Flexible Actuator Probe for Confined and Curved-Surface Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional probes face limitations in confined spaces and curved surfaces, leading to ineffective non-destructive testing of components, which can result in undetected cracks and reduced component lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A probe with a flexible actuator that can be actuated between non-actuated and actuated states, allowing it to expand axially and overcome movement restrictions, featuring a tubular body that inflates with pressurized fluid for enhanced contact with curved surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional probes are used in confined spaces, then the probe structure remains simple, but the probe cannot effectively detect cracks and flaws due to movement limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a flexible actuator that can dynamically change its length between extended and retracted states, allowing the probe to adapt its configuration to confined spaces while maintaining detection effectiveness. The actuator enables the probe to extend when needed for detection and retract when encountering spatial constraints.
2Reliability
If conventional probes are used on curved surfaces, then the probe structure remains simple, but the probe cannot maintain continuous contact with the component surface
Solution Approach 1:
The probe employs a flexible actuator with a tubular body that can bend and conform to curved surfaces, enabling continuous contact with the component being inspected. This flexibility allows the probe to adapt to various surface geometries including curved turbine blades and other complex shapes.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible actuator is extended to overcome movement limitations, then the probe can access confined spaces, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible actuator is inflated using pneumatic pressure through a fluid delivery system. A pump delivers pressurized fluid to inflate the actuator's tubular body, enabling extension and movement capability. This pneumatic approach provides a relatively simple mechanism for achieving complex motion requirements.
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
The flexible actuator enables effective non-destructive testing in confined and curved spaces, improving detection of cracks and increasing the operational life of components by ensuring continuous contact.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible actuator is remotely actuatable from the first tube end between the non-actuated state and the actuated state. Upon receiving the pressurized fluid within the internal volume, the tubular body inflates and axially expands along the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 2
The pump is configured to deliver the pressurized fluid to the flexible actuator through the fluid pipe
Implementation Method 3
Probes may use ultrasonic waves for the non-destructive testing of a component. The head is configured to transmit a signal or a wave (e.g. acoustic waves) to a surface of the component
Data Source
AI summary
A probe for non-destructive testing of a component. The probe includes a head configured to transmit a signal or a wave to a surface of the component for non-destructive testing of the component. The head includes a first head end facing away from the component and an opposing second head end facing the component. The probe further includes a tube spaced apart from the head and including a first tube end distal to the head and an opposing second tube end proximal to the head. The tube defines an internal passage therein extending between the first tube end and the second tube end. The probe further includes a flexible actuator disposed between the head and the tube. The flexible actuator is configured to be actuated between a non-actuated state and an actuated state.