Methods and systems for measuring gaps between exterior structures and interior structures

A method of measuring a gap between an exterior structure and an interior structure of an assembly, wherein the exterior structure is coupled to the interior structure, and the method comprises:

• directing a transmitted m-shaped signal from an exterior surface of the exterior structure into the exterior structure and the interior structure, wherein the transmitted m-shaped signal is generated by a gap sensing device that comprises an electromagnetic dual-tuned resonant coil sensor;
• measuring a received m-shaped signal with the gap sensing device, wherein the received m-shaped signal comprises the transmitted m-shaped signal influenced by the assembly;
• and
• determining a size of the gap between the exterior structure and the interior structure based at least partially on at least one measured characteristic of the received m-shaped signal.

A system for measuring a gap between an exterior structure and an interior structure of an assembly, wherein the exterior structure is coupled to the interior structure, and the system comprises:

• a gap sensing device comprising:
• an electromagnetic dual-tuned resonant coil sensor configured to generate a transmitted m-shaped signal and to direct the transmitted m-shaped signal into the assembly from an exterior surface of the exterior structure;
• and
• a receiving coil configured to:
• receive a signal associated with the transmitted m-shaped signal after passing through the assembly;
• and
• measure at least one characteristic of a received m-shaped signal that exits the assembly and corresponds with the transmitted m-shaped signal;
• and
• a gap determination module configured to determine a size of the gap between the exterior structure and the interior structure based at least partially on the at least one characteristic of the received m-shaped signal.