Structured Light 3D Scanning for Composite Materials
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-destructive evaluation methods for composite materials are slow, labor-intensive, and costly, especially for parts with irregular shapes, requiring multiple scans and expensive positioning equipment.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact structured light method and apparatus that uses a light beam source and camera to simultaneously scan and detect the article, with a pan-and-tilt unit and robotic arm for efficient 3D data acquisition, eliminating the need for a reference table and minimizing the number of scans required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional NDE methods are used for composite materials, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the testing procedures are slow, labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D surface scanning to 3D shape measurement by projecting structured light patterns onto the object surface and capturing the deformed patterns with a camera. This dimensional change enables simultaneous acquisition of depth information along with lateral coordinates, eliminating the need for multiple scans from different poses and dramatically improving scanning speed while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based scanning methods with a non-contact optical system that uses structured light projection and camera capture. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, reduces setup complexity, and enables rapid data acquisition without physical contact, thereby increasing productivity while reducing time loss
2Measurement precision
If multiple scans from several different poses are performed to determine 3-dimensional shape, then measurement completeness is improved, but the scanning process becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
By projecting structured light patterns (such as grids or fringes) onto the object and capturing the deformed patterns with a camera positioned at a known angle, the system simultaneously obtains depth information (third dimension) along with the 2D surface coordinates. This enables complete 3D shape determination from a single scan pose, eliminating the need for multiple scans from different angles and dramatically improving scanning efficiency while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple scans from different poses into a single scan by incorporating depth measurement capability into the optical system. The structured light projection and camera capture work together to simultaneously record lateral and depth coordinates, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate scanning operations into one efficient measurement process
3Measurement precision
If expensive positioning equipment and reference tables are used for irregularly shaped parts, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems, reference tables, and specialized fixtures with a non-contact optical measurement system. By using structured light projection and camera capture with known geometric relationships, the system achieves accurate position correlation for irregularly shaped parts without requiring expensive mechanical positioning equipment or part-specific fixtures, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
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 rapid and accurate acquisition of 3D positional data, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing efficiency in quality control, allowing for automation and precise correlation of measurement data with CAD data.
Implementation Method 1
scanning the article with a beam of light; detecting the beam of light on the article with a camera
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for the analysis of composite materials. Improved techniques for the measurement of the shape and position of the composite article are provided, which include improved scanning rates using structured light.