Ultrasonic Testing Probe with Rotatable Element and Inflatable Bladder
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic testing methodologies face challenges in accessing and inspecting inaccessible regions of structures like steam generators, requiring manual or robotic movement of ultrasonic sensors and manual application of couplant materials.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic testing probe with a motor-driven, rotatable ultrasonic testing element and an inflatable bladder that centers the probe within the workpiece, combined with an automated couplant delivery system to simplify and automate the inspection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual ultrasonic sensor movement is used for inspection, then the inspection can be performed on inaccessible regions, but the inspection speed and productivity are low
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning and self-inspection through automated sensor rotation and data acquisition, eliminating the need for continuous manual repositioning and data collection by operators
Solution Approach 2:
The ultrasonic sensor is made rotatable through a drive mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the inspection angle and automatic scanning of different regions without manual intervention
2Productivity
If manual couplant application is used, then the ultrasonic testing can be performed, but the process complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The couplant is pre-applied to the inspection surface before the ultrasonic sensor contacts it, ensuring proper acoustic coupling is established in advance and eliminating the need for continuous manual application during inspection
Solution Approach 2:
A couplant delivery system acts as an intermediary between the ultrasonic sensor and the workpiece surface, automatically providing the necessary coupling medium to facilitate ultrasonic wave transmission without manual intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If the ultrasonic sensor is fixed in position, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to inspect different regions and angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic sensor is mounted on a rotatable mechanism that can change its angular position dynamically, allowing the same sensor to inspect multiple regions and angles by rotating to different orientations
Solution Approach 2:
A single ultrasonic sensor performs multiple inspection functions by rotating to different positions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility
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 solution enables automated, efficient, and precise ultrasonic inspections of inaccessible regions without manual intervention, improving speed, reducing costs, and enhancing repeatability.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic testing element that is structured to generate an ultrasonic output that is directed toward the workpiece and to receive an ultrasonic input from the workpiece that is responsive to the ultrasonic output
Implementation Method 2
a motor apparatus structured to be electrically connected with a control apparatus, the motor apparatus comprising a motor that is being connected with the ultrasonic testing element and is structured to rotate the ultrasonic testing element with respect to the support
Implementation Method 3
a bladder that is structured to be movable between an initial state and an expanded state, the bladder in the expanded state being structured to be engaged with the workpiece within the interior region and to center the support in the interior region
Data Source
AI summary
An ultrasonic testing probe operable to perform an ultrasonic inspection on a workpiece, the workpiece having an interior region. The testing probe comprises a support; an ultrasonic testing element that is structured to generate an ultrasonic output that is directed toward the workpiece and to receive an ultrasonic input from the workpiece that is responsive to the ultrasonic output, the ultrasonic testing element being movably situated on the support; a motor apparatus structured to be electrically connected with a control apparatus, the motor apparatus comprising a motor that is connected with the ultrasonic testing element and is structured to rotate the ultrasonic testing element with respect to the support; and a bladder that is structured to be movable between an initial state and an expanded state, the expanded bladder structured to be engaged with the workpiece within the interior region and to center the support in the interior region.