Systems and methods for inspecting coatings

Abstract

A system for detecting defects in paint coatings includes a temperature manipulation apparatus configured to change the temperature of a surface and a coating applied to the surface. The system may further include an infrared sensor for measuring the change in temperature of the surface and coating and a processor to compare the measured change in temperature of the surface and coating to an expected change of temperature in order to determine anomalies in the coatings.

1 . A system for detecting defects in coatings comprising: 
 a) a temperature manipulation apparatus configured to change the temperature of a surface;    b) an infrared sensor configured to measure the change in temperature of said surface; and    c) a processor configured to compare said measured change in temperature of said surface to an expected change of temperature.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said system further comprises an application apparatus configured to apply a coating to said surface.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said system further comprises multiple coating stations configured to apply a coating to said surface.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said surface comprises a coating.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said system further comprises a plurality of coating stations having associated sensors.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said processor is further configured to compare radiation emitted by said surface to a thermal signature and an acceptable preexisting model profile.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said processor is further configured to generate signals for transmission to an application apparatus to correct a detected defect.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said expected change of temperature may be calculated based upon a known thermal effusivity value for said surface and said defect.