Patent ID: 8269489

Claim:
An inspection system for inspecting a part, the inspection system comprising: a multi-dimensional array of eddy current sensors that conforms to a contour of a three dimensional shape of the part; a controller coupled to the multi-dimensional array, the controller configured to electronically scan the part via an electrical connection of the eddy current sensors to an eddy current instrument; and a processor coupled to the eddy current instrument, the processor configured to analyze output from the eddy current instrument and the controller to accomplish inspection of the part, wherein the multi-dimensional array of eddy current sensors comprises: a flexible grid comprising a plurality of flexible strands, and a plurality of eddy current sensors which are disposed throughout and mounted on the flexible grid, wherein respective ones of the plurality of eddy current sensors extend around respective ones of the flexible strands, and wherein each of the plurality of eddy current sensors comprises: a magnetic core that extends around one of the respective flexible strand strands; and at least one eddy current coil disposed on an outer surface of the magnetic core.