The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 27, 2024
Filed:
Aug. 26, 2020
Randy S. Beals, Grand Ledge, MI (US);
Magna International Inc., Aurora, CA;
Randy S. Beals, Grand Ledge, MI (US);
MAGNA INTERNATIONAL INC., Aurora, CA;
Abstract
A system and method for inspecting an assembly including components joined by self-piercing rivets by a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the joint is provided. The system includes a source of x-rays, a mounting unit for an assembly including the joint which is subject to the x-rays, and an x-ray detector disposed opposite the source for detecting the x-rays. The x-rays are provided at a high energy level of at least 200 kV to generate images having a resolution of at least 200 micrometers (μm). A computer stitches the images together to form reconstructive images which show details of the joint. The assembly to be inspected is not destroyed or modified prior to the inspection process. The resolution of the images generated by the x-rays is high enough to determine the presence of cracks, if any, the interlock (S), minimum thickness (T), and overall structure of the unmodified assembly.