Crane-Mounted Robotic Laser Inspection for Large Parts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional computer-aided metrology equipment is space-intensive and time-consuming, limiting the efficient inspection of large parts, and physical inspection is costly and less accurate.

Innovation Solution

A laser inspection system integrated with a six-axis, 150-degree articulating robotic arm connected to a crane system, allowing for flexible movement and inspection within a manufacturing environment, facilitated by a communications system for automated data collection and validation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If conventional computer-aided metrology equipment is used for part inspection, then measurement precision can be maintained, but the equipment requires large floor space and dedicated locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloor spaceVSAvoidinspection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical computer-aided metrology equipment with a laser-based inspection system mounted on a robotic arm. The laser scanner optically measures part dimensions without physical contact, eliminating the need for large dedicated inspection spaces while maintaining measurement precision through optical field-based detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The inspection system transitions from fixed floor-based equipment to a three-dimensionally mobile robotic arm that can move along ceiling-mounted tracks. This spatial reconfiguration allows the laser scanner to access parts from multiple angles and positions without requiring large floor space, effectively utilizing vertical and lateral movement dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If parts are moved to computer-aided metrology equipment for inspection, then inspection can be performed, but it takes an undesirable amount of time and energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidtime to move parts

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of moving parts to the inspection equipment, the patent inverts the approach by bringing the laser inspection system to the parts. The robotic arm with integrated laser scanner moves to the part's location, eliminating transport time and energy while maintaining inspection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic arm system serves multiple functions: it can position the laser scanner for inspection, move along ceiling tracks to access different parts of the manufacturing area, and potentially perform other tasks. This multi-functionality consolidates inspection capabilities into a single mobile platform, improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If parts are moved for inspection, then measurement can be obtained, but inconsistencies in parts may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional conformanceVSAvoidpart consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical contact-based measurement with non-contact laser scanning. This eliminates mechanical forces that could distort parts during handling and measurement, ensuring part consistency is maintained throughout the inspection process while obtaining precise dimensional data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If physical inspection is used for large parts, then parts that exceed equipment dimensions can be inspected, but it is expensive and less accurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection accuracyVSAvoidinspection cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual physical inspection with an automated laser scanning system. The laser provides precise optical measurement without physical contact, while the robotic arm enables automated data collection. This combination delivers both high measurement precision and cost-effectiveness through automation, eliminating the need for expensive manual inspection labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 inspection of large parts without the space and time constraints of traditional methods, reducing operator time and improving accuracy through automated data collection and validation.

Implementation Method 1

a laser inspection system connected to the robotic arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS10371646B2Method and system for automated data collection and part validation

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

An inspection system comprises a crane system, a six axis, one hundred and fifty degree articulating robotic arm, a laser inspection system, and a communications system. The robotic arm is connected to a base of the crane system. The laser inspection system is connected to the robotic arm. The communications system is configured to send and receive instructions for the crane system, the robotic arm, and the laser inspection system.