US 12,215,965 B2
Automated non-contact thickness inspection and projection system
Shane Whitaker, Aledo, TX (US); Jeffrey Drewett, Kennedale, TX (US); and Anthony Mann, Aledo, TX (US)
Assigned to Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US)
Filed by Lockheed Martin Corporation, Bethesda, MD (US)
Filed on Mar. 12, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/602,774.
Application 18/602,774 is a division of application No. 17/481,740, filed on Sep. 22, 2021, granted, now 11,953,309.
Prior Publication US 2024/0210162 A1, Jun. 27, 2024
Int. Cl. G01B 11/06 (2006.01); B25J 9/16 (2006.01); G05D 1/00 (2006.01); G05D 1/227 (2024.01); B05B 13/04 (2006.01)
CPC G01B 11/0616 (2013.01) [B25J 9/1697 (2013.01); G05D 1/0088 (2013.01); G05D 1/227 (2024.01); B05B 13/0431 (2013.01); G05B 2219/40298 (2013.01)] 10 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for inspecting a coating disposed on an aircraft, comprising:
disposing an inspection and projection system proximate to the aircraft, wherein the inspection and projection system comprises:
a robotic arm configured to rotate about a plurality of axes, wherein an end effector is disposed at a distal end of the robotic arm and wherein the end effector comprises:
a terahertz sensor configured to transmit and receive signals to measure thickness of a coating;
a camera configured to identify a location of a surface, relative to the inspection and projection system, in order to perform an inspection; and
a projector configured to transmit a projection onto a surface of the coating;
a linear rail system, wherein the robotic arm is coupled to the linear rail system, wherein the robotic arm is configured to translate along the linear rail system;
a frame, wherein the linear rail system is disposed on top of the frame; and
an information handling system coupled to the frame having a processor and a memory storing instructions that when executed by the processor cause the information handling system to actuate the robotic arm and the linear rail system;
operating the end effector to transmit and receive signals to measure a thickness of the coating disposed on the aircraft;
configuring the projection to be transmitted onto a surface of the coating based on measurements of the thickness of the coating and an acceptable range of values, wherein the projection is color-coded based, at least in part, on a comparison between the measurements of thickness of the coating disposed on the aircraft and the acceptable range of values; and
transmitting the projection onto the surface of the coating.