Methods for performing repair operations using one or more unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). First, an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a camera is flown to a position in a vicinity of an area of interest on a surface of a structure. Image data representing one or more images of the structure in the area is acquired using the camera. Second, an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a non-destructive examination (NDE) sensor unit is flown until the NDE sensor unit is within measurement range of the structure in the area of interest. Then NDE sensor data representing structural characteristics of the structure in the area of interest is acquired. Third, an unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a repair tool is moved to a location that places the repair tool in contact with the surface in the area of interest. Then the structure in the area is repaired using the repair tool. Once the repair has been completed, a UAV equipped with a camera or an NDE sensor unit may be used to determine whether the repaired structure should be placed back in service or not.
In-Service Maintenance Process Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
19.11.2020
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | G05D SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES , Systeme zum Steuern oder Regeln nichtelektrischer veränderlicher Größen / B23P Sonstige Metallbearbeitung , OTHER WORKING OF METAL / B64C AEROPLANES , Flugzeuge / B64D Ausrüstung für Flugzeuge , EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT |
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