RECONFIGURABLE LEAK TESTING SYSTEM
First Claim
1. A reconfigurable leak testing system comprising:
- a leak testing station;
an off-shuttle disposed adjacent to the leak testing station; and
a fixture cartridge translatable between the off-shuttle and the leak testing station, the fixture cartridge configured to selectively couple with the leak testing station and including an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and a plurality of actuatable testing features;
wherein the fixture cartridge is configured to receive a part between the upper fixture and lower fixture; and
wherein each of the plurality of actuatable testing features is respectively configured to contact the received part, and wherein the plurality of actuatable testing features and the part partially define a closed volume adjacent the part.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A reconfigurable leak testing system includes a leak testing station, an off-shuttle disposed adjacent to the leak testing station, and a fixture cartridge that is translatable between the off-shuttle and the leak testing station. The fixture cartridge is configured to selectively couple with the leak testing station and includes an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and a plurality of actuatable testing features. The fixture cartridge is configured to receive a part between the upper fixture and lower fixture, and the plurality of actuatable testing features are configured to contact the received part to create a closed volume adjacent the part, wherein the closed volume may be pressurized via a pressurized fluid, and examined for leaks.
12 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A reconfigurable leak testing system comprising:
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a leak testing station; an off-shuttle disposed adjacent to the leak testing station; and a fixture cartridge translatable between the off-shuttle and the leak testing station, the fixture cartridge configured to selectively couple with the leak testing station and including an upper fixture, a lower fixture, and a plurality of actuatable testing features; wherein the fixture cartridge is configured to receive a part between the upper fixture and lower fixture; and wherein each of the plurality of actuatable testing features is respectively configured to contact the received part, and wherein the plurality of actuatable testing features and the part partially define a closed volume adjacent the part. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of leak testing a part using a reconfigurable leak testing system comprising:
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selecting a fixture cartridge to receive the part, the fixture cartridge including a separatable upper fixture and lower fixture; loading the fixture cartridge into a leak testing station; receiving the part between the upper and lower fixtures; establishing a closed volume on one side of the part; pressurizing the closed volume using a pressurized fluid; and monitoring the pressurized fluid to detect fluid leakage. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method of leak testing a part comprising:
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selecting a fixture cartridge to receive the part, the fixture cartridge including a separatable upper fixture and lower fixture; loading the fixture cartridge into a leak testing station by controllably translating the fixture cartridge from an off-shuttle to the leak testing station using an automatic conveyor system; and
coupling a fixture interface of the leak testing station to the upper fixture of the fixture cartridge;receiving the part between the upper and lower fixtures by separating the upper fixture from the lower fixture, and receiving the part on the lower fixture; establishing a closed volume on one side of the part by clamping the part to the lower fixture, and sealing an opening in the part using an extendable plunger disposed on the upper fixture; pressurizing the closed volume using a pressurized fluid; and monitoring the pressurized fluid to detect fluid leakage by comparing a sensed parameter of the monitored pressurized fluid to an expected parameter.
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Specification