Ultrasonic Inspection Linkage for Variable Radius Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic inspection techniques for variable radius joints face challenges in maintaining proper inspection distances and focal lengths, leading to inefficiencies and user errors due to manual adjustments required for geometry changes.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic inspection apparatus with a base, contact shoe, and sensor carriage, where the contact shoe and sensor carriage are movably coupled to adjust the focal point automatically through a linkage system, allowing for continuous inspection across varying joint radii without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment is used to maintain proper inspection distances in response to geometry changes, then inspection quality can be maintained, but inspection time increases and user error is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus automatically adjusts the focal length of the ultrasonic array in response to changes in joint radius without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates by detecting geometry changes and autonomously modifying inspection parameters, thereby maintaining inspection quality while eliminating time loss associated with manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the joint geometry and automatically adjust inspection parameters based on detected changes. This closed-loop control ensures inspection quality is maintained while eliminating the need for manual intervention, thus reducing inspection time and preventing user errors.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment is performed to maintain proper focal length, then inspection accuracy is maintained, but user error and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated system that uses sensors and control algorithms to adjust the focal length of the ultrasonic array. This substitution eliminates human error inherent in manual operations while maintaining precise focal length adjustment, thereby improving both measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection apparatus autonomously monitors joint geometry changes and self-adjusts the focal length without user intervention. This self-service capability maintains inspection accuracy while dramatically improving operational efficiency by eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
3Device complexity
If focal length adjustment is delayed after radius change, then device complexity is reduced, but inspection quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time feedback from geometry sensors that immediately detect changes in joint radius and trigger automatic focal length adjustment. This feedback mechanism ensures inspection quality is maintained without requiring complex pre-programming or delayed adjustments, achieving a balance between system simplicity and inspection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with the capability to automatically adjust focal length in response to detected geometry changes. This preliminary preparation allows the system to respond immediately to radius changes without complex real-time decision-making, maintaining inspection quality while preserving relative system simplicity.
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 apparatus ensures consistent alignment and continuous inspection across changes in joint geometry, improving efficiency and reducing user errors by automatically adjusting the focal point in response to changes in joint radii, enhancing inspection quality and speed.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic inspection techniques, such as those that use ultrasonic signals
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for ultrasonic inspection that comprises a base and a contact shoe that is located within the base and movably coupled to the base. The apparatus additionally comprises a sensor carriage located within the contact shoe and movably coupled to the contact shoe such that the sensor carriage is translationally movable relative to the contact shoe. The apparatus further comprises a linkage pivotably coupled to the base at a base pivot point, pivotably coupled to the contact shoe at a shoe pivot point, and pivotably coupled to the sensor carriage at a carriage pivot point. Translational movement of the contact shoe relative to the base causes the linkage to pivot about the base pivot point, the shoe pivot point, and the carriage pivot point and move the sensor carriage relative to the base and the contact shoe.