Optical measurement device for inspection of discontinuities in aerostructures
US11680910B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 30, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jun 20, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 4, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30252
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A handheld device for making 3D topography measurements of surface discontinuities in high performance structures, such as aerostructures (e.g., aluminum fuselages). Lights illuminate the discontinuity from multiple angles, and a camera captures images of the discontinuity. A thickness sensor generates thickness data regarding a thickness of the base material and the top protective coating. A position sensor generates position data regarding a location of the discontinuity on the structure. A processor generates geometry data regarding a geometry of the discontinuity based on the images, performs an analysis of the geometry, thickness, and position data, and communicates a result of the analysis on a display. A conforming membrane and/or a gel and an opaque lubricant may be applied over and conform to the discontinuity in order to make more uniform a reflectivity difference and a color difference between the discontinuity and an adjacent portion of the structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.