Ultrasonic sensing array system and method
OwnerJames Edward Gayleinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method for detecting leaks in substantially closed objects, such as automobiles, airplanes, tanks, and other vehicles, using an ultrasonic transmitter and one or more ultrasonic sensors or receivers supported on a frame. Ultrasonic amplitude readings obtained from the sensor or sensors are processed to determine if they are representative of a defective or leaking object. The position of the leak may be determined by examining the readings from individual sensors. The system is particularly well-adapted for use in detecting defects and leaks in automobiles on an assembly line without interrupting the assembly process or damaging the automobile.
Claims15
A system for detecting a liquid or gas leak in a substantially enclosed object, said system comprising:
- an ultrasonic transmitter positioned in said enclosed object for producing ultrasonic frequency sound waves as said object moves through a frame;
- at least one ultrasonic sensor supported by said frame for detecting said ultrasonic frequency sound waves and producing ultrasonic frequency signals;
- an analog-to-digital converter for converting said ultrasonic frequency signals to digital data;
- and
- a computing device coupled to said analog-to-digital converter for receiving, analyzing and storing said digital data.
A method of locating leaks in a substantially enclosed object, said method comprising:
- placing an ultrasonic transmitter inside of said substantially enclosed object wherein said ultrasonic transmitter produces ultrasonic sound waves at a predetermined frequency;
- moving said object at a predetermined speed through a frame, with at least one ultrasonic sensor supported by said frame;
- obtaining a series of ultrasonic sensor readings from said ultrasonic sensor or sensors as said object moves through said frame;
- and
- comparing an amplitude of said ultrasonic sensor readings to a threshold amplitude level to determine if said threshold amplitude level has been exceeded and determining if a leak is present in said object based upon said comparison.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.