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Geometric inspection of machined objects

  • US 8,190,272 B2
  • Filed: 12/16/2008
  • Issued: 05/29/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 12/16/2008
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for inspecting an object during performance of an operation, the method comprising:

  • tracking a plurality of locations corresponding to a plurality of operations performed by a tool on the object, wherein the plurality of locations is tracked while the plurality of operations is performed on the object, by performing at least one of measuring a position of the tool with a metrology system to track a corresponding location of the each of the plurality of operations performed by the tool in order to form the plurality of locations, and measuring the position of the tool with a position sensor system used to move the tool in order to track the corresponding location of the each of the plurality of operations performed by the tool in order to form the plurality of locations, wherein the plurality of locations is a plurality of tracking tool center point locations;

    generating a map of a path of the tool using the plurality of locations to form a tool path;

    comparing the tool path to a model of the object to form a comparison, wherein the model is a final model of the object after the performance of the plurality of operations;

    performing the plurality of operations on the object using the tool, wherein the plurality of operations is selected from at least one of a drilling operation, a trimming operation, a knurling operation, a milling operation, a boring operation, and a turning operation;

    sending the plurality of locations to an analysis application on a computer, wherein creating and comparing are performed by the analysis application;

    determining whether the path is within a tolerance from the model of the object using the comparison;

    responsive to an absence of a determination that the path is within a threshold from the model of the object using the comparison, generating an alert; and

    performing a number of actions on the object based on comparing the tool path to the model of the object, wherein the number of actions comprises at least one of halting performing the plurality of operations on the object using the tool if a selected number of locations is out of tolerance, flagging each corresponding location which is out of tolerance, and sending a message in response to the selected number of locations being out of tolerance, wherein the object is selected from one of a mobile platform, a stationary platform, a land-based structure, an aquatic-based structure, a space-based structure, an aircraft, a surface ship, a tank, a personnel carrier, a train, a spacecraft, a space station, a satellite, a submarine, an automobile, a power plant, a bridge, a dam, a manufacturing facility, an engine, a frame, a spar, a part, a panel, a wheel, an engine case, a fan blade, and a building.

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