SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TAKING A MEASUREMENT AT A CONNECTION ELEMENT

• US 20170023529A1
• Filed: 07/20/2016
• Published: 01/26/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2015
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Original Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH (Airbus SE)
• Inventors: Skirke, Joern, Schlueter, Guenter
• Application Number:
  US15/215,338
• Publication Number:
  US 20170023529A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/011 Velocity or travel time
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/2691 Bolts, screws, heads
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2291/2694 Wings or other aircraft parts
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/07 by measuring propagation velocity or propagation time of acoustic waves
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 29/223 Supports, positioning or alignment in fixed situation mounting transducers per se G10K11/004

Abstract

A system for taking a measurement at a connection element protruding from a specified surface. The system has an ultrasonic sensor and a positioning bushing. The positioning bushing has a first recess and a second recess. The first recess is configured to receive the ultrasonic sensor, at least in part. The second recess is configured to receive at least part of the connection element protruding from the surface. The positioning bushing is configured to orientate the ultrasonic sensor relative to the connection element in a specified manner.

Claims

1. A system for taking a measurement at a connection element, which is already acted on by a preload and which protrudes from a specified surface, said system comprising:

an ultrasonic sensor, and

a positioning bushing, which has a first recess and a second recess, the first recess being configured to receive the ultrasonic sensor at least in part, the second recess being configured to receive at least part of the connection element protruding from the surface, the positioning bushing being configured to orientate the ultrasonic sensor relative to the connection element in a specified manner.

2. The system according to claim 1, in which the ultrasonic sensor is arranged in an axially displaceable manner in the first recess in the positioning bushing.

3. The system according to claim 1, in which the positioning bushing comprises at least one ventilation opening, which creates a connection between a space, which is formed during a measurement in the region of the sensor head of the ultrasonic sensor and the connection element, and a surrounding environment.

4. The system according to claim 1, which comprises a guide bushing, arranged separately from the positioning bushing and mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic sensor and having a grip region, by which the system can be manually guided.

5. The system according to claim 3, in which the guide bushing is arranged on an end of the ultrasonic sensor opposite the sensor head.

6. The system according to claim 3, in which the guide bushing is mechanically coupled to the ultrasonic sensor by a fixing device.

7. The system according to claim 1, in which the positioning bushing comprises at least one spring device, which acts on the ultrasonic sensor in a direction of the connection element during a measurement.

8. The system according to claim 1, in which the positioning bushing is made of a material that has a lower degree of hardness than a material from which the connection element to be measured is made.

9. The system according to claim 8, in which the positioning bushing is made of plastic.

10. A method for measuring a connection element by means of a system according to claim 1, comprising the steps:

securing the connection element and acting on the connection element with a preload,

orienting the ultrasonic sensor is oriented relative to the connection element and the surface by means of the second recess in the positioning bushing,

placing the second recess over the protruding part of the connection element, measuring the connection element.

11. The method according to claim 5, in which the system is manually oriented relative to the connection element and the surface by means of the second recess in the positioning bushing, and the connection element is then measured.