Portable dimensional inspection for holes by ToF (Time-of-Flight) vision method in aeronautical structures assembly

• Grant number: 20/05902-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2021
• End date: March 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Fabio do Monte Sena
• Grantee: Fabio do Monte Sena
• Company: Lume Tecnologia Ltda
• CNAE: Desenvolvimento e licenciamento de programas de computador customizáveis ; Serviços de engenharia ; Testes e análises técnicas
• City: São José dos Campos
• Pesquisadores principais: Weslley Poleto Maia
• Associated researchers: Pedro Luiz Teruel Filho
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/08902-0 - Portable dimensional inspection for holes by ToF (Time-of-Flight) vision method in aeronautical structures assembly, BP.TT; 21/03143-3 - Portable dimensional inspection of holes by ToF (Time-of-Flight) vision method for the assembly of aeronautical structures, BP.TT; 21/02729-4 - Portable dimensional inspection for holes by ToF (Time-of-Flight) vision method in aeronautical structures assembly, BP.TT; 21/02837-1 - Portable dimensional inspection for holes by ToF (Time-of-Flight) vision method in aeronautical structures assembly, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The number of components, the dimensional requirements and the critical nature of riveted joints make the joining of the panels one of the main stages in the assembly of aeronautical structures. The quality of this process is strongly dependent on the quality of drilling and countersinking. The verification for these holes follows the standards of the main world aircraft manufacturers. Inspections are mainly conducted by visual analysis and countersunk gauges. Numerous problems arise from the susceptibility of these approaches to errors, slow measurement process and lack of digitalization of the data. Alternative contactless solutions are provided by foreign companies and have high cost for the domestic market. In this scenario, this proposal aims to develop a tool based on images from ToF sensors to measure quality parameters of countersunk holes. Its main challenge is to implement computational approaches that allow reaching the levels of precision compatible with necessary tolerance in countersunk holes in different industrial environments, focusing on the aeronautical sector. The study will consist in using the depth maps provided by the ToF sensor and RGB images to inspect dimensional and finishing aspects of countersunk holes. The approval of the technical feasibility of the solution is linked to the need of developing a robust algorithm for ambient conditions that reaches an accuracy greater than 20µm, in order to assure the tolerances specified in aeronautical standards in a portable application. The proposal has the potential to provide the market with a cost-effective solution for measuring countersunk holes. The greater accessibility of the solution has the potential to contribute to the modernization of inspection techniques in the national industrial park, in addition to opening space for the digitalization of process information. (AU)