Self-propelled, reduced-water, internal non-destructive inspection apparatus

摘要

An inspection apparatus and method for inspecting an inner surface of a hollow composite part. The inspection apparatus may have a support frame, at least one transducer attached to the support frame, an ultrasound gel pad attached to an outer surface of the transducer, and a sponge attached to the support frame. The transducer may send and receive ultrasound waves and the sponge may be positioned to leave a trail of water when moved along the inner surface of the hollow composite part, such that the water rests between the ultrasound gel pad and the inner surface once the inspection apparatus reaches a location to be inspected. The ultrasound waves may thus be transmitted through the ultrasound gel pad and then through the water before bouncing off of the inner surface of the hollow composite part. The ultrasound waves bounced off of the inner surface may be detected by the transducer and analyzed to determine if there is a defect in the composite part.

主权项

1. An inspection apparatus comprising:
a support frame; an inspection probe attached to the support frame and configured for sending and receiving wireless signals; a conforming solid material attached to an outer surface of the inspection probe, wherein the conforming solid material is configured to propagate the wireless signals from the inspection probe therethrough; and a pre-wetting apparatus attached to the support frame and configured to leave a trail of liquid on a surface to be inspected by the inspection probe, wherein the pre-wetting apparatus comprises a sponge configured to be saturated with water or another liquid for prewetting the surface to be inspected.