Abstract:
A method for inspecting an aircraft fuselage using an inspection system including a moveable detector, wherein the method includes coupling a collision avoidance system to the inspection system detector, monitoring the collision avoidance system during operation of the inspection system, and controlling operation of the inspection system with the collision avoidance system.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates generally to aircraft fuselage frames, and more particularly to methods and systems for non-destructive inspection of aircraft fuselage frames.  
           [0002]    In order to facilitate performing high-speed digital radiography for defect detection on passenger aircraft fuselage frames in both a timely and cost efficient manner, speed of data collection is primary. Speed can be addressed by rapid image acquisition, which can be accomplished through the synchronous motion of the energy source and the detector. In order to achieve adequate image quality, the detector must be located close to and along the outside of the aircraft fuselage to reduce the effects of magnification.  
           [0003]    The proximity of the inspection system to the aircraft fuselage increases the potential for collision and damage to both the aircraft and the inspection system. To facilitate preventing collision and damage, at least some method of avoidance and protection is required.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0004]    In one aspect, a method for inspecting an aircraft fuselage using an inspection system that includes a moveable detector is provided. The method includes coupling a collision avoidance system to the inspection system detector, monitoring the collision avoidance system during operation of the inspection system, and controlling operation of the inspection system with the collision avoidance system.  
           [0005]    In another aspect, an apparatus for inspecting an aircraft fuselage is provided. The apparatus includes a moveable detector, and a collision avoidance system in electrical communication with the moveable detector to control the moveable detector for inspecting the aircraft fuselage.  
           [0006]    In another aspect, an inspection system for inspecting an aircraft fuselage is provided. The system includes a moveable detector, at least one proximity sensor electrically coupled to the moveable detector, and a collision avoidance system in electrical communication with the moveable detector and the at least one proximity sensor for controlling the moveable detector during the inspection of the aircraft fuselage. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0007]    [0007]FIG. 1 is an illustration of an aircraft fuselage; and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a collision avoidance system coupled to an inspection system for use with an aircraft fuselage. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0008]    [0008]FIG. 1 is an illustration of an aircraft fuselage  10  of a passenger jet. FIG. 2 is block diagram of an inspection system  12  for use with an aircraft fuselage, such as, aircraft fuselage  10  in FIG. 1. Inspection system  12  can detect defects in the aircraft fuselage, such as cracks, corrosion, delaminations, disbonds, etc. Inspection system  12  may also be used with other types of aircraft fuselages, structural components, and materials that include these types of defects. More specifically, inspection system  12  includes a moveable detector  14  coupled in synchronous motion with an energy source (not shown). In one embodiment, inspection system  12  is a high-speed digital radiography system, such as the DXR-500 available from General Electric Inspection Technology, Cincinnati, Ohio. However, as will be appreciated by those in the art, other systems can be used within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0009]    In operation, inspection system  12  rapidly passes close to and along fuselage  10 . A collision avoidance system (CAS)  20  is coupled to inspection system  12  in order to prevent contact between inspection system  12  and fuselage  10  during the inspection process. CAS  20  includes at least one proximity sensor  22 , at least one protection device  24 , and a collision monitor  26 . Proximity sensor  22  is electrically coupled to detector  14 . In one embodiment, proximity sensor  22  is remotely coupled to detector  14 . In one embodiment, proximity sensor  22  is a single sensor that includes at least an infrared sensor, an air-filled bladder sensor, or an accelerometer. In another embodiment, proximity sensor  22  is a group of sensors that includes a combination of at least an infrared sensor, an air-filled bladder sensor, or an accelerometer. An infrared sensor allows for measuring distance between detector  14  and fuselage  10 . An air-filled bladder allows for monitoring changes in pressure and provides damage prevention. An accelerometer allows for measuring detector speed In operation, proximity sensor  22  generates signals during the operation of detector  14  and transmits those signals to collision monitor  26 . If during the inspection process proximity sensor  22  detects an imminent collision, then a signal is transmitted to collision monitor  26 . Monitor  26  is configured to send an imminent collision signal to an inspection system stopping mechanism  28 . Stopping mechanism  28  is configured to immediately halt the motion of detector  14  and facilitate preventing a collision between detector  14  and fuselage  10 . In one embodiment, stopping mechanism  28  is a manipulator that moves detector  14  away from fuselage  10 .  
         [0010]    A protection device  24  is coupled to inspection system  12 . In one embodiment, protection device  24  includes, but is not limited to, one or a combination of at least an air-filled bladder, a balloon, or an airbag system. In another embodiment, protection device  24  includes other devices capable of protecting detector  14  as described herein.  
         [0011]    Protection device  24  is in electrical communication with stopping mechanism  28  such that during operation, when stopping mechanism  28  receives an imminent collision signal from monitor  26 , protection device  24  is deployed. Accordingly, detector  14  does not contact fuselage  10 . In an alternative embodiment, protection device  24  is in electrical communication with proximity sensor  22  such that when proximity sensor  22  detects an imminent collision, protection device  24  is deployed and prevents contact between detector  14  and fuselage  10 .  
         [0012]    The above-described collision avoidance system  22  for an aircraft fuselage inspection system  12  is both cost-effective and highly reliable. The inspection system receives input from at least one proximity sensor coupled to the collision avoidance system to facilitate the prevention of contact between the movable detector and the aircraft fuselage. Furthermore, the collision avoidance system allows non-destructive inspections of aircraft fuselage frames. As a result, the inspection system can perform high-speed digital radiography on aircraft fuselages in close proximity without concern of damage to the detector or the fuselage or loss of image quality.  
         [0013]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.