Models for Structural Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for correlating inspection information and computer-aided design data in structural assessment, such as in aircraft repair, face challenges due to limitations in precision, complexity, and interference issues with existing local positioning systems, which hinder accurate damage and repair location and sizing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that combines a scanning system with a local positioning system and an imaging system to correlate inspection information with computer-aided design data, allowing for precise overlay images of structural conditions and design data without contact, using a variety of scanning techniques like non-destructive inspection methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic sensors are mounted on the structure for positioning, then 3-D positioning capability is achieved, but the system requires line-of-site and is distorted by surface curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coordinate system as an intermediary framework that links the inspection system to the CAD data without requiring direct physical contact or mounting on the structure. This mediator enables precise positioning and data correlation while avoiding the limitations of acoustic sensor mounting on curved surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the structure's coordinate system within the software, allowing inspection data to be correlated with CAD models through digital representation rather than physical sensor mounting. This copying approach eliminates the need for line-of-site acoustic paths and resolves curvature distortion issues
2Measurement precision
If multiple laser emitters and receivers are placed around the work volume for positioning, then location data is obtained, but process complexity and data collection effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential positioning function from complex physical sensor arrays and implements it through a simplified coordinate system framework. By taking out the core requirement (positioning capability) and implementing it through software-based coordinate transformation rather than multiple physical emitters and receivers, the system achieves location measurement without increased complexity
3Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors are placed on the structure for positioning, then location data is obtained, but accuracy is reduced due to metal interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic field-based positioning with a coordinate system-based approach that uses mathematical transformations rather than physical field interactions. This substitution eliminates the harmful effect of metal interference by using computational geometry and coordinate mapping instead of magnetic sensors that are susceptible to distortion from metallic structures
4Ease of operation
If GPS or RFID devices are placed on the target object for positioning, then location information is obtained, but resolution is insufficient for detailed inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from the physical dimension of device placement to the digital dimension of coordinate data processing. By moving the positioning function from physical GPS/RFID devices to a software-based coordinate system that operates in the digital domain, the system achieves high resolution through computational precision rather than physical device limitations
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for correlating data is provided. Generally, the system contains a scanning system having at least one inspection emitter. The scanning system situated to scan a structure and produce a quantity of inspection information. A local positioning system is in communication with the scanning system and situated to detect a location of the quantity of inspection information in relation to the structure. A quantity of computer-aided design data corresponding to the quantity of inspection information is included. An imaging system is in communication with the scanning system and the local positioning system, the imaging system situated to produce an overlay image of at least two of an image based from the structure, an image based from the quantity of inspection information and an image formed from at least a portion of the quantity of computer-aided design data.