Nondestructive inspection heads for components having limited surrounding space

Abstract

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.