System and method of automated part evaluation including inspection, disposition recommendation and refurbishment process determination
First Claim
1. A system for automatically evaluating a part comprising:
- inspecting apparatus for collecting data concerning the part; and
analyzing apparatus for determining if the part can be returned to service and for producing a report on the condition and disposition of the part and a recommended set of repair processes to refurbish the part, based on said collected data.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for automatically evaluating the dimensions and conditions of parts. The system and method involve inspecting a part for changes in its condition (usually during service), making a recommendation as to the disposition of the part for repair, and, if the part is repairable, determining a process to refurbish the part. The system and method utilize CMMs to not only take dimensional- and surface-related measurements of the part, but also to precisely take digital images of all part surfaces. These images are analyzed by computer software, and a computer-generated report outlining the condition of the part is then produced from the measurements. The report contains a disposition recommendation, and a recommended set of repair processes to successfully refurbish the part so that it can be returned for further service.
168 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A system for automatically evaluating a part comprising:
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inspecting apparatus for collecting data concerning the part; and
analyzing apparatus for determining if the part can be returned to service and for producing a report on the condition and disposition of the part and a recommended set of repair processes to refurbish the part, based on said collected data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25)
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12. A system for automatically evaluating a part comprising:
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apparatus inspecting the part and collecting data concerning the part; and
apparatus for analyzing said data to determine if the part can be returned to service and producing a report on the condition and disposition of the part and a recommended set of repair processes to refurbish the part, said inspecting apparatus comprising;
a coordinate measuring machine to measure the dimensions of the part;
sensors to detect defects in and wear of the part, said sensors comprising at least one of;
a CCD camera, a touch sensor, eddy current sensors, ultrasonic sensors, flash heating sensors, infrared sensors, and surface roughness sensors;
a memory for storing measurement data from said coordinate measuring machine and output from said sensors; and
an apparatus for applying a substance to the part prior to inspection, wherein said substance is one of a fluorescent penetrant to enhance crack visualization, and water to enhance ultrasonic detection.
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14. A method for automatically evaluating a part comprising the steps of:
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locating a part;
inspecting the part and collecting data concerning the part;
registering the part to determine the identity of the part;
storing said collected data;
analyzing said collected data to determine if the part can be returned to service;
producing a report on the condition and disposition of the part; and
recommending a set of repair steps to refurbish the part if said analyzing step determines that the part can be returned to service.
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23. A method for automatically evaluating a part comprising the steps of:
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locating a part;
inspecting the part and collecting data concerning the part by measuring dimensions of the part and detecting defects and wear in the part;
registering the part to determine the identity of the part by comparing the collected data to data for multiple parts to determine an identity of the part;
storing said collected data;
analyzing said collected data to determine if the part can be returned to service, said analyzing step comprises the further steps of comparing said collected data to baseline data to determine if the part meets minimum conditions for refurbishment and generating a defect distribution report;
producing a report on the condition and disposition of the part; and
recommending a set of repair steps to refurbish the part if said analyzing step determines that the part can be returned to service, wherein said step of recommending a set of repair processes to refurbish the part comprises the steps of converting results from said analyzing step to produce a set of refurbishment actions and generating a disposition report.
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Specification