US4362059A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultrasonic testing method and apparatus
Assignee: Georg Fischer AG
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Filing: 1981-04-14
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Granted: 1982-12-07
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Expires: 2001-04-14
Abstract
Abstract An ultrasonic testing method permits investigating the nodal point in the profile of a cast wheel of a motor vehicle between clinch and wheel flange. Hollow spaces occurring in this area may be tolerated when the remaining wall thicknesses between the profile legs do not drop below a certain thickness. In order to be able to check a wheel in one single measuring process and with a simple measuring geometry, two of the three intermediate leg parts are tested by direct testing by an evaluation of the echo height in consequence of lateral contraction of ultrasonic energy or in consequence of partial reflection which allows one to make conclusions with regard to the cross section and sound spots of the material through which ultrasound was sent, while the remaining part is measured by means of a simple travel time transversely to the residual wall. An apparatus for performing this method is disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Jules Zwyssig
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:35
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N29/00; G01N29/22; G01N29/30; G01N29/04; G01N29/06; G01N29/0609; G01N29/0618; G01N29/07; G01N2291/00; G01N2291/02; G01N2291/028; G01N2291/02854; G01N2291/04; G01N2291/044
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
234 words
A method of testing a cast part of the type having a junction region of T- or Y-shaped cross section wherein the part can have an inclusion flaw within the junction region for determining the remaining wall thicknesses between the flaw and the respective outer surfaces, comprising the steps of providing at least one first transducer coupled to the outer surface of the part at the top of the T or Y junction for transmitting ultrasonic energy generally in the direction of the leg of the T or Y; transmitting pulses of energy into the part from the first transducer, receiving energy resulting therefrom as a measure of thickness of the part between the top outer surface and the flaw; providing at least one second transducer coupled to the top outer surface of the part for transmitting ultrasonic energy in a direction forming a predetermined acute angle relative to the direction of the first transducer; locating the second transducer at a position spaced from the first transducer and transmitting pulses of energy into the part so that at least a portion of the energy passes between the flaw and the junction surface at the back surface of the part; receiving energy resulting therefrom as a measure of the spacing of the limits of the flaw from the back surface; and comparing the energy transmissions thus determined with a standard to evaluate the remaining thicknesses.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
234 words
A method of testing a cast part of the type having a junction region of T- or Y-shaped cross section wherein the part can have an inclusion flaw within the junction region for determining the remaining wall thicknesses between the flaw and the respective outer surfaces, comprising the steps of providing at least one first transducer coupled to the outer surface of the part at the top of the T or Y junction for transmitting ultrasonic energy generally in the direction of the leg of the T or Y; transmitting pulses of energy into the part from the first transducer, receiving energy resulting therefrom as a measure of thickness of the part between the top outer surface and the flaw; providing at least one second transducer coupled to the top outer surface of the part for transmitting ultrasonic energy in a direction forming a predetermined acute angle relative to the direction of the first transducer; locating the second transducer at a position spaced from the first transducer and transmitting pulses of energy into the part so that at least a portion of the energy passes between the flaw and the junction surface at the back surface of the part; receiving energy resulting therefrom as a measure of the spacing of the limits of the flaw from the back surface; and comparing the energy transmissions thus determined with a standard to evaluate the remaining thicknesses.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the thickness determined by the first transducer is determined by measuring the elapsed travel time of the ultrasonic energy; and the thickness determined by the second transducer is determined by measuring the intensity of the energy passing through the space between the flaw and the back surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
36 words
A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the junction region is formed by the intersection of three legs and the transducers are coupled to the surface between the two legs forming the largest angle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a plurality of transducers are concurrently used for measurement over a larger test surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein a plurality of transducers are used for measurement of the thickness between the outer, top surface and the flaw.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the part is a cast wheel for a motor vehicle.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
189 words
An apparatus for testing a cast part of the type having a junction region formed by three legs meeting at a T or Y shaped point and wherein the part can have a cavity in the junction region, for determining the distances from the flaw to the outer top and back surfaces of the part, the apparatus comprising a carriage; a first transducer mounted on said carriage and surface of the part formed by two legs thereof for transmitting pulses of ultrasonic energy into the part in a direction substantially aligned with the third leg; second and third transducers mounted on said carriage and spaced from said first transducer or opposite sides of the plane containing said third leg, said second and third transducers being coupled to said surface of said part at angles for transmission of ultrasonic energy into the junction area between the flaw and the back surface corners formed by the junction of said first and second legs with said third leg; and means for determining the energy reflected and transmitted by said junction region and the flaw therein as a measure of remaining wall thickness.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
189 words
An apparatus for testing a cast part of the type having a junction region formed by three legs meeting at a T or Y shaped point and wherein the part can have a cavity in the junction region, for determining the distances from the flaw to the outer top and back surfaces of the part, the apparatus comprising a carriage; a first transducer mounted on said carriage and surface of the part formed by two legs thereof for transmitting pulses of ultrasonic energy into the part in a direction substantially aligned with the third leg; second and third transducers mounted on said carriage and spaced from said first transducer or opposite sides of the plane containing said third leg, said second and third transducers being coupled to said surface of said part at angles for transmission of ultrasonic energy into the junction area between the flaw and the back surface corners formed by the junction of said first and second legs with said third leg; and means for determining the energy reflected and transmitted by said junction region and the flaw therein as a measure of remaining wall thickness.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the part being tested is a vehicle wheel which is substantially symmetrical about its rotational axis, and wherein said carriage includes mounting means for adjusting the carriage position relative to said wheel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
An apparatus according to claim 8 wherein one of said wheel and carriage is movable relative to the other.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said carriage is disposed in a fixed position relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel, and said wheel is rotatable about its axis.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
51 words
An apparatus according to claim 7 or 10 wherein said carriage is disposed at a testing station whereby a succession of wheels can be positioned at said station, said carriage being pivotally mounted to be swung away from each tested wheel to permit positioning of the next wheel to be tested.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1985-12-06 | 1986-06-07 | 1986-12-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1989-12-06 | 1990-06-07 | 1990-12-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1993-12-06 | 1994-06-07 | 1994-12-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |