Non-fluid acoustic coupling

Abstract

An apparatus examines the internal structure of an object disposed substantially in a medium such as air, which essentially totally reflects acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range. The apparatus has an acoustic transducer that emits and receives acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range and an acoustic coupler that acoustically couples the acoustic transducer to the object. The acoustic coupler has a first end adapted to couple to the acoustic transducer and a second end adapted to make contact with a section of a surface of the object. The acoustic coupler carries acoustic signals in the 1-200 MHz frequency range between the acoustic transducer and the contacted section of the surface of the object. In operation, the apparatus examines the internal structure of the object using reflection mode acoustic microscopy, wherein emitted and reflected signals are carried between the acoustic transducer and the object by acoustic coupler.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. provisional applications entitled: “Scanning Acoustic Microscopy,” having ser. No. 60 / 355,201, filed Feb. 8, 2002; “Acoustic Coupling,” having ser. No. 60 / 355,649, filed Feb. 8, 2002; and “Apparatus For Reflection Mode Acoustic Microscopy Scanning Of An Object,” having ser. No. 60 / 378,540, filed May 7, 2002, all of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference. This application is one of five co-pending, commonly assigned U.S. Patent Applications entitled “Flowing Fluid Acoustic Coupling,” Ser. No. ______, “Scanning Acoustic Microscopy,” Ser. No. ______; “Acoustic Coupling With A Fluid Retainer,” and Ser. No. ______; “Acoustic Coupling With A Fluid Bath,” Ser. No. ______ and all five co-pending application have the same filing date of May 31, 2002 and are hereby incorporated into this document by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The present invention is generally related to the ex...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is related to a system and method for non-destructive examination of the internal structure of materials, particularly for detecting defects before they become operable. The invention aims to address the need for a faster, more cost-effective, and more readily transportable way to examine the internal structure of materials. The invention involves using an acoustic scanning system attached to a positioning apparatus to scan the surface of an aircraft or other object. The system includes an acoustic transducer that emits acoustic signals onto the object and receives the reflected signals. The reflected signals are then analyzed to create an image of the internal structure of the object. The invention is useful for detecting voids, cracks, and other internal defects before the material becomes inoperable."

Problems solved by technology

If a structure, such as a machine or a part of a product, has a defect, such as a crack, a void, or a recess, there is a risk that the machine or part will become inoperable due to the defect.

In addition to concerns about delamination due to voids, laminates can also fail due to cracks.

Thus, a heretofore-unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

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