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Integrated system for aircraft crack detection

  • US 5,065,630 A
  • Filed: 06/12/1990
  • Issued: 11/19/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/12/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for detecting cracks in a completed aircraft on the ground wherein the aircraft has a fuselage and a wing comprising the steps of:

  • a) placing the completed aircraft within a framework such that the framework extends over a majority of the length of the fuselage;

    b) mounting a plurality of sensors on the framework such that they are movable between positions in contact with and displaced away from an outer surface of the fuselage;

    c) placing the plurality of sensors in operative position with respect to a surface of the aircraft to be tested, the sensors having means to generate a signal upon detecting a crack in the aircraft airframe;

    d) applying loads to the aircraft simulating the loads encountered by the aircraft during flight; and

    ,e) analyzing signals generated by the plurality of sensors during the application of the loads to detect and locate any cracks in the airframe under test.

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