Ultrasonic Probe CMM Wall Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coordinate measuring machines struggle to measure wall thicknesses of objects with internal surfaces that are inaccessible to the probe, such as hollow gas turbine blades, due to variability in internal cavity wall thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic test probe is mounted to a coordinate measuring machine, allowing for wall thickness measurements at predetermined contact positions, with the ability to convert these measurements into spatial coordinates for opposing positions on the other side of the wall, using an angle adjustment mechanism and a computer system to align and calculate spatial coordinates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional coordinate measuring probe is used to measure objects with internal surfaces, then the probe can measure external surfaces, but it cannot access or measure internal surfaces of hollow components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses ultrasonic waves as an intermediary to measure internal surfaces indirectly. The ultrasonic probe transmits waves through the wall thickness, and the waves reflect off internal surfaces, allowing measurement of inaccessible areas without direct probe contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact probe with an ultrasonic testing system. Instead of physically touching the internal surface with a mechanical stylus, the system uses ultrasonic wave propagation and reflection to obtain measurement data from internal surfaces.
2Measurement precision
If wall thickness measurements are taken at multiple positions, then measurement accuracy improves, but the time required for inspection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-programs the measurement positions and paths before inspection. The CMM is configured with predetermined positions where wall thickness measurements should be taken, allowing automated execution without manual intervention at each position, thus maintaining accuracy while improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on wall thickness measurements and automatically adjusts the inspection process. The CMM receives data from ultrasonic probes and can dynamically modify measurement paths or repeat measurements at critical positions, optimizing both accuracy and inspection time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the probe is manually positioned to teach-and-learn guide paths, then measurement paths can be customized, but the programming time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical probe positioning with automated ultrasonic testing integrated into the CMM system. The ultrasonic probe is mounted on the CMM and automatically positioned by the CMM's motion control system, eliminating the need for manual teach-and-learn programming while maintaining customizable measurement paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines coordinate measuring machine functionality with ultrasonic testing capabilities into a single integrated platform. The CMM can perform both geometric measurements and wall thickness measurements using the same positioning system and control software, reducing operational 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
Enables accurate measurement of wall thicknesses and spatial coordinates on internal surfaces of objects, improving the precision of dimensional inspections for complex components like gas turbine blades by allowing non-contact measurement of internal surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic test probe which is held by the probe holder; whereby, in use, the coordinate measuring machine brings the transducer of the ultrasonic test probe into contact with a position on a surface of an object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring wall thicknesses of objects, includes a coordinate measuring machine that has a probe holder and an object support. The coordinate measuring machine is configured to provide relative movement between the probe holder and the object support in three dimensions. The apparatus also includes an ultrasonic test probe which is held by the probe holder. The coordinate measuring machine brings the transducer of the ultrasonic test probe into contact with a position on a surface of an object at the object support so that the probe can measure an object wall thickness at the probe contact position.