Actuatable Inspection Probe With Pivoting Head for In-Situ Defect Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive inspection methods for internal defects in powerplant components are inadequate, particularly for components installed within aircraft powerplants, as they often require disassembly and incur significant downtime and costs.
Innovation Solution
An actuatable inspection probe with a pivotable head and integrated piezoelectric actuator and sensor is used to induce vibrations in powerplant components, measuring vibratory responses to detect internal defects without disassembly, utilizing a pivot mechanism and preload system for precise engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional non-destructive inspection methods are used for powerplant components, then inspection can be performed, but disassembly is required which increases downtime and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into a portable probe unit that can be inserted through access holes in the powerplant component, allowing inspection without complete disassembly. The probe separates the inspection function from the need to remove the entire component.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection probe acts as an intermediary device that accesses the component interior through small openings without requiring full disassembly. The probe transmits vibrations and receives sensor data, mediating the inspection process between the external inspector and the internal component structure.
2Ease of operation
If the inspection probe head is kept inline with the body for insertion, then insertion is facilitated, but the head cannot engage with the component surface for vibration induction
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is designed with dynamic positioning capability, pivoting between an inline configuration during insertion and an angular configuration during inspection. This dynamic adjustment allows the head to transition from a transport-oriented position to an inspection-oriented position, engaging the component surface at an angle to induce vibrations effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe head utilizes angular displacement as an additional degree of freedom, moving from a one-dimensional inline alignment to a two-dimensional angular position. This dimensional change enables the head to simultaneously maintain connection with the probe body while engaging the component surface at an optimized angle for vibration induction.
3Reliability
If the probe head is angularly offset from the body for inspection, then vibration engagement is enabled, but insertion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism enables the probe head to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the probe body. During insertion, the head maintains an inline configuration for easy passage through access holes. Upon reaching the inspection location, the head pivots to an angular configuration to engage the component surface, optimizing vibration induction while simplifying the insertion process.
4Measurement precision
If disassembly of powerplant components is performed for inspection, then internal defects can be accessed, but significant downtime and costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system divides the inspection function into a separate, portable probe unit that can access the component interior through small openings. This segmentation eliminates the need to disassemble the entire powerplant component, allowing internal defect detection while maintaining component integrity and reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection capability is extracted from the powerplant component itself and implemented as an external probe system. The probe contains all necessary inspection functions (vibration actuation, sensing, and data processing) that can be applied to the component without removing or disassembling it, thereby maintaining productivity while achieving precise defect detection.
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 non-destructive inspection of powerplant components with minimal downtime and cost, detecting internal defects such as cracks and corrosion with high sensitivity, even at small dimensions, while the powerplant remains installed on the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
The head includes a piezoelectric device configured to operatively engage a surface of the component
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is configured to measure a vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations to provide sensor data
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection method is provided during which a distal end of an inspection probe is inserted into an interior of a powerplant. The inspection probe includes a body and a head pivotally connected to the body. The head includes an actuator, and the head is disposed at the distal end of the inspection probe. The powerplant includes a component within the interior of the powerplant. The head is arranged with the component. The arranging includes pivoting the head relative to the body and abutting the head against a surface of the component. Vibrations in the component are induced using the actuator. A vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations is measured using a sensor to provide sensor data.