Autonomous Non-Destructive Evaluation System for Aircraft Structures
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- an inspection vehicle configured to move on a surface of an object;
a sensor system associated with the inspection vehicle and configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object;
a positioning system configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object; and
a controller configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system; and
a support system connected to the inspection vehicle and configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object.
39 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An apparatus comprising:
-
an inspection vehicle configured to move on a surface of an object; a sensor system associated with the inspection vehicle and configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object; a positioning system configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object; and a controller configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system; and a support system connected to the inspection vehicle and configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A non-destructive evaluation inspection system for an aircraft comprising:
-
an inspection vehicle configured to move on a surface of the aircraft; a sensor system connected to the inspection vehicle and configured to obtain information about the aircraft when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the aircraft; a support system comprising a reel, an elongate member, and a number of lines connected to the elongate member and the inspection vehicle, wherein the support system is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the aircraft; a positioning system configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the aircraft; and a controller configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle based on the location of the inspection vehicle.
-
-
14. A method for inspecting an object, the method comprising:
-
determining a location of an inspection vehicle on a surface of the object using a positioning system; generating information about the object using a sensor system connected to the inspection vehicle while the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object; controlling movement of the inspection vehicle using a controller; and supporting the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object using a support system connected to the inspection vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification