System and method for inspecting a beam using micro fiber-optic technology

摘要

A system for inspecting a surface of a beam covered by at least one structure. The system includes at least one nut clip attached to the beam used to couple the structure to the beam, and at least one spacer inserted between the beam and the structure for creating a gap between the structure and the beam. A micro fiber-optic borescope is used to view the surface of the beam covered by the structure without removing the structure. The surface is viewed by inserting a micro fiber-optic thread of the borescope into the gap. The system eliminates the need for costly and time consuming disassembly and removal of components mounted on the structure before an inspection of the condition of the beam can be made.