Sealant analysis system

A method and apparatus for inspecting sealant on an object. First data is generated for a first geometry of a first surface of the object prior to sealing the object. Second data is generated for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after the sealant has been applied to the object. A difference is identified between the first data and the second data. The difference indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The present disclosure relates generally to manufacturing aircraft and, in particular, to sealing structures in aircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for identifying a thickness of sealant on fasteners in an aircraft.

In manufacturing aircraft, sealants are used for a number of different purposes. For example, a sealant may be used to form a barrier against undesired elements. The barrier may be formed to seal gaps, holes, and other features that may allow elements to pass in an undesired manner. These elements may include air, a gas, water, fuel, and other elements.

Further, sealants also may be used to reduce effects from electromagnetic events. For example, sealants may be used in the interior of a composite fuel tank in an aircraft. The composite fuel tank is typically integrated into a composite wing of the aircraft. An electromagnetic event, such as a lightning strike, may cause sparking, electrical arcs, or other undesired events in the interior of the composite fuel tank. For example, electrical arcs may occur at locations where fasteners are present in the interior of a composite fuel tank. These types of events may be prevented through the use of sealants.

For example, a sealant may be applied to the interior portions of fasteners that extend into the interior of the composite fuel tank. Arcing may be prevented when a desired level of thickness is present for the sealant applied to a fastener that extends into the interior of the composite fuel tank.

After the sealant has been applied to fasteners in the composite fuel tank, an inspection is performed to determine whether the sealant has the desired level of thickness over the fasteners. This inspection is currently performed by a human operator using a hand-held gauge to measure the dimensions of the sealant applied to the fastener.

This type of process is tedious and time consuming. For example, composite fuel tanks in an aircraft may have thousands of fasteners that extend into the interior of the composite fuel tanks. Further, accessing the interior of a wing in which a composite fuel tank is located also may be difficult, depending on the design of the aircraft.

Further, depending on the rework needed to apply more sealant and the additional inspections performed after rework is completed, undesired delays may occur. As a result, inspecting sealant thickness in a composite fuel tank may increase the cost and time needed to manufacture the aircraft.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus that takes into account at least some of the issues discussed above as well as other possible issues.

SUMMARY

In one illustrative embodiment, a method for inspecting sealant on an object is present. First data is generated for a first geometry of a first surface of the object prior to sealing the object. Second data is generated for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after the sealant has been applied to the object. A difference is identified between the first data and the second data. The difference indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object.

In another illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a thickness analyzer. The thickness analyzer is configured to generate first data for a first geometry of a first surface of an object prior to sealing the object. The thickness analyzer is further configured to generate second data for a second geometry of a second surface of the object after a sealant has been applied to the object. The thickness analyzer is further configured to identify a difference between the first data and the second data. The difference indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account one or more different considerations. For example, the illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that in addition to being time consuming and tedious, the existing inspection systems also may lack a desired level of accuracy. For example, identifying the location of a fastener may be difficult once fasteners in the fuel tank are covered by sealant.

Additionally, sealant may flow such that the thickness of the sealant varies over different parts of a fastener. In other words, the thickness of the sealant covering a fastener may not be consistent. As a result, a human operator using a gauge may think that the sealant has a desired level of thickness based on the measurement, but a portion of the fastener may not have the desired level of thickness.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for inspecting sealants. In one illustrative embodiment, first data is generated for a first geometry of a first surface of an object prior to sealing the object. Second data for a second geometry of a second surface of the object is generated after a sealant has been applied to the object. A difference between the first data and the second data is identified. This difference indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object.

With reference now to the figures and, in particular, with reference toFIG. 1, a pictorial illustration of a sealant measurement environment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As depicted, sealant measurement environment100includes wing102. As depicted, wing102has composite fuel tank104with fasteners106having portions extending into interior108of composite fuel tank104. Sealant may be applied to fasteners106. In particular, sealant is applied to the portions of fasteners106in interior108of composite fuel tank104to reduce effects from electromagnetic events.

In these illustrative examples, sealant measurement system110is used to measure a thickness of the sealant applied to fasteners106. In this illustrative example, sealant measurement system110includes three-dimensional scanner112, three-dimensional scanner114, and computer116.

Computer116identifies a first geometry of the surfaces of fasteners106prior to those fasteners being covered with sealant. The geometry of the surfaces of the fasteners is identified by scanning fasteners106using three-dimensional scanner112and three-dimensional scanner114in this illustrative example. These scanners generate first data about the first geometry of the surfaces of fasteners106as well as the geometry of other objects that are scanned.

This first data may take the form of a point cloud. Each vertex or piece of data in the point cloud represents a location detected by a three-dimensional scanner in three-dimensional space.

The first data generated by three-dimensional scanner112and three-dimensional scanner114about the first geometry of the surfaces of fasteners106is sent to computer116. In these illustrative examples, this first data may be sent to computer116over wireless communications links. With this first data, computer116identifies a first geometry of the surfaces of fasteners106.

Sealant may then be applied to fasteners106to cover the portion of fasteners106in interior108of composite fuel tank104. With the application of sealant, the surface of fasteners106changes. In other words, the sealant on fasteners106forms a new surface for fasteners106in these illustrative examples.

Three-dimensional scanner112and three-dimensional scanner114then scan fasteners106with the sealant applied to fasteners106. The scanning of fasteners106after applying the sealant provides second data for a second geometry of the surfaces of fasteners106with the sealant.

The second data about the second geometry for the surfaces of fasteners106with the sealant is sent by three-dimensional scanner112and three-dimensional scanner114to computer116. Computer116uses the first data and the second data to identify a thickness of the sealant on fasteners106.

For example, computer116identifies a difference between the first data for the first geometry of the surfaces of fasteners106without the sealant and the second data for the second geometry of the surfaces of fasteners106with the sealant.

With the difference, a determination can be made as to whether the thickness of the sealant for fasteners106has a desired thickness. If the sealant on a fastener in fasteners106does not have the desired thickness, the sealant on the fastener is considered to have an insufficient thickness. Additional sealant may be applied to the fastener.

With the first data and the second data, computer116may identify which portion of a fastener does not have a desired thickness in addition to which fastener does not have the desired thickness. In this manner, sealant measurement system110provides a greater granularity in identifying locations where additional sealant may be needed.

As a result, sealant measurement system110may provide measurement of the thickness of sealant on objects, such as fasteners in a composite fuel tank, as compared to current methods of using gauges. Further, sealant measurement system110may provide a finer granularity, more accuracy, or both with respect to whether additional sealant may be needed.

Turning now toFIG. 2, an illustration of a block diagram of a sealant measurement environment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Sealant measurement environment200is an example of sealant measurement environment100inFIG. 1.

As depicted, sealant measurement environment200includes sealant measurement system202. Sealant measurement system202may be used to measure thickness204of sealant206on objects208associated with platform210.

When one component is “associated” with another component, the association is a physical association in these depicted examples. For example, a first component, such as an object in objects208, may be considered to be associated with a second component, such as platform210, by being secured to the second component, bonded to the second component, mounted to the second component, welded to the second component, fastened to the second component, and/or connected to the second component in some other suitable manner. The first component also may be connected to the second component using a third component. The first component may also be considered to be associated with the second component by being formed as part of and/or an extension of the second component. In these illustrative examples, platform210may be an aircraft. Objects208may be, for example, fasteners used in the aircraft.

As depicted, sealant measurement system202comprises thickness analyzer212and three-dimensional scanner system214. Thickness analyzer212may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination of the two. For example, thickness analyzer212may be implemented in computer system216. Computer system216is a number of computers. As used herein, a “number of”, when used with reference to items, means one or more items. For example, a number of computers is one or more computers. When more than one computer is present in computer system216, those computers may be in communication with each other.

Three-dimensional scanner system214is configured to generate data about the surfaces of objects208as well as surfaces of any other objects or components for platform210. In these illustrative examples, three-dimensional scanner system214may comprise number of three-dimensional scanners218. Number of three-dimensional scanners218may be implemented using any device that is configured to generate data about the surface of objects208. For example, number of three-dimensional scanners218may be implemented using a laser scanner.

In these illustrative examples, sealant measurement system202is configured to generate first data220for first geometry222of first surface224of object226in objects208. First surface224of object226is identified without sealant206on object226. This identification of first data220may be obtained for other objects in objects208in addition to object226.

In these illustrative examples, the identification of first data220may be performed in a number of different ways. For example, three-dimensional scanner system214may scan object226and generate first data220for first geometry222of first surface224of object226. In this particular example, sealant206is not applied to object226until object226has been scanned by three-dimensional scanner system214.

In other illustrative examples, first data220may be generated by thickness analyzer212. In this example, thickness analyzer212may access model228of object226from object database230. Thickness analyzer212may identify surfaces for object226and geometries for those surfaces from model228of object226. Thickness analyzer212may generate first data220from the identification of the geometries of the surfaces of object226in model228. In this example, sealant206may be applied at any time, because object226without sealant206is not scanned.

In other illustrative examples, first data220may be generated from a combination of three-dimensional scanner system214scanning object226and from thickness analyzer212obtaining data about object226from model228. The combination of data may be used when portions of object226cannot be scanned by three-dimensional scanner system214. This situation may result in the data generated by three-dimensional scanner system214being incomplete for use as first data220to identify first geometry222of first surface224of object226.

The inability to scan enough of first surface224of object226may occur through occlusions. In other words, three-dimensional scanner system214may not have a sufficient view or line of sight to portions of first surface224of object226. In this manner, data from model228may be used to fill in the missing portions that are not scanned by three-dimensional scanner system214.

After first data220has been generated, second data232is generated for second geometry234for second surface236of object226with sealant206. In this illustrative example, second surface236of object226is the surface of object226with sealant206. In other words, second data232is based on the surface formed by sealant206on object226.

Thickness analyzer212identifies difference238between first data220and second data232. In other words, the volume encompassed by object226may be subtracted from the volume encompassed by second surface236with sealant206. Difference238indicates thickness204of sealant206. Thickness204may be compared to desired thickness240for sealant206.

If thickness204is equal to or more than desired thickness240, then additional sealant242is not needed for object226. On the other hand, if thickness204is less than desired thickness240, additional sealant242may be applied to object226.

In these illustrative examples, map244may be generated by thickness analyzer212. Map244identifies thickness204of sealant206on different parts of object226. As a result, a finer granularity of where additional sealant242may be needed for object226if thickness204of sealant206does not have desired thickness240is provided. For example, thickness204for sealant206may have desired thickness240on one side of object226but not on another side of object226. Map244may identify the side of object226needing additional sealant242. Additionally, map244may indicate additional thickness246of additional sealant242needed for object226. The identification of additional thickness246of additional sealant242allows for the application of additional sealant242to obtain desired thickness240as accurately as desired in these illustrative examples.

In these illustrative examples, desired thickness240is a thickness at which a number of desired performance parameters is met. The number of performance parameters may be, for example, a reduction in electrical arcing, a desired level of leak resistance, the desired minimum or maximum weight of sealant per location, and other suitable performance parameters.

For example, although objects208have been described as fasteners generally, these fasteners may be, without limitation, a rivet, a bolt with a nut engaged with the bolt, a screw, a pin and collar fastener, nut plates, and other suitable components. In another example, an object in objects208may be a single part or an assembly of parts. For example, without limitation, an object may be a reinforcing strip, a stiffener, a lap joint, a bracket, a tie bar, a spar, a fuel tank, a wing, a composite barrel for a fuselage, a wing box, and some other suitable type of object. The object may be any object mounted on a surface that uses sealant between the object and the fastener or the object and the surface.

As another example, although platform210has been described as an aircraft, platform210may take other forms. Platform210also may be, for example, without limitation, a mobile platform, a stationary platform, a land-based structure, an aquatic-based structure, a space-based structure, and/or some other suitable platform. More specifically, the different illustrative embodiments may be applied to, for example, without limitation, a submarine, a bus, a personnel carrier, a tank, a train, an automobile, a spacecraft, a space station, a satellite, a surface ship, a power plant, a dam, a manufacturing facility, a building, and/or some other suitable platform.

As yet another illustrative example, although number of three-dimensional scanners218has been described as being implemented using laser scanners, number of three-dimensional scanners218may be implemented using other types of three-dimensional scanners in addition to or in place of laser scanners. Any type of device that is configured to collect data about the geometries of the surface of object226may be used. For example, a contact scanner may be used in three-dimensional scanner system214.

Further, three-dimensional scanner system214may include different types of scanners in number of three-dimensional scanners218. For example, one scanner in number of three-dimensional scanners218may be of a first type, such as a laser scanner, and another scanner in number of three-dimensional scanners218may be of a different type, such as a contact scanner.

Turning now toFIG. 3, an illustration of fasteners in the interior of a composite fuel tank is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, a portion of fasteners300extend into interior302of composite fuel tank304. As depicted, three-dimensional scanner306and three-dimensional scanner308both scan and generate data about fasteners300. In particular, the data is data about points on the surface of fasteners300.

Turning now toFIG. 4, an illustration of data collected for fasteners on a display where some of the data is missing is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, display400is an image with representations401of fasteners300inFIG. 3. Display400is an example of a display that may be shown on a display in computer system216inFIG. 2. Although display400shows fasteners, the information about the fasteners is stored and is not always displayed in display400, depending on the implementation.

As can be seen, section402, section404, and section406in representations401of fasteners300in display400are sections of fasteners300not shown. These sections are missing in these examples due to occlusions of three-dimensional scanner306and three-dimensional scanner308.

Turning now toFIG. 5, an illustration of a display of data collected for fasteners with additional data filling in missing information is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Display500is another example of a display that may be shown on a display in computer system216inFIG. 2. Display500illustrates the first data for the first geometry of the first surface of these fasteners prior to the fasteners being sealed.

In display500, section402, section404, and section406are now shown in representations401for fasteners300in display500. These sections are filled in using data from a model of fasteners300. Model228in object database230inFIG. 2may be one implementation for the model used to provide data for fasteners300. Of course, the information for the missing sections may be supplied from another source in other examples. An example of another source may be a hand-held three-dimensional scanner.

Turning now toFIG. 6, an illustration of fasteners with sealant is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In this illustrative example, fasteners300are covered with sealant600. Fasteners300are shown in phantom to illustrate a thickness of sealant600over fasteners300.

Three-dimensional scanner306and three-dimensional scanner308perform a scan of fasteners300with sealant600covering fasteners300. Three-dimensional scanner306and three-dimensional scanner308generate second data for a second geometry of surface602of fasteners300. This surface of fasteners300is defined by sealant600.

Turning now toFIG. 7, an illustration of a display of data collected for fasteners covered by sealant is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Display700is an example of a display that may be shown on a display in computer system216inFIG. 2.

In this illustrative example, display700includes representations701for fasteners300inFIG. 3covered by sealant600. The display of representations701in display700is made using the second data for the second geometry of surface602of fasteners300as covered by sealant600.

Turning now toFIG. 8, an illustration of a comparison of first data to second data is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Display800is another example of a display that may be shown on a display in computer system216inFIG. 2. Display800illustrates a comparison of the first data illustrated inFIG. 5and the second data illustrated inFIG. 7.

The data shown in this image may be analyzed to identify the thickness of the sealant on fasteners300inFIG. 3. The difference between the first data and the second data may be used to identify a thickness for different portions of fasteners300.

The different displays illustrated inFIGS. 3-8are provided for purposes of depicting some of the operations performed. The information in the different operations is stored and does not necessarily have to be displayed on a display device. For example, displays may be displayed on a display device when a discrepancy between a desired thickness of sealant and the measured thickness of the sealant is present. If the condition is satisfactory, the information may not be displayed. In other words, the different operations may be performed without needing user input, and reports may be generated only when action is needed to add sealant.

Turning now toFIG. 9, an illustration of a map of sealant thickness with locations where additional sealant is needed being indicated is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Display900is another example of a display that may be shown on a display in computer system216inFIG. 2. In this illustrative example, map901of fasteners300is presented on display900and includes graphical indicator902and graphical indicator904. These graphical indicators displayed in map901identify locations on fasteners300where additional sealant may be needed. In other words, display900indicates where the thickness is not as thick as desired.

Turning now toFIG. 10, an illustration of a map of sealant thickness including guides for adding sealant is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Display1000is another example of a display that may be shown on a display in computer system216inFIG. 2. Display1000shows map1001of fasteners300. In this depicted example, graphical indicator1002and graphical indicator1004in map1001identify the additional thickness of additional sealant that should be added to fasteners300. In the illustrative examples, the surface of the sealant may be abraded or otherwise changed to provide better adhesion for the additional sealant. The removal of the original sealant for this purpose also may be taken into account in map1001. In other cases, the sealant is not changed before adding the additional sealant.

The illustration of display400inFIG. 4, display500inFIG. 5, display700inFIG. 7, display800inFIG. 8, display900inFIG. 9, and display1000inFIG. 10are not meant to limit the manner in which information may be presented on a display. For example, the information may be displayed as a three-dimensional image rather than in two dimensions as depicted in these illustrative examples. Further, other information or annotations also may be included in the displays or stored in the computer for later retrieval and analysis. For example, the information shown on the displays inFIGS. 4-10may also be used for trend analysis and process improvement planning.

With reference now toFIG. 11, a flowchart of a process for inspecting sealant on an object is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 11may be implemented in sealant measurement environment100inFIG. 1or sealant measurement environment200inFIG. 2. In particular, the process may be implemented using sealant measurement system110inFIG. 1or sealant measurement system202inFIG. 2.

The process begins by generating first data for a first geometry of a first surface of an object prior to sealing the object (operation1100). The first data may be generated from scanning the object, a model of the object, or a combination of the two. Both a scan of the object and a model of the object may be used if occlusions block the three-dimensional scanners.

The process generates second data for a second geometry for a second surface of the object after a sealant has been applied to the object (operation1102). The process then identifies a difference between the first data and the second data that indicates a thickness of the sealant on the object (operation1104).

A determination is made as to whether the thickness of the sealant is a desired thickness for the sealant (operation1106). If the thickness of the sealant is the desired thickness, all parts of the object have the desired thickness. If one part of the object does not have the desired thickness, then the thickness of the sealant is not considered to have the desired thickness even though other parts of the object may have the desired thickness for the sealant.

If the thickness of the sealant is not a desired thickness, an indication is generated to indicate that the desired thickness is absent (operation1108), with the process terminating thereafter. This indication may take the form of graphical indicators on a map. The graphical indicators may indicate locations on the part of the object at which the desired thickness is absent for the sealant. The graphical indicators also may indicate an amount of sealant to be added to the locations.

With reference again to operation1106, if the sealant has a desired thickness, the process also terminates. In some cases, a report may be generated indicating the results of the inspection of the object. This process may be performed for each object of interest. The process may be performed by repeating the operations. In other illustrative examples, the process inFIG. 11may be performed at the same time for all of the objects of interest.

Further, the process inFIG. 11may be performed for the same part that is manufactured for the same type or model of an aircraft. The collection of data is saved. This data forms sets of data that may be analyzed for trends where thicknesses may occur often enough to warrant a change in the operations performed in applying sealant to avoid the undesired thickness in future applications of sealant to the same parts in the same type of aircraft.

With reference next toFIG. 12, a flowchart of a process for generating first data for the first geometry of a first surface of an object is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process inFIG. 12is an example of an implementation of operation1100inFIG. 11.

The process begins by scanning the object (operation1200). The scanning is performed using three-dimensional scanner system214inFIG. 2in these examples. Operation1200results in data collected about the first geometry of a first surface of an object.

A determination is made as to whether a number of sections is missing from the first data for the first geometry of the first surface of the object (operation1202). If a number of sections is missing, data is obtained to fill in the missing sections (operations1204). The data may be obtained in a number of different ways. For example, the data may be from a model of the object. The data also may be obtained from another scan of the object using a hand-held three-dimensional scanner or by repositioning scanners in the three-dimensional scanner system.

The process then fills in the number of sections that is missing (operation1206), with the process terminating thereafter. With reference again to operation1202, if a number of sections is not missing, the process terminates.

InFIG. 13, a flowchart of a process for analyzing data of sealant thickness is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process inFIG. 13may be used to identify changes in manufacturing processes.

The process begins by identifying sets of data showing sealant thicknesses for a part (operation1300). The sets of data are data for the same type of part that is processed over some number of times. For example, the sets of data may be sealant sprayed on fasteners for manufacturing the same type of fuel tank.

The process analyzes the data to determine whether a trend is present for repeated areas in which the sealant is not as thick as desired (operation1302). If a trend is present, adjustments are made to the spraying process (operation1304), with the process terminating thereafter. Otherwise, if a trend is not present in operation1302, the process terminates.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodiments illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of some possible implementations of apparatuses and methods in an illustrative embodiment. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, function, and/or a portion of an operation or step. For example, one or more of the blocks may be implemented as program code, in hardware, or a combination of the program code and hardware. When implemented in hardware, the hardware may, for example, take the form of integrated circuits that are manufactured or configured to perform one or more operations in the flowcharts or block diagrams.

Turning now toFIG. 14, an illustration of a data processing system is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processing system1400may be used to implement computer system216inFIG. 2. In this illustrative example, data processing system1400includes communications framework1402, which provides communications between processor unit1404, memory1406, persistent storage1408, communications unit1410, input/output (I/O) unit1412, and display1414. In this example, communications framework1402may take the form of a bus system.

Processor unit1404serves to execute instructions for software that may be loaded into memory1406. Processor unit1404may be a number of processors, a multi-processor core, or some other type of processor, depending on the particular implementation.

Memory1406and persistent storage1408are examples of storage devices1416. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable of storing information, such as, for example, without limitation, data, program code in functional form, and/or other suitable information either on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Storage devices1416may also be referred to as computer readable storage devices in these illustrative examples. Memory1406, in these examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any other suitable volatile or non-volatile storage device. Persistent storage1408may take various forms, depending on the particular implementation.

For example, persistent storage1408may contain one or more components or devices. For example, persistent storage1408may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable optical disk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. The media used by persistent storage1408also may be removable. For example, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage1408.

Communications unit1410, in these illustrative examples, provides for communications with other data processing systems or devices. In these illustrative examples, communications unit1410is a network interface card.

Input/output unit1412allows for input and output of data with other devices that may be connected to data processing system1400. For example, input/output unit1412may provide a connection for user input through a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device. Further, input/output unit1412may send output to a printer. Display1414provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or programs may be located in storage devices1416, which are in communication with processor unit1404through communications framework1402. The processes of the different embodiments may be performed by processor unit1404using computer-implemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such as memory1406.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usable program code, or computer readable program code that may be read and executed by a processor in processor unit1404. The program code in the different embodiments may be embodied on different physical or computer readable storage media, such as memory1406or persistent storage1408.

Program code1418is located in a functional form on computer readable media1420that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto or transferred to data processing system1400for execution by processor unit1404. Program code1418and computer readable media1420form computer program product1422in these illustrative examples. In one example, computer readable media1420may be computer readable storage media1424or computer readable signal media1426. In these illustrative examples, computer readable storage media1424is a physical or tangible storage device used to store program code1418rather than a medium that propagates or transmits program code1418.

Alternatively, program code1418may be transferred to data processing system1400using computer readable signal media1426. Computer readable signal media1426may be, for example, a propagated data signal containing program code1418. For example, computer readable signal media1426may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and/or any other suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted over communications links, such as wireless communications links, optical fiber cable, coaxial cable, a wire, and/or any other suitable type of communications link.

The different components illustrated for data processing system1400are not meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in which different embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrative embodiments may be implemented in a data processing system including components in addition to and/or in place of those illustrated for data processing system1400. Other components shown inFIG. 14can be varied from the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may be implemented using any hardware device or system capable of running program code1418.

Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure may be described in the context of aircraft manufacturing and service method1500as shown inFIG. 15and aircraft1600as shown inFIG. 16. Turning first toFIG. 15, an illustration of an aircraft manufacturing and service method is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. During pre-production, aircraft manufacturing and service method1500may include specification and design1502of aircraft1600inFIG. 16and material procurement1504.

During production, component and subassembly manufacturing1506and system integration1508of aircraft1600takes place. Thereafter, aircraft1600may go through certification and delivery1510in order to be placed in service1512. While in service1512by a customer, aircraft1600is scheduled for routine maintenance and service1514, which may include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and other maintenance or service.

With reference now toFIG. 16, an illustration of an aircraft is depicted in which an illustrative embodiment may be implemented. In this example, aircraft1600is produced by aircraft manufacturing and service method1500inFIG. 15and may include airframe1602with plurality of systems1604and interior1606. Examples of systems1604include one or more of propulsion system1608, electrical system1610, hydraulic system1612, and environmental system1614. Any number of other systems may be included. Although an aerospace example is shown, different illustrative embodiments may be applied to other industries, such as the automotive industry.

Apparatuses and methods embodied herein may be employed during at least one of the stages of aircraft manufacturing and service method1500inFIG. 15. For example, sealant measurement system202inFIG. 2may be used to perform inspections of sealant thicknesses on fasteners or other objects in components and subassemblies.

In one illustrative example, components or subassemblies produced in component and subassembly manufacturing1506inFIG. 15may be fabricated or manufactured in a manner similar to components or subassemblies produced while aircraft1600is in service1512inFIG. 15. As yet another example, one or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized to perform inspections of sealant thickness during production stages, such as component and subassembly manufacturing1506and system integration1508inFIG. 15. One or more apparatus embodiments, method embodiments, or a combination thereof may be utilized while aircraft1600is in service1512and/or during maintenance and service1514inFIG. 15to perform inspections of sealant thickness on fasteners and other objects. The inspection may be used to determine whether changes in the thickness of sealant have occurred from exposure to the environment or from other operating conditions. The use of a number of the different illustrative embodiments may substantially expedite the assembly of and/or reduce the cost of aircraft1600.

Thus, the illustrative embodiments provide a method and apparatus for inspecting sealants on objects. With the different illustrative embodiments, the amount of time and labor needed to inspect sealants used in platforms, such as aircraft, may the reduced. For example, with the use of one or more illustrative embodiments, the manual measurement of sealant on fasteners by human operators using gauges may be reduced or eliminated. With the use of a three-dimensional scanning system, the acquisition of data may be made more quickly and accurately as compared to currently used methods. As a result, the inspection time needed for aircraft may be reduced.

Further, when insufficient amounts of sealant are present, the amount of sealant used to rework the areas needing more sealant may be made more accurately using the illustrative embodiments. As a result, the amount of additional sealant may be reduced. This reduction also may aid in reducing the weight of an aircraft or other platforms.

The description of the different illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, although the illustrative embodiments have been described with respect to composite fuel tanks, the illustrative embodiments may be applied to other types of fuel tanks, such as, for example, metal fuel tanks integrated into metal wings of an aircraft. In fact, the illustrative embodiments may be applied to a sealant or other liquid material that may be placed on an object. For example, the illustrative embodiments may be applied to paint that is applied to coat an object.

Further, different illustrative embodiments may provide different features as compared to other desirable embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected are chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.