Work pieces joint connection inspecting method, involves irradiating joint region by x-ray, and detecting and evaluating x-ray such that fault position of already joined regions is determined

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes a real-time method and system for inspecting the joint connections of two workpieces, such as during welding, soldering, or gluing. The system uses a microfocus X-ray unit to irradiate both the region being joined and areas already joined, capturing images that are analyzed using advanced image processing algorithms to detect internal faults or defects. The analysis is performed by grouping image regions with similar gray values, segmenting the images hierarchically, and automatically identifying faulty areas within the joint. Specialized hardware (such as FPGA-based processing) is used for high-speed, parallel data processing, enabling real-time quality control during the joining process.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Real-time quality control of welding joints in manufacturing lines (e.g. in automotive, aerospace, or shipbuilding industries)
• Inspection of solder joints in electronics manufacturing to detect hidden defects
• Monitoring and adjusting joining processes (like laser or ultrasonic welding) to immediately correct errors as they occur
• Automated sorting and removal of defective parts or reworking faulty joints without manual intervention
• Research and development of new joining techniques with immediate feedback on joint quality

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables complete (not just sample-based) real-time inspection of joints during manufacturing, reducing the risk of defective products leaving the factory
• Detects internal defects that are not visible from the outside, improving product safety and reliability
• Allows immediate correction of detected errors, reducing material waste and costly rework
• Accelerates the quality control process, minimizing production downtime
• Facilitates automated, high-throughput manufacturing inspections compatible with Industry 4.0 and smart factory environments

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Patent Abstract

The method involves connecting two work pieces with each other, and irradiated the work pieces by x-ray using a microfocus-x-ray unit during joining of already joined regions of the work pieces. A joint region is also irradiated by the x-ray, and the x-ray is detected and evaluated such that a fault position of the already joined regions is determined. The x-ray is detected in the form of gray values in a time independent manner.