Composite inspection and structural check of multiple layers

US9595096B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• Steven A. Dorris · Saint Peters, US
• Arun Ayyagari · Seattle, US
• Jonathan B. Vance · University City, US
• David E. Corman · Creve Coeur, US
• James W. Fonda · Moscow Mills, US
• Roger W. Engelbart · Chesterfield, US
• Philip L. Freeman · Summerville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 10, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 14, 2017
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06T2207/30136
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Provided are methods, systems, and computer program products for inspecting composite items. Specifically, a method involves analyzing an image of or, more generally, data characterizing condition of a top layer, which is disposed over a bottom layer. The method also involves performing a structural integrity check based on any anomalies detected in the top layer during this analysis as well as based on any anomalies previously detected in the bottom layer. As such, this structural integrity check accounts for characteristics of multiple layers, in some embodiments, all layers applied up to point of this inspection. In addition to the detected anomalies, the structural integrity check may account for previously performed repairs. The structural integrity check may be performed on individual portions of a composite item while, for example, other portions continue receiving a new composite layer, which may be referred to as an inline inspection.