Nondestructive inspection heads for components having limited surrounding space
An inspection head where non-destructive inspection is structured to fit into narrow spaces, and to accurately and repeatably move an inspection probe along a surface to be inspected. Movement of the inspection head along an X, Y, Z, Θ, and Φ-axis is precisely controlled by individual drive mechanisms.
1 . A nondestructive inspection head, comprising:
means for raising and lowering the head into a location to be inspected;
an X-axis drive;
a drive selected from the group consisting of a Y-axis drive and a Φ-axis drive; and
a sensor.
2 . The inspection head according to claim 1 , further comprising a Z-axis drive.
3 . The inspection head according to claim 2 , wherein the Z-axis drive includes a motor structured to drive the head in a first direction, and a spring structured to drive the head in an opposing direction.
4 . The inspection head according to claim 3 , further comprising:
a plurality of interconnected, substantially parallel slides adjacent to each other and structured to slide with respect to each other;
an arm structured to actuate sliding motion of the sliders;
a spring structured to bias the arm in a first direction; and
a motor-driven pulley structured to move the arm in the opposing direction.
5 . The inspection head according to claim 1 , further comprising a θ-axis drive.
6 . The inspection head according to claim 5 , wherein the θ-axis drive includes a motor-driven belt, with the belt driving a leadscrew operatively connected to a gear that is operatively connected to the head.
7 . The inspection head according to claim 1 , wherein the X-axis drive includes a lead screw actuated by a motor-driven pulley.
8 . The inspection head according to claim 1 , further comprising a probe holder structured to hold a probe in a floating manner.
9 . The inspection head according to claim 1 , wherein the probe is selected from the group consisting of ultrasound and eddy current.
10 . The inspection head according to claim 9 , further comprising a pair of ultrasonic probes.
11 . The inspection head according to claim 9 , further comprising a means for dispensing a coupling media around an ultrasonic sensor.
12 . The inspection head according to claim 11:
wherein the coupling media is water; and
further comprising a catch basin and holding tank structured for recycling the water.
13 . The inspection head according to claim 1 , further comprising at least two rollers structured to engage a surface of a component being inspected.
14 . The inspection head according to claim 1 , wherein the probe is secured within a probe housing, and the probe is spring-biased away from the probe housing.