Apparatus and methods for adjustably supporting probes
First Claim
1. A sensor support assembly configured to support a probe during movement of the probe relative to a workpiece, comprising:
- a base member configured to be positioned proximate to and move along a surface of the workpiece, the base member including a first outwardly projecting engagement member and a second outwardly projecting engagement member spaced apart from the first engagement member;
a support member coupled to the base member and including a boss configured to engage the probe, wherein the first and second engagement members are configured to engage the surface and to maintain a stand-off distance between the probe and the surface, and wherein the base member and support member are further configured to move along the surface with the probe during movement of the probe relative to the workpiece; and
a coupling assembly coupled to the support member and configured to be coupled to a motion platform such that as the probe is moved relative to the surface, the support member is rotatable with respect to the motion platform about a rotation axis that is at least approximately aligned with a direction of movement of the probe relative to the surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for adjustably supporting probes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sensor support assembly includes a base member adapted to be positioned proximate to and move along a surface of a material, the base member including a first outwardly projecting engagement member and a second outwardly projecting engagement member spaced apart from the first engagement member, and a support member coupled to the base member and including a boss adapted to engage a probe, wherein the first and second engagement members are adapted to engage the surface and to maintain a stand-off distance between the probe and the surface.
17 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A sensor support assembly configured to support a probe during movement of the probe relative to a workpiece, comprising:
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a base member configured to be positioned proximate to and move along a surface of the workpiece, the base member including a first outwardly projecting engagement member and a second outwardly projecting engagement member spaced apart from the first engagement member;
a support member coupled to the base member and including a boss configured to engage the probe, wherein the first and second engagement members are configured to engage the surface and to maintain a stand-off distance between the probe and the surface, and wherein the base member and support member are further configured to move along the surface with the probe during movement of the probe relative to the workpiece; and
a coupling assembly coupled to the support member and configured to be coupled to a motion platform such that as the probe is moved relative to the surface, the support member is rotatable with respect to the motion platform about a rotation axis that is at least approximately aligned with a direction of movement of the probe relative to the surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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4. (canceled)
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10. An assembly, comprising:
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a sensor support including a support plate having an aperture disposed therein;
a sensor coupled to the support plate, the sensor being configured to transmit signals onto the workpiece;
a pair of adjustable engagement members projecting from the support plate toward the component, the adjustable members being configured to maintain a stand-off distance between the sensor and the workpiece as the sensor support is moved over a surface of the workpiece;
a motion platform operatively coupled to the sensor support and configured to controllably move the sensor support over at least a portion of the workpiece; and
a coupling assembly coupled between the sensor support and the motion platform and configured such that as the sensor support is moved over the surface of the workpiece, the sensor support is rotatable with respect to the motion platform about a rotation axis that is at least approximately aligned with a direction of movement of the sensor support relative to the surface. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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13. (canceled)
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18. A method of inspecting a surface, comprising:
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coupling a probe to a support member having a plurality of outwardly projecting engagement members;
pivotably and rotatably coupling the support member to a motion platform such that as the support member is moved relative to the surface by the motion platform, the support member is rotatable with respect to the motion platform about a rotation axis that is at least approximately aligned with a direction of movement of the support member relative to the surface;
engaging the plurality of engagement members with the surface such that a standoff distance is maintained between the probe and the surface;
moving the support member across the surface using the motion platform while maintaining the engagement members in contact with the surface;
simultaneously with moving the support member, at least one of pivoting and rotating the support member with respect to the motion platform; and
performing measurements of the surface using the probe. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification