Jet Blade Optical Inspection With Multi-Angle Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jet blade inspection methods are subjective, lack control over illumination parameters, and struggle with complex geometries, leading to inadequate detection of defects.
Innovation Solution
A system with a tiltable gripper support, rotatable jet blade gripper, and multiple illumination devices, along with an optical acquisition subsystem, controlled by a computing device to capture images of jet blades from various directions and conditions, enabling comprehensive inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual examination by technician is used, then inspection simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and defect detection reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual inspection system with an automated optical inspection system that uses illumination devices, cameras, and image processing algorithms to detect defects, thereby eliminating subjectivity and improving measurement precision while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system performs self-examination through automated image capture and analysis, where the system itself detects and evaluates defects without requiring technician intervention, thus improving both precision and maintaining ease of operation
2Adaptability or versatility
If technician holds and rotates jet blade manually, then inspection coverage is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic inspection system where the illumination devices and camera are mounted on a movable platform that can rotate and tilt to inspect the jet blade from multiple angles automatically, providing comprehensive coverage without manual handling
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is designed as a multi-functional apparatus that combines illumination, image capture, and rotation capabilities in a single integrated device, enabling comprehensive inspection coverage while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate tools
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If technician uses magnifying glass, then defect detection capability is improved, but illumination control and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inspection function into separate specialized components: dedicated illumination devices for lighting control, high-resolution cameras for image capture, and software for defect analysis, replacing the single magnifying glass tool with a segmented system that excels in each specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the jet blade surface through high-resolution imaging, allowing detailed defect examination without requiring optical magnification tools, thereby providing superior illumination control and measurement precision
4Productivity
If subjective visual examination is used, then inspection speed is maintained, but reliability and consistency of defect detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where images are captured, analyzed by algorithms, and results are processed automatically, providing consistent and reliable defect detection while maintaining high inspection speed through efficient image processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces human visual judgment with automated image analysis algorithms that objectively evaluate defects, eliminating subjectivity and ensuring consistent, reliable results across all inspections while maintaining productivity
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 thorough non-destructive inspection of jet blades, detecting defects and measuring dimensions accurately, improving inspection quality and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the jet blade gripper being formed from a material that is at least partially transmissive to light
Implementation Method 2
a first illumination device to illuminate at least the root of the jet blade at least partially through the jet blade gripper
Implementation Method 3
a second illumination device to illuminate at least a portion of the jet blade, the first illumination device and the second illumination device to illuminate respective portions of the jet blade from different directions
Data Source
AI summary
A system for inspecting a jet blade including: a jet blade support assembly including: a sub-frame, a gripper support rotatably coupled to the sub-frame and being tiltable about a tilting axis, and a light transmissive jet blade gripper to hold a root of the jet blade, the jet blade gripper being removably couplable to the gripper support and rotatable with respect to the gripper support about a gripper rotation axis; a first illumination device to illuminate at least the root of the jet blade at least partially through the jet blade gripper; a second illumination device to illuminate at least a portion of the jet blade, the first illumination device and the second illumination device to illuminate respective portions of the jet blade from different directions; and an optical acquisition sub-system comprising an imaging sensor to capture images from a direction that is parallel to the second illumination direction.