Lighting accessory for use with magnetizing devices during non-destructive testing

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for implementing and utilizing a lighting accessory for use with a handheld magnetizer during nondestructive testing (NDT). The lighting accessory may include a snap-fit ​​based design and may be configured to provide lighting based on the magnetizing function of the magnetizer.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Non-destructive testing (NDT) is used to evaluate the properties and / or characteristics of materials, components and / or systems without causing damage or changing the object being tested. Because NDT does not permanently change the item being inspected, it is a very valuable technique that can save cost and / or time when used for product evaluation, troubleshooting and research. Commonly used NDT methods include magnetic particle inspection, eddy current testing, liquid (or dye) penetrant inspection, radiographic inspection, ultrasonic testing and visual inspection. Non-destructive testing (NDT) is commonly used in fields such as mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering, electrical engineering, systems engineering, aerospace engineering, medicine, art and other fields.

[0002] In some cases, specialized materials and / or products may be used for nondestructive testing. For example, nondestructive testing of a particular type of item may require applying (e.g., by spraying, injecting, threading, etc.) a material configured to perform nondestructive testing to the item or part being tested. In this regard, such materials (hereinafter referred to as "NDT materials" or "NDT products") may be selected and / or manufactured based on having specific magnetic properties, visual properties, etc. suitable for nondestructive testing (e.g., allowing for the detection of defects and flaws in the item being tested).

[0003] One form or type of NDT-based inspection is light-based NDT inspection. In light-based NDT inspection, light (e.g., in combination with NDT-related materials applied to the item being inspected) can be used to inspect for defects. Defects can be visually identified based on, for example, color contrast or some light-related behavior. However, light-based NDT inspection presents its own unique set of challenges.

[0004] Further limitations and disadvantages of the conventional methods will become apparent to those skilled in the art by comparing the conventional methods with aspects of the present methods and systems as set forth in the remainder of this disclosure with reference to the accompanying figures. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to product testing and inspection. More particularly, various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to a lighting attachment for use in conjunction with a magnetizing device during non-destructive testing (NDT), substantially as shown in or described in connection with at least one of the accompanying drawings and as more fully set forth in the claims.

[0006] These and other advantages, aspects and novel features of the present disclosure, as well as details of illustrated embodiments thereof, will be more fully understood from the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 An example non-destructive testing (NDT) based inspection facility according to the present disclosure is illustrated, wherein an electromagnetic yoke configured for operation may be used.

[0008] Figure 2 An exemplary yoke attachment for use during electromagnetic yoke-based nondestructive testing (NDT)-based inspection according to the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 3 Illustrated is a cross-section of an exemplary snap-fit ​​based electromagnetic yoke attachment according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure relate to providing enhanced magnetization-based nondestructive testing (NDT) inspections using a lighting attachment that can be attached to a handheld magnetizer. In this regard, conventional solutions, if any, for providing illumination during magnetization-based nondestructive testing (NDT) inspections suffer from various drawbacks when using a handheld magnetizer (e.g., an electromagnetic yoke) that may hinder the effectiveness and / or cost of such NDT inspections. For example, any existing lighting attachment may require significant disassembly and reassembly, may require additional parts and / or changes to the handheld magnetizer, and / or may require the use of a power source. Accordingly, embodiments according to the present disclosure overcome at least some of these drawbacks in a cost-effective manner.

[0011] An example nondestructive testing (NDT) apparatus according to the present disclosure may include a handheld magnetizer configured for magnetizing a surface during a magnetic particle-based nondestructive testing (NDT) inspection, and a lighting accessory configured for use in conjunction with the handheld magnetizer. The lighting accessory may be configured to be securely attached to the handheld magnetizer, may be removable, may include one or more light-emitting elements configured to project light onto the surface being inspected, and may be configured to provide power to the one or more light-emitting elements based on operation of the handheld magnetizer while magnetizing the surface being inspected.

[0012] In example embodiments, at least a portion of the lighting accessory may have a conformable geometric design that enables it to be securely attached to a corresponding specific portion of the handheld magnetized device.

[0013] In example embodiments, the handheld magnetizing device may be configured to generate a magnetic field for magnetizing the surface being inspected, and the lighting accessory may be configured to generate at least some power for the one or more light emitting elements based on the magnetic field.

[0014] In an example embodiment, a lighting accessory may include an inductive element configured to generate electricity based on electromagnetic induction of a magnetic field.

[0015] In an example embodiment, the one or more lighting elements may include light emitting diode (LED) lighting elements.

[0016] In an example embodiment, a lighting accessory may include one or more attachment members configured to enable the lighting accessory to be attached to and detached from a handheld magnetized device. The one or more attachment members may include at least one attachment member configured to snap onto a corresponding protruding extension on the handheld magnetized device. The one or more attachment members may be configured to securely attach the lighting accessory to a specific portion of the handheld magnetized device.

[0017] The particular portion of the handheld magnetizing device may include the portion that is positioned closest to the surface being inspected during a magnetic particle based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection.

[0018] In an example embodiment, the lighting accessory may include a support member configured to maintain a tight fit to the handheld magnetized device when the lighting accessory is attached to the handheld magnetized device.

[0019] An example lighting accessory for use in conjunction with a handheld magnetizer during magnetic particle-based nondestructive testing (NDT) according to the present disclosure may include one or more light-emitting elements configured to project light onto a surface being inspected, and a power component configured to provide power to the one or more light-emitting elements. The lighting accessory may be configured to be securely attached to the handheld magnetizer, the lighting accessory may be configured to be removable, and the power component may be configured to generate power based on operation of the handheld magnetizer when magnetizing the surface being inspected.

[0020] In example embodiments, at least a portion of the lighting accessory may have a conformable geometric design that enables it to be securely attached to a corresponding specific portion of the handheld magnetized device.

[0021] In an example embodiment, the power component may be configured to generate power based on a magnetic field generated by a handheld magnetizing device used to magnetize the surface being inspected.

[0022] In example embodiments, the power component may be configured to generate power based on a magnetic field using electromagnetic induction.

[0023] In an example embodiment, each of the one or more light emitting elements may be a light emitting diode (LED) lighting element.

[0024] In an example embodiment, a lighting accessory may include one or more attachment features configured to enable the lighting accessory to be attached to and detached from a handheld magnetized device.

[0025] The one or more attachment members may include at least one attachment member configured to snap onto a corresponding protruding extension on the handheld magnetizer. The one or more attachment members are configured to securely attach the lighting accessory to a specific portion of the handheld magnetizer. The specific portion of the handheld magnetizer may include a portion that is positioned closest to a surface being inspected during a magnetic particle-based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection.

[0026] In an example embodiment, the lighting accessory may include a support member configured to maintain a tight fit to the handheld magnetized device when the lighting accessory may be attached to the handheld magnetized device.

[0027] As used herein, the terms "circuit" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components (e.g., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and / or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile memory device, a general-purpose computer-readable medium, etc.) can constitute a first "circuit" when executing a first set of one or more lines of code, and a second "circuit" when executing a second set of one or more lines of code. In addition, a circuit can include analog circuitry and / or digital circuitry. Such circuitry can, for example, operate on analog signals and / or digital signals. It should be understood that a circuit can be in a single device or chip, on a single motherboard, in a single chassis, in multiple chassis at a single geographical location, in multiple chassis distributed across multiple geographical locations, and so on. Similarly, for example, the term "module" can refer to physical electronic components (e.g., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can configure the hardware, be executed by the hardware, and / or otherwise be associated with the hardware.

[0028] As used herein, a circuit system or module is “operable” to perform a function when it includes the necessary hardware and code (if necessary) to perform that function, regardless of whether performance of that function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by user-configurable settings, factory adjustments, etc.).

[0029] As used herein, “and / or” refers to any one or more of the multiple items connected by “and / or” in a list. For example, “x and / or y” refers to any element in the three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, “x and / or y” refers to “one or both of x and y”. As another example, “x, y and / or z” refers to any element in the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, “x, y and / or z” refers to “one or more of x, y and z”. As used herein, the term “exemplary” refers to serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or diagram. As used herein, the terms “for example” and “eg” introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations.

[0030] Figure 1 An example non-destructive testing (NDT) based inspection facility according to the present disclosure is illustrated, wherein an electromagnetic yoke may be used, the electromagnetic yoke being configured to operate. Figure 1 Shown in FIG. 1 is a non-destructive testing (NDT) facility 100 that may be used to perform non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections.

[0031] The NDT facility 100 may include a plurality of components configured to perform nondestructive testing (NDT) inspections on items (e.g., machine parts, etc.) according to specific NDT inspection methods and / or techniques. For example, the NDT facility 100 may include an inspection surface 130 on which an item 110 (e.g., a machine part) may be placed for inspection. The part 110 may be secured using a retaining element 140, which may be configured to secure the part 110 and hold it in place in a specific manner so that an NDT inspection thereof can be performed in a specific manner (e.g., based on the specific NDT inspection method and / or technique that the NDT facility 100 is configured to support).

[0032] For example, the NDT facility 100 can be configured for magnetic-based NDT inspections, which are particularly well-suited for inspecting ferrous items. In this regard, magnetic-based NDT inspections can identify defects and / or irregularities in an inspected item based on its magnetization, such as by exhibiting specific, discernible behaviors or characteristics in response to the magnetization of the inspected item.

[0033] One example of a magnetic-based NDT inspection method is the "magnetic particle" method, which may be particularly well-suited for identifying discontinuities (flaws) in metal parts and surfaces. To perform a magnetic particle NDT inspection, a device is used to magnetize the surface being inspected, and iron powder is applied to the magnetized area. This can allow for the identification of any defects, as any discontinuities in the surface, for example, may cause magnetic flux to leak from the surface, thereby attracting powder to that area and making it visible as an indication.

[0034] In this regard, "magnetic particle" based inspections typically require visual inspection of the inspected article (e.g., to identify any changes in magnetization caused by defects). To this end, magnetic particles accumulated at areas corresponding to defects and / or irregularities in the inspected article (or its surface) can be obtained in several different visible colors, which are selected to provide contrast with the substrate.

[0035] Therefore, sufficient lighting may be required in the inspection area to allow the inspector to easily see the indications for evaluation. However, in many cases, magnetic particle inspections are often conducted in confined spaces or small areas where ambient light is insufficient for inspection. Therefore, in such cases, artificial light sources may be required. In this regard, in most embodiments utilizing magnetic particle-based inspection, it may be necessary to use a light source, such as projecting light (e.g., white light, ultraviolet (UV) light, etc.) onto the inspected item to help identify any defects and / or irregularities.

[0036] For example, Figure 1 As shown, the NDT facility 100 may include an inspection light 150. In this regard, the light 150 may be configured to generate and / or project white light and / or UV light. The light 150 may be configured to provide light during an inspection in an optimal manner. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the lamp 150 can be attached to a support structure 160, for example, the lamp can be held above the inspection surface 130 and oriented downward so that the lamp can project its light downward onto the inspection surface 130, thereby allowing NDT inspection of an item placed thereon (e.g., part 110).

[0037] There are many different techniques that can be used to magnetize the item being inspected. One technique is through the use of a portable device that the user can use to magnetize the surface of the item being inspected. For example, Figure 1As shown, an electromagnetic yoke 140 can be used in the NDT device 100 to magnetize the inspected item 110 while it is held in place. In this regard, the electromagnetic yoke can be an electromagnetic handheld device that is configured to convert an electric current into magnetic flux, thereby projecting the magnetic flux into the inspected item. For example, the electromagnetic yoke 140 can be configured to convert an electric current into magnetic flux, thereby projecting the magnetic flux into the surface of the inspected item 110 via two legs, which can be articulated or non-articulated to accommodate surface geometry.

[0038] However, the use of electromagnetic yokes can present challenges and / or raise issues. For example, using an electromagnetic yoke for NDT inspections can often require using the yoke in a manner that can affect other components or devices in the inspection facility. For example, positioning the electromagnetic yoke for inspection can block light necessary for inspection (e.g., ambient light and / or light projected by light sources in the facility), such as for viewing any markings formed on the surface of the inspected item.

[0039] Thus, embodiments according to the present disclosure may provide improved solutions for using portable devices in NDT inspections, particularly handheld devices (e.g., electromagnetic yokes) that may be used in magnetic particle-based NDT inspections, which address some of the problems with existing solutions.

[0040] For example, in a number of different embodiments, an auxiliary device may be used that is configured such that it can be attached to the electromagnetic yoke to provide illumination while the electromagnetic yoke is in use during an inspection. In this regard, such an auxiliary device may be configured such that it can provide the required illumination without adversely affecting the operation of the electromagnetic yoke itself, for example, without interfering with and / or otherwise affecting the magnetizing function of the electromagnetic yoke, and without causing significant changes to the shape, size, etc. of the electromagnetic yoke (or electromagnetic yoke / accessory combination) to make the inspection itself more cumbersome to perform. The auxiliary device may also be configured such that it can be selectively attachable (and / or detachable) while still providing a secure attachment to the electromagnetic yoke, i.e., it can be attached (or detached) when necessary, and in so doing still ensure a tight fit with the electromagnetic yoke when attached. Furthermore, the auxiliary device may also be configured such that the illumination provided thereby can be powered using the electromagnetic yoke, using the magnetic flux generated thereby. The following is about Figure 2 and Figure 3 Example implementations of such auxiliary devices are shown and described.

[0041] Figure 2 An exemplary electromagnetic yoke attachment for use during an electromagnetic yoke-based non-destructive testing (NDT)-based inspection according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 2 Shown in FIG. 2 are an electromagnetic yoke 210 and an electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 .

[0042] The electromagnetic yoke 210 may correspond to Figure 1 In this regard, the electromagnetic yoke 210 may be a handheld electromagnetic device configured to magnetize an object, such as during a magnetic particle-based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection, as described with respect to Figure 1 Thus, the electromagnetic yoke 210 may include any combination of suitable hardware (including circuitry) and software for converting electrical current into magnetic flux, thereby projecting the magnetic flux into the item being inspected.

[0043] The electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 may be configured for application to the electromagnetic yoke 210 to address at least some of the issues that arise when using such devices in NDT inspections, such as regarding Figure 1 In this regard, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 can be configured such that, when attached to the electromagnetic yoke 210 , it can provide illumination while the yoke 210 is in use (eg, during a magnetic particle-based NDT inspection).

[0044] As about Figure 1 As noted, auxiliary devices according to the present disclosure (e.g., electromagnetic yoke attachment 220) can be configured to operate without adversely affecting the operation of the electromagnetic yoke itself. Thus, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 is designed and / or configured to operate without adversely affecting the operation of the electromagnetic yoke 210. For example, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 is designed and / or configured to operate without interfering with and / or otherwise affecting the magnetizing function of the electromagnetic yoke 210. Furthermore, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 is designed for optimal attachment, e.g., when attached to the electromagnetic yoke 210, it does not significantly change the shape, weight, and / or size of the electromagnetic yoke 210, making inspection more cumbersome.

[0045] The electromagnetic yoke attachment (e.g., electromagnetic yoke attachment 220) can be configured to provide lighting during NDT inspections when attached to the electromagnetic yoke. For example, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 can include a light on the bottom side (on the Figure 3 ), light from the lamp is projected in the direction toward which the electromagnetic yoke 210 is directed. A variety of different types of lamps (or lighting elements) can be used, including light-emitting diode (LED) lamps. In an exemplary embodiment, several types of lamps (e.g., LED lighting elements) can be used and configured to operate in a manner that ensures continuous illumination even when using AC current.

[0046] An electromagnetic yoke attachment (e.g., electromagnetic yoke attachment 220) can be configured to power a lighting element incorporated therein without requiring a separate power source. For example, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 can be configured to use the electromagnetic yoke itself to power the lighting provided thereby, such as using the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic yoke for NDT inspection. For example, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 can be configured to generate power (e.g., for its lighting element) using the induced current derived from the magnetic flux generated when the electromagnetic yoke 210 is powered. The electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 can be designed to maximize inductive coupling, for example, by being designed to fit as closely as possible against the electromagnetic yoke legs.

[0047] The electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 can be configured to provide a secure attachment to the electromagnetic yoke, for example, ensuring a tight and secure engagement with the electromagnetic yoke when attached to the electromagnetic yoke 210. Furthermore, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 can be configured for selective attachment and / or detachment (for example, such that it can be attached to the electromagnetic yoke 210 only when needed and detached / removed from the electromagnetic yoke when not needed) without compromising the tight and secure engagement with the electromagnetic yoke 210.

[0048] Preferably, the yoke attachments (e.g., yoke attachment 220) can include a design that allows for quick and easy attachment / detachment, i.e., without requiring disassembly and reassembly of the yoke (or any component thereof, such as the legs), without requiring the use of special tools, and without requiring the use of additional parts (e.g., replacing fastening hardware to accommodate the yoke attachment). Instead, the yoke attachments can be designed so that a user can manually attach them to the yoke and similarly manually detach them when not needed. Furthermore, the yoke attachments can be designed so that they (and their attachment to the yoke) do not require the use of seals or sealants, which may be desirable because heat can dissipate from any fluid, particularly when the yoke / attachment is being used in conjunction with an NDT inspection.

[0049] In example embodiments, an electromagnetic yoke attachment (e.g., electromagnetic yoke attachment 220) may utilize a conformal design to ensure that the electromagnetic yoke attachment can snap together with the electromagnetic yoke, i.e., provide a "snap fit," without requiring disassembly and reassembly and / or without having to use special tools. This may require the electromagnetic yoke attachment to be specifically designed to match a specific electromagnetic yoke. Furthermore, in some cases, the electromagnetic yoke may be modified to ensure such a snap fit. In other words, without the use of any hardware or fasteners, specific features are designed and / or incorporated into both the electromagnetic yoke attachment and the electromagnetic yoke itself (e.g., the main body housing of the electromagnetic yoke) to achieve such a snap fit. For example, an electromagnetic yoke attachment based on a snap fit may be designed to slide over the electromagnetic yoke without the use of any tools (e.g., for removing the legs of the electromagnetic yoke) or additional parts. Such a snap fit design would obviate the need for seals or sealants. About Figure 3An example snap-fit ​​based electromagnetic yoke attachment is described in further detail.

[0050] Figure 3 A cross section of an exemplary snap-fit ​​based electromagnetic yoke attachment according to the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 3 Shown in FIG. 3 are an electromagnetic yoke 310 and an electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 .

[0051] The electromagnetic yoke 310 and the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 may be similar to those described with respect to Figure 2 The electromagnetic yoke 210 and electromagnetic yoke attachment 220 described. The electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can include a design based on a snap fit. In this regard, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can utilize a conformal design to ensure snapping onto the electromagnetic yoke 310, thereby providing a tight fit when the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 and the electromagnetic yoke 310 are snapped together without the use of special tools and / or additional parts. Instead, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can be manually attached to the electromagnetic yoke 310 (e.g., by a user by placing the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 on the end of the electromagnetic yoke 310 and then pushing it into the electromagnetic yoke 310), thereby snapping into place as it slides over the electromagnetic yoke 310 without the use of any tools or additional parts.

[0052] The electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can include various elements to support a snap-fit ​​design. For example, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can include a frame 330 constructed of a hard material (e.g., a resin-based material) to provide a rigid frame structure and support, thereby imparting and maintaining the overall shape of the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320. The frame 330 can also be configured to house other components of the yoke attachment 320, such as circuitry, lighting elements, etc. The hard frame 330 can be embedded within and surrounded by a housing 340 constructed of a soft and resilient material to provide padding and cushioning, thereby protecting the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 and / or any electromagnetic yokes that may be attached thereto during attachment and / or use of the electromagnetic yoke / attachment combination during NDT inspections. In addition, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can include an engagement element 350 (e.g., implemented as part of the housing 340) to facilitate snapping the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 onto the electromagnetic yoke 310 and then maintaining a tight fit with the electromagnetic yoke 310. The engagement element 350 may include a lip that will engage with a corresponding protrusion in the body of the electromagnetic yoke 310, such as Figure 3 The electromagnetic yoke / accessory combination is shown in (a cross section of) FIG.

[0053] To provide lighting functions, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As depicted, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 may include one or more lighting elements 360 that may be configured to emit light during inspection. The one or more lighting elements 360 may be configured to project light onto the inspected item, for example, by projecting light in the direction in which the electromagnetic yoke 310 is pointed. For example, Figure 3 As shown, one or more lighting elements 360 can be incorporated into the bottom (outer) surface of the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 and thus project light in the direction that the electromagnetic yoke 310 is pointed when it is used to magnetize the inspected item. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard, and in some cases, the lighting elements can be configured to, alternatively or additionally, generate and / or project light in other directions (e.g., sideways) to enhance the ambient lighting conditions surrounding the inspected item.

[0054] One or more lighting elements 360 may preferably be configured to generate and project white light. However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard, and in some cases, lighting elements may be configured to generate and / or project other types of light (e.g., UV light). Furthermore, in some cases, lighting elements may be configured to generate and project different types of light.

[0055] One or more lighting elements 360 may include light emitting diode (LED) lighting elements. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any suitable type of lighting element may be used. In addition, in some cases, different types of lighting elements may be used to optimize performance.

[0056] In example embodiments, multiple lights may be used, and may be particularly configured to operate in a manner that ensures continuous illumination (eg, in terms of time) even when using AC current.

[0057] The electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can be configured to power the lighting element without requiring a separate power source. For example, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can be configured to use the electromagnetic yoke 310 itself (e.g., using the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic yoke 310 during an NDT inspection) to power the lighting provided thereby. For example, the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 can include a coil 370 that can be configured to generate an induced current when subjected to the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic yoke 310. The coil 370 can also be implemented so that it can further support the frame 330 by providing increased rigidity.

[0058] The electromagnetic yoke attachment 320 may also include suitable circuitry (not shown) for supporting the various functions of the electromagnetic yoke attachment 320. For example, the circuitry may be embedded within the frame 330, such as at the base of the lighting element 360. In this regard, the circuitry may control the generation of the induced current via the coil 370, may manage the powering of the lighting element 360 based on the induced current, and / or may control the lighting function of the lighting element 360 (e.g., ensuring continuous illumination despite the AC nature of the induced current).

[0059] According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium and / or storage medium, and / or a non-transitory machine-readable medium and / or storage medium may be provided, on which machine code and / or a computer program having at least one code segment is stored, and the at least one code segment can be executed by a machine and / or computer, so that the machine and / or computer performs the process described herein.

[0060] Therefore, various embodiments according to the present disclosure can be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. The present disclosure can be implemented in a centralized manner in at least one computing system, or in a distributed manner with different elements spread over several interconnected computing systems. Any type of computing system or other device suitable for performing the methods described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a general-purpose computing system with a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system so that the computing system performs the methods described herein. Another typical embodiment can include a dedicated integrated circuit or chip.

[0061] Various embodiments according to the present disclosure may also be embedded in a computer program product comprising all the features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein and which, when loaded into a computer system, is able to carry out these methods. In the context of the invention, a computer program is any expression in any language, code or annotation of a set of instructions intended to cause a system with information processing capabilities to perform a specific function, either directly or after either or both of the following processes: a) converted into another language, code or annotation; b) reproduced in a different material form.

[0062] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the frames and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, split, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but rather the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device configured for non-destructive testing (NDT), the device comprising: a handheld magnetizing device configured for magnetizing a surface during a magnetic particle-based nondestructive testing (NDT) inspection; as well as A lighting accessory configured for use in conjunction with the handheld magnetizing device, wherein: The lighting accessory is configured to attach to the handheld magnetized device; The lighting attachment is removable; The lighting attachment includes one or more light-emitting elements configured to project light onto the surface being inspected; the lighting accessory being configured to provide power to the one or more light emitting elements based on operation of the handheld magnetizing device while magnetizing the surface being inspected; The lighting accessory includes one or more attachment members configured to enable the lighting accessory to be attached to and detached from the handheld magnetized device; The one or more attachment members include at least one attachment member configured to snap onto a corresponding protruding extension on the handheld magnetized device; At least a portion of the lighting accessory has a conformable geometric design that enables it to be attached to a specific portion of the handheld magnetized device, thereby providing a tight fit when the one or more attachment members are snapped onto the handheld magnetized device; and The particular portion of the handheld magnetizing device is positioned closest to the surface being inspected during the magnetic particle-based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The handheld magnetizing device is configured to generate a magnetic field for magnetizing the surface being inspected; and The lighting accessory is configured to generate at least some of the electrical power for the one or more light-emitting elements based on the magnetic field.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein: The lighting accessory includes an inductive element configured to generate electricity based on electromagnetic induction of a magnetic field.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: Each of the one or more light emitting elements includes a light emitting diode (LED).

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The one or more attachment features are configured to enable attachment of the lighting accessory to a specific portion of the handheld magnetized device.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The lighting accessory includes a support member configured to maintain a tight fit to the handheld magnetized device when the lighting accessory is attached to the handheld magnetized device.

7. A lighting attachment for use in conjunction with a handheld magnetizing device during magnetic particle-based non-destructive testing (NDT), the lighting attachment comprising: one or more light-emitting elements configured to project light onto the surface being inspected; and a power component configured to provide power to the one or more light-emitting elements; in: The lighting accessory is configured to attach to a handheld magnetized device; The lighting accessory is configured to be removable; The power component is configured to generate power based on operation of the handheld magnetizing device when magnetizing the surface being inspected; The lighting accessory includes one or more attachment members configured to enable the lighting accessory to be attached to and detached from the handheld magnetized device; The one or more attachment members include at least one attachment member configured to snap onto a corresponding protruding extension on the handheld magnetized device; at least a portion of the lighting accessory has a conformable geometric design that enables it to be attached to a specific portion of the handheld magnetized device, thereby providing a tight fit when the one or more attachment members are snapped onto the handheld magnetized device; and The particular portion of the handheld magnetizing device is positioned closest to the surface being inspected during the magnetic particle-based non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection.

8. The lighting accessory according to claim 7, wherein: The power component is configured to generate the power based on a magnetic field generated by the handheld magnetizing device for magnetizing the surface being inspected.

9. The lighting accessory of claim 8, wherein: The power component is configured to generate the power based on the magnetic field using electromagnetic induction.

10. The lighting accessory of claim 7, wherein: Each of the one or more light emitting elements includes a light emitting diode (LED).

11. The lighting accessory according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more attachment features are configured to enable attachment of the lighting accessory to a specific portion of the handheld magnetized device.

12. The lighting accessory of claim 7, comprising: A support member is configured to maintain a tight fit to the handheld magnetized device when the lighting accessory is attached to the handheld magnetized device.

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