Angled Resonance Probe Assembly for In-Situ Defect Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive testing methods for inspecting aircraft propulsion system components are inadequate for efficiently identifying internal defects with high accuracy and minimal downtime.
Innovation Solution
A resonance-based inspection system utilizing a probe assembly with a piezoelectric transducer and shape-memory alloy (SMA) rods, which includes a probe that can be translated and angled within a guide tube to facilitate precise ultrasonic testing of internal components, and a control assembly with galvanic isolation to prevent parasitic capacitance interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe assembly with SMA rods and piezoelectric transducers is used for resonance inspection, then measurement precision and detection accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly employs a nested structure where the probe is disposed within the guide tube, and the SMA rods are positioned within the flexible cable assembly. This nesting allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a compact configuration, achieving high measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly utilizes shape-memory alloy rods that change their physical state (angular bend) in response to temperature or electrical stimulus, enabling the probe to transition between retracted and deployed conditions. This parameter-based control mechanism allows precise positioning and angling of the piezoelectric transducer for accurate defect detection.
2Measurement precision
If the probe is made axially translatable and angleable for precise positioning, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly employs self-actuating mechanisms where the SMA rods automatically change configuration in response to environmental or electrical stimuli, enabling the probe to self-position and self-angle within the guide tube. This reduces the manual manipulation required by the operator while achieving precise positioning for resonance inspection.
3Measurement precision
If galvanic isolation is implemented to prevent parasitic capacitance interference, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control assembly incorporates galvanic isolation mechanisms that act as intermediaries between the piezoelectric transducer and the measurement system. This isolation prevents parasitic capacitance interference from affecting the resonance inspection signals, thereby maintaining high measurement precision without requiring complex shielding or filtering circuits.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate detection of internal defects in propulsion system components with reduced downtime and cost, allowing for efficient inspection of installed components without the need for removal from the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
The probe includes a probe housing, at least one piezoelectric transducer... The at least one piezoelectric transducer is disposed within the probe housing at the distal end
Implementation Method 2
The at least one SMA rod is disposed at the proximate housing end and positioned within the probe housing and the flexible cable assembly. The at least one SMA rod is configured with a remembered angular bend disposed within the flexible cable assembly
Implementation Method 3
Resonance inspection system and method for using same... Various systems and methods are known in the art for inspecting a component for internal defects
Data Source
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AI summary
A probe assembly (70; 700) for a resonance inspection system includes an outer guide tube (704) and a probe (702). The outer guide tube (704) extends along a longitudinal axis (728) between and to a distal outer tube end and a proximate outer tube end. The probe (702) is axially translatable relative to the outer guide tube (704) along the longitudinal axis (728). The probe (702) includes a probe housing (712), at least one piezoelectric transducer (714), a flexible cable assembly, and at least one shape-memory alloy (SMA) rod (720). The probe (702) is selectively positionable in a retracted condition and a deployed condition. In the retracted condition, the probe (702) has a first axial probe position and the remembered angular bend is constrained within the outer guide tube (704). In the deployed condition, the probe (702) has a second axial probe position and the probe axis is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis (728) by the remembered angular bend.