US 6,549,820 B1 · Method and system for providing feedback from a non-destructive inspection of a composite part

Abstract

A computer-implemented method for providing on-line ultrasonically scanned images of composite parts for immediate feedback in a manufacturing environment is discussed. The scanned images are edited to indicate each deficiency that has been repaired on a previously assembled composite part. Quality assurance personnel enter data associated with each composite part and verify the data content. Repair personnel enter data associated with correcting an identified deficiency of the composite part. Historical data suitable for developing statistics and trends are stored for each type of composite part. When queries are launched, the statistical and trend data is filtered to produce reports that are displayed. That is, reports are generated that identify particular statistics and trends. The scan image and data associated with a composite part are linked together for cross-referencing and stored in a database that is accessible by client and server computers on a network. Images produced by an ultrasonic scanner(s) coupled to the network are stored for retrieval.

Claims26

Dependent claims

A method of providing nondestructive inspection (NDI) and other information about manufactured parts to a crew building the part and others, said computer-implementable method comprising:

gathering NDI information about parts as they are manufactured, wherein gathering NDI information about the parts comprises ultrasonically scanning the parts for defects and producing image data of at least one part that is ultrasonically scanned;
gathering other information about the parts, including repair information, part record and trend information;
linking the gathered NDI and other information, including repair information, part record and trend information, and image data, about the parts;
storing the linked, gathered NDI and other information, including repair information, part record and trend information, and image data, about the parts in a database;
at a user's request, selectively deriving information about the parts from the information about the parts stored in the database;
and
displaying reports based on the derived information.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and system for providing feedback from a non-destructive inspection of a composite part

Life of this patent

Method and system for providing feedback from a non-destructive inspection of a composite part

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26