Advanced Techniques for Electrical Wire Fault Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-022 Topic Title: Advanced Techniques for Electrical Wire Fault Proposal No.: N051-022-0993 Firm: Intelligent Automation, Inc. 15400 Calhoun Drive Suite 400 Rockville, Maryland 20855 Contact: Eric Doorn Phone: (301) 294-5229 Web Site: www.i-a-i.com Abstract: This proposal details a novel extension of Time Domain Reflectometry as applied to the detection and location of flaws in (aircraft) wiring systems. Our approach marries two methods commonly used for the inspection of conducting structures: TDR, and Eddy Current Testing (ECT). In many ways, TDR and ECT appear to be orthogonal methods. By combining them, key advantages of both (testing at distance for TDR, and sensitivity for ECT) are retained while avoiding some of their limitations. Our approach will not require the development of any new hardware. We will implement it on a low-cost version of TDR, which has been developed by IAI. Our TDR technology has already met several requirements in the solicitation: detection of insulation chafing, true one-sided access, and the ability to inspect active circuits. Benefits: We will develop our application with the end user in mind from the very start. We will significantly increase our chances of succeeding commercially by involving end users (technicians) in the development of embedded training, where the TDR hardware, software, training and reference document are fully integrated in one system. Such a system greatly facilitates training and performance monitoring, provides contextually relevant help and can act as a decision aid. Return