Patent ID: 7576850
Filing Date: 2009-08-18
Classification: B29C,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting flaws or FOD in a composite structure during the fabrication process of that structure comprising: illuminating a portion of the composite structure across its entire width with a light source mounted to be in proximity with said composite structure and directing light rays at an acute angle relative to said portion of said composite structure of approximately greater than or equal to 2° and approximately less than or equal to 15°, said light source being positioned to emit light that illuminates a portion of the composite structure with bright field illumination and simultaneously illuminates another portion of the composite structure with dark field illumination; monitoring said portion; detecting flaws or FOD in said portion during fabrication of the structure in response to reflection of said light rays off of said portion by detecting the contrast between a shadow and the composite structure which allows for the detection of flaws and FOD simultaneously in said portion; and indicating said flaws or FOD in said portion to a user via a display.