Automated Fiber Composite Inspection Using Optical Reflectivity

The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical measurement system using light projection and camera-based height profile detection. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to physically examine each fiber layer, thereby maintaining measurement precision while dramatically improving productivity by enabling continuous automated inspection during the fiber laying process.

The patent creates a digital copy (height profile) of the fiber laminate surface through optical scanning and light projection. This digital representation allows for automated defect detection and analysis without requiring physical handling or stopping the production line, thus preserving measurement accuracy while enhancing production efficiency through non-contact, rapid data acquisition.

The patent implements a real-time feedback system where the optical measurement device continuously scans the fiber laminate during deposition and provides height profile data. This feedback enables immediate detection of deviations in fiber placement quality, allowing the automated system to maintain manufacturing precision by identifying and correcting issues while the process is ongoing, rather than relying solely on post-processing inspection.

The patent performs preliminary detection of potential defects during the fiber laying process itself, before the component is fully assembled and cured. By detecting height variations and anomalies in real-time during deposition, the system can identify quality issues early, allowing for corrective actions to be taken while the fiber laminate is still accessible and modifiable, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision at high productivity levels.