Defect detection systems and methods
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
InventorsNathan T. Green, James Scott, Cameron D. Gould
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A defect detection system comprises a movement assembly and a sensor assembly. The movement assembly is configured and positioned to hold and move a substantially non-conductive structure. The sensor assembly comprises at least one radar device configured and positioned to detect conductive debris in the substantially non-conductive structure as portions of the substantially non-conductive structure move therepast. A defect detection method and a processing a composite structure are also described.
Claims20
A defect detection system, comprising:
- a movement assembly configured and positioned to hold and move a substantially non-conductive structure, the movement assembly comprising:
- a first reel device upstream of the sensor assembly and configured to hold a spool of the substantially non-conductive structure;
- and
- a second reel device downstream of the sensor assembly and configured to attach to an end of the substantially non-conductive structure;
- and
- a sensor assembly comprising at least one radar device configured and positioned to detect conductive debris in the substantially non-conductive structure as portions of the substantially non-conductive structure move therepast.
A defect detection method, comprising:
- delivering a substantially non-conductive structure to a defect detection system comprising a movement assembly and a sensor assembly, the substantially non-conductive structure comprising a non-conductive fiber preform infiltrated with a non-conductive slurry;
- moving the substantially non-conductive structure through the defect detection system using the movement assembly;
- and
- directing electromagnetic energy into the substantially non-conductive structure from at least one radar device of the sensor assembly to detect conductive debris within the substantially non-conductive structure.
A defect detection method, comprising:
- extending a substantially non-conductive structure between a first reel device and a second reel device of a movement assembly of a defect detection system, the defect detection system comprising the movement assembly and a sensor assembly;
- moving the substantially non-conductive structure through the defect detection system using the movement assembly;
- and
- directing electromagnetic energy into the substantially non-conductive structure from at least one radar device of the sensor assembly to detect conductive debris within the substantially non-conductive structure.
A method of processing a composite structure, comprising:
- pulling a prepreg structure comprising a non-conductive preform infiltrated with a non-conductive slurry from a first reel device;
- directing electromagnetic energy into the prepreg structure from a plurality of monostatic radar devices positioned laterally adjacent the prepreg structure to detect conductive debris within the prepreg structure;
- marking portions of the prepreg structure containing the detected conductive debris;
- and
- removing the marked portions of the prepreg structure and the detected conductive debris while substantially maintaining a remainder of the prepreg structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.