The Boeing Company

Steve Schrader

Roger W Engelbart

Reed Hannebaum

Brice Aaron Johnson

Michael Robert Chapman

Craig Thompson Walters

Scott T Holmes

Kathryn A Soucy

Methods for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure, such as inconsistency density-per-unit area. In one implementation, a method is disclosed for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure. The method involves determining a first distance from a first reference point of the composite structure to an inconsistency; determining a second distance from a second reference point of the composite structure to the inconsistency; using the first and second distances to establish a reference area of the composite structure; and considering each inconsistency detected within the reference area and producing therefrom an inconsistency characteristic representative of the composite structure.

Methods for determining inconsistency characteristics of a composite structure

Systems and methods for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure, such as inconsistency density-per-unit area. In one implementation, a method is disclosed for determining an inconsistency characteristic of a composite structure. The method involves determining a first distance from a first reference point of the composite structure to an inconsistency; determining a second distance from a second reference point of the composite structure to the inconsistency; using the first and second distances to establish a reference area of the composite structure; and considering each inconsistency detected within the reference area and producing therefrom an inconsistency characteristic representative of the composite structure.

Systems and methods for determining inconsistency characteristics of a composite structure

Systems and methods for identifying foreign objects and debris (FOD) and defects during fabrication of a composite structure. The system includes at least one light source positioned to emit light that illuminates a portion of the composite structure with bright field illumination and that also illuminates another portion of the composite structure with dark field illumination. The bright field illumination is reflected differently by defects in the composite structure than from portions of the composite structure that are defect free. The dark field illumination is reflected differently by FOD on the composition structure than from surfaces of the composite structure that are FOD free. The system also includes at least one camera for receiving images of the illuminated portions of the composite structure. The images received by the camera may be processed by a processor which then outputs a response identifying defects and foreign objects and debris based on the images.

Systems and method for identifying foreign objects and debris (FOD) and defects during fabrication of a composite structure

A method generally includes electronically accessing positional data defining a defect location on a composite structure, and automatically causing a material placement machine to return to the defect location as defined by the positional data. The method can also include automatically causing the material placement machine to place or lay down material sufficient for repairing a defect at the defect location. Alternatively, the material placement machine may automatically return to a defect location, and then an operator may manually repair the defect at the defect location.

Growing community of inventors

Bridgeton, MO, United States of America

Steve Schrader