Method and apparatus for inspecting a part having a non-linear cross-section
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsKate Summers, Fred D. Young, Joseph Taylor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In accordance with one or more aspects of the present disclosure, an apparatus for inspecting a part having a non-linear cross section includes a stationary sensor element including at least one phased array sensing unit, each of the at least one phased array sensing unit having a shape that is geometrically complimentary to the non-linear cross section of the part, and a support for the part having the non-linear cross section, the support comprising a drive assembly configured to move the part relative to the stationary sensor element, through an inspection beam emitted from the at least one phased array sensing unit.
Claims20
An apparatus for inspecting a part having a non-linear cross section and a length including at least one curved portion, the apparatus comprising:
- a frame;
- a stationary sensor element that is fixed relative to the frame and includes at least one phased array sensing unit, each of the at least one phased array sensing unit having a shape that is geometrically complimentary to the non-linear cross section of the part;
- a support for the part, having the non-linear cross section and the length including the at least one curved portion, the support comprising a drive assembly configured to move the part, in a moving direction along the length of the part, relative to the stationary sensor element, through an inspection beam emitted from the at least one phased array sensing unit, where the drive assembly includes pivoting members that pivot relative to the stationary sensor element to conform to a changing curvature of the at least one curved portion, along the length of the part, as the part is moved relative to the stationary sensor element;
- and
- a sensor support member configured to support the stationary sensor element, the sensor support member having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being separate and distinct from the first portion and positioned relative to the first portion so as to form a part receiving opening into which the part is placed.
A system for inspecting a part having a non-linear cross section and a length including at least one curved portion, the system comprising:
- a frame;
- a stationary sensor element that is fixed relative to the frame and includes at least one phased array sensing unit, each of the at least one phased array sensing unit having a shape that is geometrically complimentary to the non-linear cross section of the part;
- a support for the part having the non-linear cross section and the length including the at least one curved portion, the support comprising a drive assembly configured to move the part, in a moving direction along the length of the part, relative to the stationary sensor element, through an inspection beam emitted from the at least one phased array sensing unit, where the drive assembly includes pivoting members that pivot relative to the stationary sensor element to conform to a changing curvature of the at least one curved portion, along the length of the part, as the part is moved relative to the stationary sensor element;
- a sensor support member configured to support the stationary sensor element, the sensor support member having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being separate and distinct from the first portion and positioned relative to the first portion so as to form a part receiving opening into which the part is placed;
- and
- a controller connected to the stationary sensor element and the drive assembly, the controller being configured to receive scan data from the stationary sensor element corresponding to the part.
A method for inspecting a part having a non-linear cross section and a length including at least one curved portion, the method comprising:
- providing a stationary sensor element that is fixed relative to an inspection apparatus frame and that includes at least one phased array sensing unit having a shape that is geometrically complimentary to the non-linear cross section of the part;
- positioning the part in relation to the stationary sensor element such that an inspection beam emitted from the at least one phased array sensing unit is focused on an inspection area of the part having the non-linear cross section and the length including at least one curved portion;
- and
- moving the part, with a drive assembly in a moving direction along the length of the part, relative to the stationary sensor element through the inspection beam emitted from the at least one phased array sensing unit, where the drive assembly includes pivoting members that pivot relative to the stationary sensor element to conform to a changing curvature of the at least one curved portion, along the length of the part, as the part is moved relative to the stationary sensor element;
- wherein the part is placed within the stationary sensor element through a part receiving opening of the stationary sensor element.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.