Self-propelled, reduced-water, internal non-destructive inspection apparatus
US9423381B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2013 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/0231
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An inspection apparatus and method for inspecting an inner surface of a hollow composite part. The inspection apparatus may have a support frame, at least one transducer attached to the support frame, an ultrasound gel pad attached to an outer surface of the transducer, and a sponge attached to the support frame. The transducer may send and receive ultrasound waves and the sponge may be positioned to leave a trail of water when moved along the inner surface of the hollow composite part, such that the water rests between the ultrasound gel pad and the inner surface once the inspection apparatus reaches a location to be inspected. The ultrasound waves may thus be transmitted through the ultrasound gel pad and then through the water before bouncing off of the inner surface of the hollow composite part. The ultrasound waves bounced off of the inner surface may be detected by the transducer and analyzed to determine if there is a defect in the composite part.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.