公开(公告)号：US5359416A

公开(公告)日：1994-10-25

申请号：US963572

申请日：1992-10-19

Applicant: Mark K. Mueller

Inventor： Mark K. Mueller

IPC: G01N21/95 ,  G01N21/47

CPC classification number: G01N21/9515 ,  G01N2021/8864 ,  G01N2021/8887 ,  G01N2021/9518 ,  G01N2201/102 ,  G01N2201/1085

Abstract: A system and process for detecting and monitoring defects in large surfaces such as the field joints of the container segments of a space shuttle booster motor. Beams of semi-collimated light from three non-parallel fiber optic light panels are directed at a region of the surface at non-normal angles of expected incidence. A video camera gathers some portion of the light that is reflected at an angle other than the angle of expected reflectance, and generates signals which are analyzed to discern defects in the surface. The analysis may be performed by visual inspection of an image on a video monitor, or by inspection of filtered or otherwise processed images. In one alternative embodiment, successive predetermined regions of the surface are aligned with the light source before illumination, thereby permitting efficient detection of defects in a large surface. Such alignment is performed by using a line scan gauge to sense the light which passes through an aperture in the surface. In another embodiment a digital map of the surface is created, thereby permitting the maintenance of records detailing changes in the location or size of defects as the container segment is refurbished and re-used. The defect detection apparatus may also be advantageously mounted on a fixture which engages the edge of a container segment.

Abstract translation: 用于检测和监测诸如航天飞机增压马达的容器段的大面积的缺陷的系统和过程。 来自三个非平行光纤光板的半准直光束是指以预定入射角为非正常角度的表面区域。 视频摄像机收集除了预期反射角度之外的角度反射的光的一部分，并产生被分析的信号以辨别表面中的缺陷。 分析可以通过目视检查视频监视器上的图像，或者通过检查过滤的或以其他方式处理的图像来执行。 在一个替代实施例中，表面的连续预定区域在照射之前与光源对准，从而允许有效地检测大表面中的缺陷。 通过使用线扫描仪来感测通过表面中的孔的光来进行这种对准。 在另一个实施例中，创建表面的数字地图，从而允许维护记录，以便在容器段被翻新和重新使用时详细描述缺陷的位置或尺寸的变化。 缺陷检测装置还可以有利地安装在与容器段的边缘接合的固定件上。