Nondestructive inspection system for difficult to access areas
AssigneeThe Boeing Company
InventorsGary Ernest Georgeson, James J. Troy, Nathan Rylan Smith, Donald Duane Palmer, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for inspecting an object. A support structure physically associated with a first sensor and a second sensor is moved to an area for inspection. The support structure is in a first configuration and the first sensor and the second sensor are positioned about an axis extending through the support structure when the support structure is in the first configuration. The support structure is changed from the first configuration to a second configuration. The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate information when the support structure is in the second configuration.
Claims20
An apparatus comprising:
- a first sensor;
- a support structure that comprises a base section, a connector system, and a moveable section that comprises a tool, the moveable section biased by a spring connected to the moveable section and to the base section, such that a central axis of the tool aligns with a central axis of the first sensor and a central axis of the support structure in a first configuration;
- a cable connected to the moveable section, the cable configured such that in operation, a manipulation of the cable overcomes a bias from the spring and moves the moveable section relative to the base section;
- and
- the support structure physically associated with the first sensor and the tool such that the support structure comprises a configuration that in operation changes between the first configuration and a second configuration that comprises the central axis of the tool misaligned from the central axis of the first sensor, such that in operation in the first configuration, the support structure moves through an opening in an object.
A nondestructive inspection system that comprises:
- an imaging sensor;
- a support structure that comprises a base section and a moveable section connected by a rotating connector connected to a cable;
- the support structure physically associated with the imaging sensor and a tool, such that the support structure comprises a first configuration that comprises the imaging sensor and the tool positioned about an axis that extends through the support structure;
- the support structure is further configured such that in operation, a twist of the cable changes the support structure between the first configuration and a second configuration, such that the support structure, in the first configuration, moves through an opening in a structure;
- and the second configuration comprises the imaging sensor and the tool each positioned to perform a desired function.
A method for inspecting an object, the method comprising:
- connecting a cable to a pin in a first hinge in a link, the link connected to a base section, of an inspection unit, the base section comprising a first sensor, the link forming a hemisphere of an exterior of the base section in a first configuration of the inspection unit;
- connecting the pin an moveable section of the inspection unit, the moveable section comprising a tool:
- moving the inspection unit to an area for inspection, the inspection unit being in the first configuration comprising the first sensor and the tool positioned about an axis extending through the base section;
- and changing the inspection unit from the first configuration comprising the first sensor and the tool configured for performing a desired function via separating the first sensor and the tool, thereby misaligning a central axis of the first sensor from a central axis of the tool, via rotating, about a second hinge, the link away from the base section.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.