US 11,953,309 B2
Automated non-contact thickness inspection and projection system using color-coded based patterns
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 Sep. 22, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/481,740.
Prior Publication US 2023/0090145 A1, Mar. 23, 2023
Int. Cl. G01B 11/06 (2006.01); B25J 9/16 (2006.01); G05D 1/00 (2006.01); B05B 13/04 (2006.01)
CPC G01B 11/0616 (2013.01) [B25J 9/1697 (2013.01); G05D 1/0088 (2013.01); B05B 13/0431 (2013.01)] 5 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An inspection and projection system, comprising:
a robotic arm operable 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, wherein the projection is color-coded based, at least in part, on a comparison between measurements of thickness and a predetermined range of values;
a linear rail system, wherein the robotic arm is coupled to the linear rail system, wherein the robotic arm is operable 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.