In-process vision detection of flaws and FOD by back field illumination
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsRoger W. Engelbart, Reed Hannebaum, Tim Pollock
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flaw and foreign object debris (FOD) detection system (11) for use during fabrication of a structure (12) includes an illumination device (13). The illumination device (13) is configured to be in proximity with a fabrication system (10) and illuminates a portion (18) of the structure (12). The illumination device (13) directs light rays (16) at acute angles relative to the portion (18). A detector (14) monitors the portion (18) and detects FOD in the portion (18) during fabrication of the structure (12) in response to the reflection of the light rays (16) off of the portion (18).
Claims21
A method of fabricating a composite structure comprising:
- applying a plurality of composite material layers to a substrate to form a structure;
- generating light rays;
- during the fabrication of said composite structure, directing said light rays at a portion of the structure and at an acute angle approximately greater than or equal to 2° and approximately less than or equal to 15° relative to said portion;
- monitoring said portion;
- and
- detecting FOD in said portion during application of said plurality of composite material layers in response to reflection of said light rays off of said portion.
A method of fabricating a composite structure comprising:
- applying a plurality of composite material layers to a substrate to form a structure;
- generating light rays;
- directing said light rays at a portion of the structure and at an acute angle approximately greater than or equal to 2° and approximately less than or equal to 15° relative to said portion monitoring said portion;
- detecting FOD in said portion during application of said plurality of composite material layers in response to reflection of said light rays off of said portion;
- generating status signals indicative of said FOD in said portion;
- storing said status signals for future analysis and/or processing;
- indicating said FOD in said portion to a user via a display;
- and
- adjusting operation of said lamination system in response to said detection.
A method of fabricating a structure comprising:
- applying a plurality of composite material layers to a substrate to form a structure;
- generating light rays;
- directing said light rays at a portion of the structure and at an acute angle approximately greater than or equal to 2° and approximately less than or equal to 15° relative to said portion monitoring said portion;
- monitoring said portion;
- detecting FOD in said portion during application of said plurality of composite material layers in response to reflection of said light rays off of said portion;
- generating status signals indicative of said FOD in said portion;
- storing said status signals for future analysis and/or processing;
- indicating said FOD in said portion to a user via a display;
- and
- delaying further application of said plurality of composite material layers in response to said detection for repair of said portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.