High-speed trailer-integrated ultrasonic inspection system with modular wheel probe assembly

Abstract

The provided is a wheel probe apparatus for attaching a trailer-based system to enable emission and reception of ultrasonic signals for non-destructive inspection of solid material. The wheel probe apparatus includes a tire assembly having a circumferential surface attached to hub components; a stationary shaft housed within the hub component, the stationary shaft having at least one access port for receiving fluid and electrical signals; at least one bearing mechanism facilitating rotation of the tire assembly around the stationary shaft; at least one ultrasonic transducer module housed within the stationary shaft, configured to alternately transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in a frequency range of 25-500 kHz; and an injector unit for injecting fluid within the wheel probe apparatus. The further provided is a wheel probe assembly for inspecting non-destructive inspection of solid material, including a series of wheel probe apparatuses, a rotating support structure, and a modular connection system.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.