| 摘要 |
An ultrasound probe (40; 56; 200; 330; 464; 546; 600; 620; 700; 802) is described that comprises a transducer (92; 210; 248; 260) for transmitting and receiving ultrasound. The probe also includes a coupling element (42; 104; 208; 270; 462; 548; 622; 702), such as a spherical ball of self-lubricating or hydrogel material (208; 270; 462; 548), for contacting and acoustically coupling to an object (62; 218; 272; 450) to be inspected. The ultrasound probe (40; 56; 200; 330; 464; 546; 600; 620; 700; 802) also includes an analyser that is arranged to analyse the ultrasound signal received by the transducer (92; 210; 248; 260) and thereby determine if there is contact between the coupling element (42; 104; 208; 270; 462; 548; 622; 702), and the surface of an object (62; 218; 272; 450). The probe can thus be used for internal (ultrasound) inspection of objects as well as measuring the position of points on the surface of the object. The probe may be mountable to a coordinate measuring machine (50) or other moveable platforms (800, 810). |
