Rapid prototype integrated matrix ultrasonic transducer array inspection apparatus, systems, and methods
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorDennis P. Sarr
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Abstract
Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a structure are provided which use a sensor holder constructed from rapid prototyping, such as stereolithography, and which is configured to support a plurality of inspection sensors typically arranged in an ordered matrix array and possibly with one or more additional inspection sensors aligned for inspection of difficult to inspect features of a structure such as radius corner or edge features. Rapid prototype integrated matrix array inspection apparatus, systems, and methods provide fast and efficient methods of constructing custom inspection devices.
Claims27
A non-destructive inspection apparatus for inspecting a structure, comprising:
- a sensor holder defining a plurality of holes for supporting and orienting a plurality of non-destructive inspection sensors arranged in a matrix array having at least two rows and at least two columns, wherein the sensor holder is configured for traveling over at least a first portion of the structure, and wherein at least a first offset hole in a first row of the matrix array of holes is defined at a first offset position from the holes in other columns in the matrix array of holes, such that the first offset hole is positioned to inspect a different portion of the structure than the holes in other columns in the matrix array of holes.
A system for inspecting a structure comprising:
- a housing configured for traveling over at least a first portion of the structure under inspection;
- a sensor holder carried by the housing, wherein the sensor holder defines a plurality of holes for supporting and orienting a plurality of non-destructive inspection sensors arranged in a matrix array, and wherein the sensor holder is configured for traveling over at least the first portion of the structure under inspection;
- a plurality of non-destructive inspection sensors carried by the sensor holder for inspecting the structure as the sensor holder is moved over the structure, and wherein the plurality of sensors are disposed within holes of the matrix array;
- a fluid manifold and a fluid inlet port connected to the fluid manifold, wherein the fluid inlet port is configured for injecting a fluid into the fluid manifold, and wherein the sensor holder is further configured for permitting the disbursement of fluid from the fluid manifold throughout the holes of the matrix array.
A non-destructive inspection apparatus for inspecting a structure, comprising:
- a sensor holder defining a plurality of holes for supporting and orienting a plurality of non-destructive inspection sensors arranged in a matrix array, wherein the sensor holder is configured for traveling over at least a first portion of the structure, and wherein the sensor holder is further configured to define at least a first hole of the plurality of holes aligned at a first angle to the structure to permit a first one of the plurality of non-destructive inspection sensors supported by the first holes and aligned at the first angle to inspect at least a portion of the structure at the first angle while the sensor holder travels over the structure.
A non-destructive inspection apparatus for inspecting a structure, comprising:
- a sensor holder defining a plurality of holes for supporting and orienting a plurality of non-destructive inspection sensors arranged in a matrix array, wherein the sensor holder is configured for traveling over at least a first portion of the structure, and wherein the sensor holder further defines at least one radius hole defined at a second angle to the structure for supporting at least one non-destructive inspection sensor for inspecting at least one radius feature of the structure while the sensor holder travels over at least the first portion of the structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.