View source for 18501209. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A SURFACE OF AN AIRCRAFT OR SPACECRAFT simplified abstract (Airbus Operations GmbH)

=SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A SURFACE OF AN AIRCRAFT OR SPACECRAFT=


==Organization Name==

[[:Category:Airbus Operations GmbH|Airbus Operations GmbH]]


[[Category:Airbus Operations GmbH]]

==Inventor(s)==

[[:Category:Robert Alexander Goehlich of HAMBURG (DE)|Robert Alexander Goehlich of HAMBURG (DE)]][[Category:Robert Alexander Goehlich of HAMBURG (DE)]]

[[:Category:Clara Hauser of HAMBURG (DE)|Clara Hauser of HAMBURG (DE)]][[Category:Clara Hauser of HAMBURG (DE)]]

[[:Category:Michel B�dker of HAMBURG (DE)|Michel B�dker of HAMBURG (DE)]][[Category:Michel B�dker of HAMBURG (DE)]]

==SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A SURFACE OF AN AIRCRAFT OR SPACECRAFT - A simplified explanation of the abstract==


This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18501209 titled 'SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSPECTING A SURFACE OF AN AIRCRAFT OR SPACECRAFT

==Simplified Explanation==

The system described in the patent application is a ground vehicle equipped with a manipulator and an inspection device for checking the surface structure of aircraft or spacecraft. Proximity sensors are used to measure distances to the object being inspected, and a control unit coordinates the movement of the inspection device along the surface structure.

* The ground vehicle has a drive and a manipulator with multiple movement links.
* An inspection device is mounted on the manipulator for checking the surface structure.
* Proximity sensors are distributed on the manipulator in multiple zones to measure distances.
* The control unit records distances acquired by the proximity sensors and controls the movement of the inspection device.

== Potential Applications ==
This technology can be applied in the aerospace industry for inspecting the surface structure of aircraft and spacecraft, ensuring their safety and integrity.

== Problems Solved ==
1. Ensures thorough inspection of the surface structure without the need for manual intervention.
2. Maintains a safe distance between the ground vehicle/manipulator and the surface structure during inspection.

== Benefits ==
1. Increases efficiency and accuracy of surface structure inspections.
2. Reduces the risk of human error and potential accidents during inspections.
3. Enables inspections to be conducted in hard-to-reach areas of aircraft or spacecraft.

== Potential Commercial Applications ==
Optimized Surface Structure Inspection System for Aircraft and Spacecraft

== Possible Prior Art ==
Prior art in this field may include manual inspection methods or stationary inspection devices that do not offer the same level of mobility and adaptability as the system described in the patent application.

=== Unanswered Questions ===

=== How does this system handle obstacles or irregularities on the surface structure being inspected? ===
The system's ability to navigate around obstacles or irregularities on the surface structure is not explicitly mentioned in the abstract. It would be important to understand how the system addresses such challenges to ensure a comprehensive inspection.

=== What is the expected maintenance schedule and cost for this system? ===
The abstract does not provide information on the maintenance requirements or associated costs of the system. Understanding the maintenance schedule and costs involved would be crucial for potential users to assess the overall feasibility and practicality of implementing this technology.


==Original Abstract Submitted==

A system for checking an aircraft or spacecraft surface structure includes a ground vehicle having a drive, a manipulator arranged on the ground vehicle, having multiple movement links articulately arranged relative to one another, an inspection device arranged on the manipulator, proximity sensors, and a control unit. The proximity sensors are distributed on the manipulator, divided into multiple zones, and configured to acquire a distance to an object. The system inspects the surface structure by successively moving the inspection device along the surface structure. The control unit records distances acquired by the proximity sensors and activates the drive and the manipulator based on the acquired distances such that the inspection device is placed at successive inspection positions at a predetermined distance to the surface structure, and a sufficient distance of the ground vehicle and the manipulator from the surface structure and any objects surrounding the surface structure is maintained simultaneously.



[[Category:B64F5/60]]