System and method for high speed FOD detection
First Claim
1. A system for detection of foreign object debris material on a surface, the system comprising:
- a thermal excitation source configured to direct infrared radiation across the surface;
an infrared camera configured to scan the surface and output a first signal proportional to emitted infrared radiation emitted by at least one of the surface and a first type of foreign object debris material, the emitted infrared radiation responsive to the infrared radiation from the thermal excitation source;
a controller coupled to the thermal excitation source and to the infrared camera, the controller configured to compare the first signal from the infrared camera with a first threshold to detect presence of the first type of foreign object debris material; and
a controllable nozzle coupled to a high pressure gas source and coupled to the controller, wherein the controller, in response to detection of the first type of foreign object debris material on the surface, directs gas through the controllable nozzle at the first type of foreign object debris material.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for the detection of foreign object debris material on a surface of a composite part being manufactured. A platform is configured to move over the surface. A thermal excitation source is fixed to the platform and configured to direct infrared radiation across the surface. An infrared camera is also fixed to the platform and configured to scan the surface as the platform moves over the surface to detect and output a signal proportional to infrared radiation emitted by the surface and/or by any foreign object debris material on the surface in response to the infrared radiation from the excitation source. A controller is coupled to the excitation source and to the infrared camera and is configured to compare the signal from the infrared camera with a first predetermined threshold signal to detect if any foreign object debris material is located on the surface.
21 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A system for detection of foreign object debris material on a surface, the system comprising:
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a thermal excitation source configured to direct infrared radiation across the surface; an infrared camera configured to scan the surface and output a first signal proportional to emitted infrared radiation emitted by at least one of the surface and a first type of foreign object debris material, the emitted infrared radiation responsive to the infrared radiation from the thermal excitation source; a controller coupled to the thermal excitation source and to the infrared camera, the controller configured to compare the first signal from the infrared camera with a first threshold to detect presence of the first type of foreign object debris material; and a controllable nozzle coupled to a high pressure gas source and coupled to the controller, wherein the controller, in response to detection of the first type of foreign object debris material on the surface, directs gas through the controllable nozzle at the first type of foreign object debris material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for detection of foreign object debris material, the system comprising:
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a thermal excitation source configured to direct infrared radiation across a surface, wherein the surface is an outer surface of a composite part being formed by a composite layup machine; an infrared camera configured to scan the surface and output a first signal proportional to emitted infrared radiation emitted by at least one of the surface and a first type of foreign object debris material, the emitted infrared radiation responsive to the infrared radiation from the thermal excitation source; and a controller coupled to the thermal excitation source and to the infrared camera, the controller configured to compare the first signal from the infrared camera with a first threshold to detect presence of the first type of foreign object debris material. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for detection of foreign object debris material on a surface, the method comprising:
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receiving a signal at a controller from an infrared camera, the signal proportional to emitted infrared radiation emitted by at least one of the surface and foreign object debris material, wherein the infrared camera scans the surface responsive to infrared radiation directed at the surface from a thermal excitation source; comparing, at the controller, the signal to a threshold to detect presence of the foreign object debris material; and in response to detection of the presence of the foreign object debris material, sending a command from the controller to cause a controllable nozzle to direct high pressure gas at the foreign object debris material. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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21. A system for detection of foreign object debris material on a surface, the system comprising:
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a thermal excitation source configured to direct infrared radiation across the surface; a first infrared camera configured to scan the surface and output a first signal proportional to emitted infrared radiation emitted by at least one of the surface and a first type of foreign object debris material on the surface, the emitted infrared radiation responsive to the infrared radiation from the thermal excitation source; a second infrared camera configured to scan the surface and output a second signal proportional to reflected infrared radiation reflected by at least one of the surface and a second type of foreign object debris material on the surface, the reflected infrared radiation responsive to the infrared radiation from the thermal excitation source; and a controller coupled to the thermal excitation source, the first infrared camera, and the second infrared camera, the controller configured to compare the first signal with a first threshold to detect presence of the first type of foreign object debris material on the surface and to compare the second signal with a second threshold to detect presence of the second type of foreign object debris material on the surface.
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Specification