METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT FUSELAGE FRAMES

• US 20040002797A1
• Filed: 06/28/2002
• Published: 01/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/28/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: General Electric Company
• Original Assignee: General Electric Company
• Inventors: Hopple, Michael Robert, Dixon, Elizabeth Lockenberg, Herd, Kenneth Gordan, Bueno, Clifford, Mohr, Gregory Alan
• Granted Patent: US 6,662,088 B1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/29
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 23/04 and forming images of the material

Abstract

A method for inspecting an aircraft fuselage using an inspection system including a moveable detector, wherein the method includes coupling a collision avoidance system to the inspection system detector, monitoring the collision avoidance system during operation of the inspection system, and controlling operation of the inspection system with the collision avoidance system.

Claims

1. a method for inspecting an aircraft fuselage using an inspection system including a moveable detector, said method comprising:

coupling a collision avoidance system to the inspection system detector;

monitoring the collision avoidance system during operation of the inspection system; and

controlling operation of the inspection system with the collision avoidance system.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein coupling a collision avoidance system comprises coupling at least one proximity sensor to the inspection system detector.

3. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein coupling a collision avoidance system comprises coupling the at least one proximity sensor to the inspection system detector such that the collision avoidance system receives signals from the proximity sensor during operation of the inspection system.

4. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein coupling at least one proximity sensor to the inspection system further comprises coupling at least one proximity sensor to the inspection system that is configured to generate an imminent collision signal.

5. A method in accordance with claim 2 wherein controlling operation of the inspection system comprises controlling operation of the inspection system based on input received by the at least one proximity sensor during operation of the inspection system.

6. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein coupling a collision avoidance system comprises coupling at least one protection device to the inspection system to facilitate preventing contact between the inspection system and the aircraft fuselage.

7. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein coupling a collision avoidance system comprises coupling at least one of an air-filled bladder sensor and an accelerometer to the inspection system detector.

8. An apparatus for inspecting an aircraft fuselage comprising:

a moveable detector; and

a collision avoidance system in electrical communication with said moveable detector to control said moveable detector for inspecting the aircraft fuselage.

9. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said apparatus further comprises at least one proximity sensor electrically coupled to said moveable detector.

10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein said at least one proximity sensor is electrically coupled to said collision avoidance system such that said collision avoidance system receives a signal from said at least one proximity sensor during operation of said moveable detector.

11. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein said at least one proximity sensor comprises at least one of an infrared sensor, an air-filled bladder sensor, and an accelerometer.

12. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein said at least one proximity sensor generates an imminent collision signal and transmits said signal to said collision avoidance system.

13. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein said moveable detector is controlled based on input received by said at least one proximity sensor during the inspection of the airplane fuselage.

14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 9 further comprising a stopping mechanism coupled to said moveable detector and configured to receive an imminent collision signals from said at least one proximity sensor to facilitate preventing contact between said moveable detector and the aircraft fuselage frame.

15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 further comprising at least one protection device electrically coupled to said moveable detector to facilitate preventing contact between said moveable detector and the aircraft fuselage.

16. An apparatus in accordance with claim 15 wherein said protection device comprises at least one of air-filled bladder, a balloon, and an airbag system.

17. An inspection system for inspecting an aircraft fuselage comprising:

a moveable detector;

at least one proximity sensor electrically coupled to said moveable detector; and

a collision avoidance system in electrical communication with said moveable detector and said at least one proximity sensor for controlling said moveable detector during the inspection of the aircraft fuselage.

18. A system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said collision avoidance system is configured to receive a signal from said at least one proximity sensor during operation of said moveable detector.

19. A system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said at least one proximity sensor generates an imminent collision signal and transmits said signal to said collision avoidance system during operation of said moveable detector.

20. A system in accordance with claim 19 wherein said at least one proximity sensor comprises at least one of an infrared sensor, an air-filled bladder sensor, and an accelerometer.

21. A system in accordance with claim 17 further comprising at least one protection device electrically coupled to said moveable detector to facilitate preventing contact between said moveable detector and the aircraft fuselage.

22. A system in accordance with claim 21 wherein said at least one protection device comprises at least one of an air-filled bladder, a balloon, and an airbag system.