Patent ID: 6339326
Filing Date: 2002-01-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An eddy current inspection probe for inspecting a preselected surface at least partially defining an opening in a component, said eddy current inspection probe comprising:a core having an exterior surface sized and shaped for receipt within the opening of the component, the core being moveable between a retracted position for inserting the probe into and removing the probe from the opening in the component and an expanded position in which the probe is sized and shaped for at least partially filling the opening and contacting the preselected surface of the component for inspecting the surface; a compliant covering positioned over the exterior surface of the core having an inner face facing the core and an outer face opposite the inner face; an eddy current array positioned over the outer face of the covering for generating and detecting magnetic fields in the component to inspect the preselected surface of the component, the eddy current array having an outer surface shaped substantially identically to the preselected surface of the component when the core is in the expanded position for maintaining the outer surface of the array a preselected distance from the surface of the component; and an element positioned between the exterior surface of the core and the inner face of the covering having a coefficient of friction selected to permit the inner face of the covering to move tangentially with respect to the exterior surface of the core as the core is moved from the retracted position to the expanded position to ensure intimate contact between the probe and the preselected surface of the component being inspected.