US 12,112,467 B2
Method of inspecting a fastener, and a system and apparatus for inspecting a fastener
Monica J. Brockway, Bothell, WA (US); and Farahnaz Sisco, Mukilteo, WA (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Nov. 4, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/519,130.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/109,670, filed on Nov. 4, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0138928 A1, May 5, 2022
Int. Cl. G06T 7/00 (2017.01); B21J 15/28 (2006.01); G01B 11/02 (2006.01); G01N 21/88 (2006.01); G01N 21/95 (2006.01); G06T 7/70 (2017.01); G06V 10/40 (2022.01)
CPC G06T 7/0004 (2013.01) [B21J 15/28 (2013.01); G06T 7/70 (2017.01); G06V 10/40 (2022.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of inspecting a fastener installed in a fastening hole of a region of a structure that is enclosed or has limited access, the method comprising:
positioning an inspection apparatus for entry along a longitudinal axis thereof through an adjacent fastening hole of the installed fastener to be inspected;
detecting structural features of one or more of the fastener and an inspection environment external to the fastener as inspection data that comprises image data, measurement data, and position data;
conducting an inspection evaluation of the inspection data by conducting a comparison based on one or more of the image data, the measurement data, and the position data of a retention feature of the installed fastener with one or more predetermined threshold inspection data; and
making an inspection determination of the installed fastener in response to the inspection evaluation.