Systems and methods enabling automated return to and/or repair of defects with a material placement machine

US7039485B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Roger W. Engelbart · Chesterfield, US
• Michael R. Chapman · Federal Way, US
• Brice A. Johnson · Redmond, US
• Kathryn A. Soucy · Seattle, US
• Reed Hannebaum · Belleville, US
• Steve Schrader · Bridgeton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 12, 2004
• Grant date: May 2, 2006
• Expiry date: Oct 20, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2021/8472
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method generally includes electronically accessing positional data defining a defect location on a composite structure, and automatically causing a material placement machine to return to the defect location as defined by the positional data. The method can also include automatically causing the material placement machine to place or lay down material sufficient for repairing a defect at the defect location. Alternatively, the material placement machine may automatically return to a defect location, and then an operator may manually repair the defect at the defect location.