Optical Localization of Moveable Aircraft for Precise Surface Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for surface treatment of aircraft, such as paint removal, require precise positioning and orientation of large moveable objects, which is burdensome and expensive due to the need for fixturing, and are prone to damaging the object during operations.
Innovation Solution
A method using a plurality of targets connected to the object at known points, scanned by multiple scanners to determine and maintain the object's position and orientation, allowing for continuous tracking and accurate robotic operations without physical contact, utilizing retroreflective targets and redundant scanning systems for accuracy and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixturing is used to rigidly fixture the object in a known position, then the position and orientation can be precisely determined, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fixturing system with an optical measurement system. Instead of using physical fixtures to rigidly constrain and position the object, the system uses laser scanners to detect retroreflective targets attached to the object. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical fixturing while maintaining precise position and orientation determination through optical measurement of target coordinates.
2Manufacturing precision
If the object is rigidly fixed in a precise position, then the three-dimensional scan can be accurately used, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for precise positioning and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the object to self-position relative to the scan data. By attaching retroreflective targets to the object and measuring their coordinates, the system automatically determines the object's position and orientation without requiring manual positioning. The computer system then automatically transforms the scan data to match the object's actual position, eliminating the need for operators to precisely position and orient the object manually.
3Stability of the object's composition
If external tools such as jacks are used to keep the aircraft in position, then the position stability is maintained, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the positions of retroreflective targets attached to the object and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the transformation of scan data. Instead of using external tools like jacks to physically maintain position, the system measures actual target positions and compensates for any movement by transforming the scan data to match the object's current position and orientation, maintaining accuracy without additional support equipment.
4Productivity
If the robotic processing operates near the object, then the productivity increases, but the object-generated harmful factors increase due to potential damage from contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based positioning and processing with a non-contact optical measurement system. Laser scanners and retroreflective targets enable precise position and orientation determination without physical contact, allowing robotic processing to operate closer to the object without risk of damage from contact or positioning errors. This eliminates the harmful mechanical interactions while maintaining high 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 precise and safe surface treatment of large moveable objects like aircraft by continuously determining and maintaining their position and orientation, avoiding damage and reducing the need for expensive fixturing, while ensuring accurate scanning and redundancy in data comparison.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing retroreflective targets and redundant scanning systems for accuracy and reliability
Implementation Method 2
One example of such a system is a Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) system, which attempts to measure distance to a target by illuminating the target with pulsed laser light and measuring reflected pulses with a sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the position and orientation of a moveable object includes a) connecting a plurality of targets to the object at known points on the object such that the targets will move with the object; b) scanning the surface of the object and at least some of the plurality of targets to obtain target data; c) comparing the scanned target data to at least one known dimension of one of the plurality of targets; and d) if scanned target data matches the at least one known dimension of one of the plurality of targets, mapping known object model data according to the target data to determine the position and orientation of the object.