Sealant analysis system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for inspecting sealant on an object, the method comprising:
- generating first data for a first geometry of a first surface of the object prior to sealing the object, wherein generating the first data for the first geometry of the first surface of the object comprises using a model of the object in a database in combination with scanning the first surface of the object, wherein portions of the first surface cannot be scanned due to an occlusion caused by a line of sigh obstruction to a portion of the first surface, and wherein data from the model of the object in the database is used to fill in the portions not scanned to generate the first data for the first geometry of the first surface of the object;
generating second data for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after the sealant has been applied to the object; and
identifying a difference between the first data and the second data to determine a thickness of the sealant on the object.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for inspecting sealant on an object. First data is generated for a first geometry of a first surface of the object prior to sealing the object. Second data is generated for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after the sealant has been applied to the object. A difference is identified between the first data and the second data. The difference indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A method for inspecting sealant on an object, the method comprising:
-
generating first data for a first geometry of a first surface of the object prior to sealing the object, wherein generating the first data for the first geometry of the first surface of the object comprises using a model of the object in a database in combination with scanning the first surface of the object, wherein portions of the first surface cannot be scanned due to an occlusion caused by a line of sigh obstruction to a portion of the first surface, and wherein data from the model of the object in the database is used to fill in the portions not scanned to generate the first data for the first geometry of the first surface of the object; generating second data for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after the sealant has been applied to the object; and identifying a difference between the first data and the second data to determine a thickness of the sealant on the object. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A method for inspecting an interior of a wing of an aircraft, the wing including a composite fuel tank with fasteners, wherein the fasteners are in the interior of the wing, wherein portions of the fasteners extend into the composite fuel tank, and wherein a corresponding sealant covers each of the fasteners, the method comprising:
-
generating first data for a first geometry of a first surface of the interior of the wing prior to sealing the fasteners, wherein generating the first data for the first geometry of the first surface of the interior of the wing comprises using a model of the wing in a database in combination with scanning the first surface of the interior of the wing, wherein portions of the interior of the wing cannot be scanned by a scanner system due to an occlusion caused by a line of sight obstruction to a portion of the first surface, and wherein data from the model of the wing in the database is used to fill in the portions not scanned by the scanner system to generate the first data for the first geometry of the first surface of the interior of the wing; generating second data for a second geometry of a second surface of the interior of the wing after the corresponding sealant has been applied to the fasteners; and identifying a difference between the first data and the second data to determine a thicknesses of the corresponding sealant for the fasteners. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification