Automated assessment for grinding spots on aircraft landing gear components using robotic white light interferometry

The current method for rework inspection of previously defective surface areas on aircraft landing gear components involves manual inspection. Measuring tools such as micrometers and gauges are utilized to obtain positions and dimensions of reworks. This information is required for determining whether re-entry of the component into service is possible. Overall, the manual process is time-consuming, highly dependent on the skill and experience of the inspector, and prone to errors. This paper presents a novel approach to inspect reworks on aircraft landing gear components using a robotic inspection system based on white light interferometry (WLI). The proposed method is aimed at improving accuracy, repeatability as well as efficiency of rework inspection. The robotic system handles the WLI and positions it over the component, allowing for detailed 3D measurements of the surface and reworked area. Considering the typical measuring spot size of a WLI, the overall positioning accuracy of industrial robots is crucial. Measures to address this problem as well as general limitations and the potential of the system for the use case are discussed. An exemplary rework inspection validates the applicability and demonstrates the potential of this approach. Future research and optimizations are discussed which could lead to more widespread adoption of this technology and further advancements in the maintenance of aircraft landing gears.

Subjects

3D measurement

aircraft MRO

rework inspection

robotic inspection system

DDC Class

600: Technology

621: Applied Physics

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Automated assessment for grinding spots on aircraft landing gear components using robotic white light interferometry