Autonomous Non-Destructive Evaluation System for Aircraft Structures

摘要

An apparatus comprises an inspection vehicle, a sensor system, a positioning system, a controller, and a support system. The inspection vehicle is configured to move on a surface of an object. The sensor system is associated with the inspection vehicle and is configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object. The positioning system is configured to determine a location of the inspection vehicle on the object. The controller is configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system. The support system is connected to the inspection vehicle and is configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an inspection vehicle including a movement system configured to move the inspection vehicle on a surface of an object, the inspection vehicle configured to attach to the surface of the object by at least one of a suction cup system, a pressure differential system, and a magnetic system; a sensor system associated with the inspection vehicle and configured to generate information about the object when the inspection vehicle is on the surface of the object; a positioning system configured to determine at least one of coordinate information and orientation information about a location of the inspection vehicle on the surface of the object, wherein the positioning system is independent and outside of the inspection vehicle; a controller system configured to control movement of the inspection vehicle using the positioning system and control operation of the sensor system; and a support system connected to the inspection vehicle and configured to support the inspection vehicle in response to an undesired release of the inspection vehicle from the surface of the object.