Angled Resonance Probe Assembly for Internal Defect Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive testing methods for aircraft propulsion system components are inadequate in accurately inspecting internal defects with minimal downtime and expense.
Innovation Solution
A resonance-based inspection system using a probe assembly with a piezoelectric transducer and shape-memory alloy (SMA) rods, which includes a probe that can be translated and angled for precise positioning within the propulsion system, combined with a control assembly for accurate signal measurement and isolation to minimize parasitic capacitance.
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 defect detection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is divided into modular components: an outer guide tube for structural support, an inner tube for cable protection, and a probe head containing the piezoelectric transducer and SMA rods. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall functionality, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the probe is disposed within the inner tube, which is in turn disposed within the outer guide tube. The SMA rods are nested within the cable assembly. This nesting arrangement compactly integrates multiple functional elements without excessive spatial requirements, achieving high measurement precision while controlling device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the probe is made axially translatable and angleable for precise positioning, then adaptability and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through the SMA rods that can change shape in response to electrical stimulation, enabling the probe to translate axially and angle relative to the guide tube. This dynamic behavior allows a single device to adapt to multiple inspection positions and orientations, improving versatility while the automated SMA actuation maintains operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The SMA rods change their physical parameters (shape, length, orientation) in response to electrical signals, enabling the probe to transition between different positions and angles. This parameter-based control method allows precise positioning adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through electrical actuation rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shape-memory alloy rods with remembered angular bend are used for probe positioning, then adaptability and positioning precision are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The SMA rods are pre-formed with a remembered angular bend configuration during manufacturing. This preliminary action of pre-setting the desired final shape eliminates the need for complex real-time mechanical adjustment mechanisms during operation. The rods are inserted into the probe assembly in their pre-configured state, reducing operational complexity while achieving precise positioning adaptability.
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 efficient identification of internal defects in propulsion system components with reduced downtime and cost, facilitating precise defect detection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one piezoelectric transducer may include a sense piezo and a drive piezo
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
AI summary
A probe assembly for a resonance inspection system includes an outer guide tube and a probe. The outer guide tube extends along a longitudinal axis between and to a distal outer tube end and a proximate outer tube end. The probe is axially translatable relative to the outer guide tube along the longitudinal axis. The probe includes a probe housing, at least one piezoelectric transducer, a flexible cable assembly, and at least one shape-memory alloy (SMA) rod. The probe is selectively positionable in a retracted condition and a deployed condition. In the retracted condition, the probe has a first axial probe position and the remembered angular bend is constrained within the outer guide tube. In the deployed condition, the probe has a second axial probe position and the probe axis is oriented at a predetermined angle relative to the longitudinal axis by the remembered angular bend.