Ultrasound phased array probe and corresponding ultrasound detection method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic phased array probe and a corresponding ultrasonic probing method. The ultrasonic phased array probe comprises a support structure comprising one or more clamping slots surrounded by a rigid frame, wherein the support structure comprises at its one end a cable interface for receiving electrical signals; an ultrasonic phased array element comprising at its one end portion an ultrasonic sensor and being insertable into one of the one or more clamping slots at any suitable depth; and a tensioning member usable to adjust the tightness of the one or more clamping slots in order to clamp or unclamp the ultrasonic phased array element inserted in the clamping slot, so that the insertion depth of the ultrasonic phased array element in the clamping slot can be adjusted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of nondestructive testing, and in particular to ultrasonic phased array probes and corresponding ultrasonic detection methods. Background Technology

[0002] Non-destructive testing (NDT) is a commonly used method in industrial production. It involves examining and testing the internal structure, state, and the type, quantity, shape, nature, location, size, distribution, and changes of defects in a material without damaging its internal structure. Common NDT methods include radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, and magnetic particle testing.

[0003] For various workpieces on aircraft, contact ultrasonic testing technology is usually used. The ultrasonic probe is placed on the curved surface of the ear piece, and the sound beam is incident at a certain angle for testing. The crystal inside the probe emits and receives the echo signal from the edge of the ear piece hole, and the echo signal is used to determine whether there is a crack.

[0004] However, existing ultrasonic probes cannot reliably inspect workpieces with various curvatures on aircraft.

[0005] This disclosure addresses, but is not limited to, the many factors mentioned above. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address this issue, this disclosure proposes an ultrasonic phased array probe and a corresponding detection method. The ultrasonic phased array probe of this disclosure has the advantages of good coupling with parts of different curvatures and the ability to change the incident angle of the ultrasonic beam. It solves the problems of frequently changing dedicated probes with different parameters for parts of varying curvatures and thicknesses, and the inaccessibility of ultrasonic waves due to complex structures such as bosses on the surface to be detected. A portion of the ultrasonic phased array elements are configured to emit ultrasonic waves, while the remaining elements are configured to receive them, improving the detection accuracy and efficiency for parts with high curvature. When detecting irregular curved surfaces (such as parts with complex structures including bosses), the emitting and receiving elements can be separated and placed at appropriate locations on the part for detection. Therefore, the ultrasonic phased array probe and corresponding detection method of this disclosure can meet the in-situ inspection needs of various parts on aircraft (such as lug connectors), reducing inspection time and cost compared to traditional detection probes, and improving inspection efficiency and accuracy.

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an ultrasonic phased array probe is provided, comprising: a support structure including one or more slots surrounded by a rigid frame, wherein the support structure includes a cable interface for receiving electrical signals at one end; an ultrasonic phased array element including an ultrasonic sensor at one end and capable of being inserted into one of the one or more slots at any suitable depth; and a tensioning member for adjusting the tension of the one or more slots to clamp or release the ultrasonic phased array element inserted into the slot, thereby enabling adjustment of the insertion depth of the ultrasonic phased array element in the slot.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the support structure can be divided into two or more segments, wherein these segments are connected together by a connecting structure.

[0009] According to another embodiment, the connection structure includes one of a snap-fit ​​and a screw fastener.

[0010] According to another embodiment, the female snap fastener of the male and female snap fasteners is provided with one of a socket and a plug for a cable, and the female snap fastener of the male and female snap fasteners is provided with the other of a socket and a plug for a cable, and when the two segments are connected together by the male and female snap fasteners, the plug is inserted into the socket.

[0011] According to yet another embodiment, the tightening component includes a knob.

[0012] According to yet another embodiment, each slot is defined by the rigid frame and the pressure block.

[0013] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a method for performing ultrasonic detection using an ultrasonic phased array probe according to a first aspect of this disclosure is provided, comprising: connecting the ultrasonic phased array probe to an ultrasonic testing instrument via a cable; adjusting the tensioning member to insert a suitable number of ultrasonic phased array elements into slots; abutting one end of each ultrasonic phased array element, including an ultrasonic sensor, against the surface of a part to be tested; adjusting the tensioning member to secure the ultrasonic phased array element in place; and driving the ultrasonic phased array probe via the ultrasonic testing instrument to detect the presence of defects in the part.

[0014] According to one embodiment, when the curvature of the surface of the part is greater than a predetermined threshold, a portion of the ultrasonic sensor is configured to emit ultrasonic waves, and the remaining portion of the ultrasonic sensor is configured to receive ultrasonic waves.

[0015] According to another embodiment, when the surface of the part has a boss structure, the support structure is divided into two segments, and these two segments are arranged on both sides of the boss structure.

[0016] According to another embodiment, the surface of the part to be tested is also coated with a suitable coupling agent to improve the coupling between the ultrasonic phased array elements and the surface.

[0017] The aspects generally include, as substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and as explained by the drawings, methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, and processing systems.

[0018] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the examples according to this disclosure so that the following detailed description may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described thereafter. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be readily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for implementing the same purposes as this disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, in both their organization and manner of operation, and their associated advantages, will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each drawing is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes and does not define any limitation on the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To gain a more detailed understanding of the features described above in this disclosure, reference can be made to various aspects of the above-briefly summarized content, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and should not be considered as limiting its scope, as other equivalent aspects are permissible in this description. Identical reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic phased array probe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram of an ultrasonic phased array probe according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A flowchart of an ultrasonic detection method according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an ultrasonic detection scenario according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another ultrasonic detection scenario according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of yet another ultrasonic detection scenario according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The inventors recognized that for workpieces with structures such as lugs on aircraft, fatigue cracks initiating at the edge or wall of the lug hole are typically detected using contact ultrasonic testing technology. An ultrasonic probe is placed on the curved surface of the lug, and an ultrasonic beam is incident at a specific angle. A crystal within the ultrasonic probe emits ultrasound and receives the echo signal from the edge of the lug hole; the echo signal is then used to determine whether the workpiece has a crack.

[0027] The inventors recognized that ensuring stable ultrasonic energy delivery to the earpiece and selecting the appropriate incident angle are key technical issues for the reliability of this type of ultrasonic testing. This requires consideration of the earpiece's curvature and radial thickness. When using conventional A-scan for testing, to achieve optimal detection results, the ultrasonic beam should be as tangent as possible to the inner diameter of the earpiece, thereby maximizing the detection of radial cracks.

[0028] The reliability of ultrasonic testing technology using contact methods on workpieces with curved or irregular curved surfaces is mainly affected by factors such as the good coupling between the probe and the workpiece surface, and whether the ultrasonic beam has a sufficiently large angle with the direction of the main crack. Traditionally, a custom-made ultrasonic probe or additional delay block is required for each type of workpiece with different curvatures, and probes and wedges of different specifications and angles are needed for various curved workpieces. This results in high testing costs, complex manufacturing processes, and difficulty in guaranteeing accuracy.

[0029] To this end, this disclosure proposes an ultrasonic phased array detection probe that can both couple well with the curved surfaces of connector ear pieces with different curvatures and change the incident angle of the ultrasonic beam, thereby overcoming the shortcomings of the prior art and fully meeting the detection needs of ear pieces with various configurations.

[0030] The detailed description that follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. This detailed description includes specific details to provide a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of an ultrasonic phased array probe 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] like Figure 1 As can be seen, a schematic top view of the ultrasonic phased array probe 100 of this disclosure is shown at the top, and a side view of the ultrasonic phased array probe 100 of this disclosure is shown at the bottom.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the ultrasonic phased array probe 100 may include a support structure 101, an ultrasonic phased array element 103, and a tensioning component 105.

[0034] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the support structure 101 may include one or more slots surrounded by a rigid frame, and wherein the support structure 101 includes a cable interface at one end for receiving electrical signals, such as... Figure 1 As shown. From Figure 1 As can be seen, the outer frame of the support structure 101 is rigid, and includes multiple slots for receiving the ultrasonic phased array elements 103.

[0035] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The ultrasonic phased array element 103 includes an ultrasonic sensor at one end. For example... Figure 1 As shown in the lower side view, the ultrasonic phased array element 103 includes an ultrasonic sensor at one end. Figure 1 (As shown in the lower side view, as the black end of the ultrasonic phased array element 103). In one embodiment of this disclosure, the ultrasonic phased array element 103 can be inserted at any suitable depth into one of one or more slots included in the support structure 101. Figure 1 As can be seen in the lower side view, multiple ultrasonic phased array elements 103 are inserted into the slots included in the support structure 101 at the same depth. However, it will be understood that this is merely an example, and the insertion depth of the ultrasonic phased array elements 103 in the slots is adjustable.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The tensioning component 105 can be used to adjust the tension of one or more slots included in the support structure 101 (in fact, it can be used to adjust the tension of all slots) in order to clamp or loosen the ultrasonic phased array element 103 inserted in the slot, so that the insertion depth of the ultrasonic phased array element 103 in the slot can be adjusted.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the tightening component 105 may include a knob. Thus, by adjusting the knob to loosen the slot, the slot included in the support structure 101 can be released to allow the ultrasonic phased array element 103 to be inserted into the slot. Subsequently, the knob can be adjusted to tighten the slot, thereby clamping the inserted ultrasonic phased array element 103 into place. Therefore, by adjusting the insertion depth of the ultrasonic phased array element 103 in the slot, it is possible to flexibly adapt to parts with different curvatures, thereby facilitating ultrasonic testing of parts with various curvatures.

[0038] In yet another preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the support structure 101 can be divided into two or more segments. In this embodiment, these segments can be connected together using various suitable connection structures. For example, the connection structure may include a snap-fit ​​or a screw fastener. (See reference...) Figure 2This illustrates another schematic diagram of an ultrasonic phased array probe according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the support structure consists of two segments connected together by a male-female snap fastener. It can be seen that the female snap fastener has one of a cable socket and a plug, and the female snap fastener has the other of a cable socket and a plug. When the two segments are connected together by the male-female snap fastener, the plug is inserted into the socket.

[0040] When these two segments are separated (e.g.) Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, these two segments can be connected together via a cable when needed so that they can be used together for ultrasonic detection.

[0041] In another embodiment of this disclosure, each slot included in the support structure 101 may consist of a rigid frame and a pressure block (such as...). Figure 1 upper part and Figure 2 (As shown by the black block in the top view) to define it. It will be understood that, although Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping block and the slot are shown to have substantially the same dimensions; this is merely an example. The dimensions of the clamping block and the slot can be in any suitable ratio, as long as the slot can support the insertion and clamping of the ultrasonic phased array element 103 therein.

[0042] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the ultrasonic phased array element 103 can be any suitable form that matches the slot included in the support structure 101, such as a prism, circuit board, or cylinder. In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the size of the ultrasonic sensor can be 0.5 mm x 4-5 mm, thereby the ultrasonic phased array element 103 can be sheet-like (e.g., in the form of a circuit board), one side of which is a rectangle with a length of 4-5 mm and a width of 0.5 mm where the ultrasonic sensor is disposed, and the height can be any suitable size. It will be understood that in this embodiment, the “height” of the ultrasonic phased array element 103 is associated with the “insertion depth” of the ultrasonic phased array element 103 within the slot in the support structure 101. Therefore, to ensure that the adjustable range of the insertion depth of the ultrasonic phased array element 103 is sufficient, the height of the ultrasonic phased array element 103 can be set to several centimeters, such as 4-5 cm.

[0043] The following is for reference. Figure 3 The diagram shows a flowchart of an ultrasonic detection method 300 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, method 300 may include, in block 310, connecting an ultrasonic phased array probe to an ultrasonic testing instrument via a cable, and then, in block 320, adjusting a tensioning component to insert an appropriate number of ultrasonic phased array elements into slots.

[0045] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the ultrasonic phased array probe can be combined with Figure 1 The described ultrasonic phased array probe 100. For example, combined with... Figure 1 The tensioning member 105 can be adjusted to loosen the slots included in the support structure 101, allowing the ultrasonic phased array elements 103 to be inserted therein. Although this method 300 is described as including adjusting the tensioning member to insert a suitable number of ultrasonic phased array elements into the slots, any suitable number of ultrasonic phased array elements may have been pre-inserted into the slots. In one embodiment of this disclosure, all slots may be filled with ultrasonic phased array elements. In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the ultrasonic phased array elements may be inserted sequentially into the slots such that there are no empty slots between any two ultrasonic phased array elements.

[0046] Next, at block 330, method 300 may include abutting the end of each ultrasonic phased array element, including the ultrasonic sensor, against the surface of the part to be tested. For example, after inserting the ultrasonic phased array element into the slot at block 320, instead of adjusting the tensioning mechanism to secure the ultrasonic phased array element in place, the tensioning mechanism is kept loose, allowing the ultrasonic phased array element to move within the slot. Thus, by placing the ultrasonic phased array probe on the surface of the part to be tested and adjusting the insertion depth of the ultrasonic phased array element within the slot, the end of each ultrasonic phased array element, including the ultrasonic sensor, against the surface of the part to be tested is brought into contact with the surface of the part to be tested, ensuring that the curvature of the ultrasonic phased array element matches that of the surface of the part to be tested.

[0047] For example, such as Figure 4-6 The diagram illustrates various ultrasonic detection scenarios according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be seen, the ultrasonic phased array elements of the ultrasonic phased array probe are pressed against the surface of the part to be inspected, such that the curvature of the ultrasonic phased array elements matches the curvature of the part to be inspected.

[0048] Continue to refer to Figure 3 In box 340, method 300 may include adjusting a tensioning component to secure the ultrasonic phased array elements in place. For example, combined with Figure 1 After the end of the ultrasonic phased array element 103, including the ultrasonic sensor, is placed against the surface of the part to be tested, the tensioning member 105 can be adjusted to secure the ultrasonic phased array element 103 in place so that the curvature of the ultrasonic phased array element and the surface of the part to be tested are consistent, so as to facilitate ultrasonic detection.

[0049] Finally, at block 350, method 300 may include driving an ultrasonic phased array probe with an ultrasonic testing instrument to detect the presence of defects in a part. For example, after aligning the ultrasonic phased array elements with the curvature of the surface of the part to be tested, detection parameters can be set according to detection requirements. The ultrasonic testing instrument can output an electrical signal that is transmitted to the ultrasonic phased array elements via cables and support structures, thereby exciting the ultrasonic phased array elements to generate ultrasonic waves with the required angle and energy. The echo signals received by the ultrasonic phased array elements are then transmitted back to the ultrasonic testing instrument for display and analysis.

[0050] In another embodiment of this disclosure, to adapt to parts with different curvatures, method 300 may further include, when the curvature of the surface of the part is greater than a predetermined threshold, configuring a portion of the ultrasonic sensor to emit ultrasonic waves and configuring the remaining portion of the ultrasonic sensor to receive ultrasonic waves, thereby improving detection accuracy. For example, as Figure 4-5 As shown, schematic diagrams of ultrasonic detection scenarios according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. Figure 4 As shown, when the surface curvature of the part is small, all ultrasonic sensors can be configured to first emit ultrasonic waves and then receive the echo signals. In this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves can be adjusted to deflect and focus to the desired angle, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Conversely, as... Figure 5 As shown, when the surface curvature of the part is large, a portion of the ultrasonic sensor (e.g., one half of the ultrasonic sensor) can be configured to emit ultrasonic waves, and the remaining portion of the ultrasonic sensor (e.g., the other half of the ultrasonic sensor) can be configured to receive echo signals to improve detection accuracy. It will be understood that the predetermined threshold of curvature can be any suitable value depending on the application scenario, and will not be elaborated further here.

[0051] In another embodiment of this disclosure, when a boss structure exists on the surface of the part, the support structure can be divided into two segments, and these two segments can be disposed on both sides of the boss structure for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, respectively. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, it illustrates a schematic diagram of yet another ultrasonic detection scenario according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Combined with Figure 2 When there are boss structures on the surface of the part, the support structure 101 can be split into two segments using snap-fit ​​fasteners, and these two segments can be connected by a cable so that they can be used together for detection. Figure 6 As shown, one segment can be positioned on one side of the boss, and another segment can be positioned on the other side of the boss. One segment is configured to emit ultrasonic waves, while the other segment is configured to receive ultrasonic waves. This solves the problem of ultrasonic waves being unable to reach areas blocked by the boss.

[0052] In another embodiment of this disclosure, the ultrasonic phased array probe may not be divided into two segments. Instead, no ultrasonic phased array elements may be inserted at the position opposite the boss, allowing the boss to be "bypassed." In this embodiment, the ultrasonic phased array elements on one side of the boss may be configured to emit ultrasonic waves, while the ultrasonic phased array elements on the other side of the boss may be configured to receive ultrasonic waves. This also solves the problem of ultrasonic waves being unreachable at the location blocked by the boss.

[0053] Therefore, this disclosure proposes an ultrasonic phased array probe and corresponding detection method for ultrasonic testing of parts (such as the edge and inner wall of aircraft lug connector holes). The ultrasonic phased array probe of this disclosure may include a support structure, ultrasonic phased array elements, a knob, snap-fit ​​connectors, and a cable interface. The support structure is equipped with a knob to adjust the force of the snap-fit ​​connectors within the support structure that press against the ultrasonic phased array elements, facilitating insertion and securing of the ultrasonic phased array elements. Each ultrasonic phased array element has an ultrasonic sensor for emitting and receiving ultrasonic waves mounted at one end (i.e., at the end that contacts the surface of the part to be tested), and internally contains a basic circuit structure for exciting and receiving ultrasonic waves. During ultrasonic testing, the knob can be turned to loosen the snap-fit ​​connectors, allowing the ultrasonic phased array elements to move within the connectors; the ultrasonic phased array probe is placed on the surface of the part to be tested, the curvature of the ultrasonic phased array elements is adjusted to match the surface curvature, and then the knob is turned to tighten the pressure to secure the ultrasonic phased array elements. The support structure houses an encoder and a circuit structure for transmitting electrical signals. During ultrasonic testing, after adjusting the position of the ultrasonic phased array elements, an appropriate amount of coupling agent can be applied to the surface of the part to be tested. The ultrasonic phased array probe is then placed on the surface to be tested. The testing parameters are set according to the testing requirements. The output electrical signal of the ultrasonic detector passes through the cable, support structure, and ultrasonic phased array elements to excite the ultrasonic phased array elements to generate ultrasonic waves with the required angle and energy. Furthermore, the ultrasonic phased array elements can receive echo signals and transmit them back to the ultrasonic detector for display and analysis.

[0054] When probing parts with small curvature (such as lug connectors), the ultrasonic deflection and focusing can be adjusted to the required angle. When probing parts with large curvature, a portion of the ultrasonic phased array elements can be used for transmission, and the remainder for reception, to improve detection accuracy. When the surface to be tested has complex structures such as bosses, the support structure can be separated by snap-fit, and then one segment of the ultrasonic phased array elements can be used to transmit ultrasonic waves, while another segment of the ultrasonic phased array elements can be used to receive the ultrasonic waves for detection. This can solve the problem of ultrasonic waves being inaccessible at locations blocked by bosses.

[0055] When performing in-situ testing of aircraft lug connectors, the position of the ultrasonic phased array elements of the ultrasonic phased array probe can be adjusted according to the surface condition of the part being tested. This changes the curvature of the arc surface formed by the ultrasonic phased array elements (to match the surface being tested) and the angle of the output ultrasonic waves, allowing the ultrasonic phased array probe to couple well with the surface being tested and perform testing, thereby improving the accuracy of ultrasonic detection.

[0056] Compared with existing technologies, the ultrasonic phased array probe disclosed herein has the advantages of good coupling with parts with different curvatures and the ability to change the incident angle of the ultrasonic beam. It solves the problems of frequently changing dedicated probes with different parameters for parts with different curvatures and thicknesses, and the problem of ultrasonic waves being inaccessible due to complex structures such as bosses on the surface to be probed. A portion of the ultrasonic phased array elements are configured to emit ultrasonic waves, while the remaining elements are configured to receive ultrasonic waves, which improves the detection accuracy and efficiency for parts with large curvatures. When probing irregular curved surfaces (such as parts with complex structures including bosses), the emitting and receiving elements can be separated and placed at appropriate locations on the part for detection. Therefore, the ultrasonic phased array probe and corresponding detection method disclosed herein can meet the in-situ inspection needs of various parts on aircraft (such as lug connectors), reducing inspection time and cost compared to using traditional detection probes, and improving inspection efficiency and accuracy.

[0057] It will be understood that the terms “ear plate”, “workpiece”, and “part” used in this disclosure are used interchangeably.

[0058] Although this disclosure describes ultrasonic probes according to various embodiments in conjunction with ear-shaped workpieces on aircraft, it will be understood that the ultrasonic probes of this disclosure can be used for non-destructive testing of any suitable workpiece, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0059] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments that can be practiced by way of illustration. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, examples including the shown or described elements are also contemplated. Furthermore, examples of any combination or arrangement of those elements shown or described are contemplated, or with reference to specific examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein, or with reference to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0060] In the appended claims, the terms “comprising” and “including” are open-ended, meaning that a system, apparatus, article of manufacture, or process containing elements other than those listed after such terms in a claim is still considered to fall within the scope of that claim. Furthermore, in the appended claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as designations and are not intended to indicate a numerical order of their contents.

[0061] Furthermore, the order of operations described in this specification is exemplary. In alternative embodiments, the operations may be performed in a different order than that shown in the accompanying drawings, and the operations may be combined into a single operation or broken down into more operations.

[0062] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the examples described above (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in conjunction with other embodiments. Other embodiments may be used by those skilled in the art after reviewing the above description. The abstract allows the reader to quickly determine the nature of this technical disclosure. This abstract is submitted and it is understood that it is not intended to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the above detailed description, various features may be grouped together to make this disclosure flow smoothly. However, the claims may not state every feature disclosed herein, as embodiments may characterize a subset of said features. Furthermore, embodiments may include fewer features than those disclosed in a particular example. Therefore, the appended claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim existing independently as a separate embodiment. The scope of the embodiments disclosed herein should be determined by reference to the full scope of the appended claims and equivalents of such claims.

Claims

1. An ultrasonic phased array probe, comprising: A support structure comprising one or more slots surrounded by a rigid frame, wherein the support structure includes a cable interface at one end for receiving electrical signals. An ultrasonic phased array element, wherein the ultrasonic phased array element includes an ultrasonic sensor at one end and can be inserted into one of the one or more slots at any suitable depth; as well as A tensioning component is provided to adjust the tightness of the one or more slots to clamp or release the ultrasonic phased array elements inserted into the slots, thereby allowing adjustment of the insertion depth of the ultrasonic phased array elements in the slots. The support structure can be divided into two or more segments, which are connected together by a connecting structure.

2. The ultrasonic phased array probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection structure includes either a snap-fit ​​or a screw fastener.

3. The ultrasonic phased array probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The female snap-fit ​​has a female snap-fit ​​with one of a cable socket and a plug, and the female snap-fit ​​has the other of a cable socket and a plug. When two segments are connected together by the female snap-fit, the plug is inserted into the socket.

4. The ultrasonic phased array probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tightening / unscrewing component includes a knob.

5. The ultrasonic phased array probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each slot is defined by the rigid frame and the pressure block.

6. A method for performing ultrasonic detection using an ultrasonic phased array probe according to any one of claims 1-5, comprising: The ultrasonic phased array probe is connected to the ultrasonic testing instrument via a cable; Adjust the tensioning component to insert the appropriate number of ultrasonic phased array elements into the slot; The end of each ultrasonic phased array element, including the ultrasonic sensor, is placed against the surface of the part to be tested. Adjusting the tensioning component to secure the ultrasonic phased array elements in place; and The ultrasonic testing instrument drives the ultrasonic phased array probe to detect whether there are defects in the part.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the curvature of the surface of the part is greater than a predetermined threshold, a portion of the ultrasonic sensor is configured to emit ultrasonic waves, and the remaining portion of the ultrasonic sensor is configured to receive ultrasonic waves.

8. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the surface of the part has a boss structure, the support structure is divided into two segments, and these two segments are arranged on both sides of the boss structure.

9. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The surface of the part to be tested is also coated with a suitable coupling agent to improve the coupling between the ultrasonic phased array elements and the surface.

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