Water immersion type phased array probe performance automatic test system and test method

Abstract

The invention provides a system and a method for automatically testing the performance of a water immersion type phased array probe, and belongs to the technical field of ultrasonic nondestructive testing. The device comprises a pulse signal transmitter used for transmitting ultrasonic waves; the pulse signal receiver is used for receiving the ultrasonic waves reflected by the regular reflector; the signal processing host is used for receiving the signal fed back by the pulse signal receiver and processing the signal to obtain performance data of the phased array ultrasonic probe; a probe lifting mechanism is arranged on the mechanical walking mechanism; the phased array ultrasonic probe is arranged on the probe lifting mechanism; and the mechanical walking mechanism and the probe lifting mechanism are used for controlling the probe to be positioned to a specified measurement point position of the regular reflector. According to the method, a manual method is replaced, more factors generating errors are avoided, the specified measurement point of the specified reflector can be accurately positioned, and compared with a traditional manual detection method, the measured result is more accurate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of ultrasonic nondestructive testing, and in particular to an automatic performance testing system for an immersion phased array probe and a testing method for the testing system. Background Art

[0002] In the field of industrial ultrasonic testing, phased array ultrasonic testing technology is an emerging non-destructive testing technology that has been developed and widely used in recent years. Its basic principle is to use the array elements of a linear array or a planar array arranged in a specified order to excite ultrasonic pulse signals in a certain sequence, so that the ultrasonic array is focused at a certain point in the sound field, thereby enhancing the sensitivity of detecting tiny defects in the sound field. At the same time, different excitation timings of the array can be used to form focuses at different spatial positions in the sound field to achieve a larger range of sound beam scanning.

[0003] Phased array ultrasonic probes are different from conventional ultrasonic probes. Phased array ultrasonic probes can be regarded as traditional ultrasonic probes cut into multiple independent small chip units. Each independent small chip unit is called an array element. The parameters of the array element are important factors affecting the phased array ultrasonic sound field characteristics, and are also the decisive factors related to the performance of the phased array probe. In order to accurately quantify the test results, we must accurately measure the performance of the phased array ultrasonic probe, the sound field generated, and related parameters. In addition, the phased array ultrasonic sound field characteristic parameters directly affect the safety, applicability, and accuracy of the use of phased array ultrasonic equipment. It is a key issue of concern to users and developers of phased array ultrasonic equipment.

[0004] Detection using phased array ultrasound requires operators to perform standardized and stable operations, but in the existing technology, there are often measurement errors caused by coupling changes or performance differences of phased array probes. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of this, in order to solve the technical problem of measurement errors caused by performance differences of phased array probes in the prior art, on the one hand, the present invention provides an automatic performance testing system for an immersion phased array probe. A mechanical walking mechanism, a probe lifting mechanism and a regular reflector together constitute a spatial positioning mechanism, which replaces manual techniques and avoids more factors that cause errors. It can accurately locate the specified measurement point of the specified reflector. Compared with traditional manual detection methods, the measured results are more accurate.

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solutions: An automatic test system for performance of an immersion phased array probe, comprising: A pulse signal transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves; A pulse signal receiver, used for receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by a regular reflector; A signal processing host, used for receiving and processing the signal fed back by the pulse signal receiver to obtain performance data of the phased array ultrasonic probe; A mechanical walking mechanism, on which a probe lifting mechanism is provided; A phased array ultrasonic probe is arranged on the probe lifting mechanism; The mechanical walking mechanism and the probe lifting mechanism are used to control the probe to be positioned at a designated measuring point of the regular reflector.

[0007] In order to avoid measurement errors caused by uneven application of coupling agent, preferably, the method further includes: A water tank is used for storing coupling fluid and the regular reflector.

[0008] Preferably, the mechanical walking mechanism is slidably connected to a guide rail truss of the automatic test system for performance of an immersion phased array probe.

[0009] Preferably, the mechanical walking mechanism and the probe lifting mechanism are both moved by motors.

[0010] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a test method for the above-mentioned automatic test system for performance of immersion phased array probe, comprising the following steps: Step (1), the pulse signal transmitter excites the phased array probe to generate ultrasonic waves, which propagate in the coupling liquid loaded in the water tank and propagate into the workpiece through the coupling liquid; Step (2), when the ultrasonic wave propagates in the workpiece, it will be reflected after encountering a regular reflector and will be received by a pulse signal receiver; Step (3), the pulse signal receiver feeds back a signal to the signal processing host, and the signal processing host processes the signal to obtain performance data of the phased array ultrasonic probe.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: The automatic testing system for the performance of an immersion phased array probe provided by the present invention comprises a spatial positioning mechanism composed of a mechanical walking mechanism, a probe lifting mechanism and a regular reflector, which replaces manual techniques and avoids more factors that cause errors. It can accurately locate the specified measuring point of the specified reflector. Compared with the traditional manual detection method, the measured results are more accurate, which significantly improves the detection efficiency and accuracy.

[0012] The present invention replaces the traditional manual method, reduces the error caused by human factors and improves the work efficiency.

[0013] Through the coordinated work of the mechanical walking mechanism and the probe lifting mechanism, combined with the positioning function of the regular reflector, the specified measurement point can be accurately positioned. This not only improves the accuracy of the detection, but also ensures that the same type of phased array probes can obtain consistent detection results.

[0014] Compared with traditional manual detection methods, this system avoids many factors that may cause errors, such as human operation errors, visual errors and environmental factors, etc. Therefore, the measured results are more accurate and reliable.

[0015] Due to its advantages in efficiency and accuracy, the system has broad application prospects in the field of performance detection of phased array ultrasonic probes. It can be applied to various scenarios that require high-precision detection.

[0016] The present invention can ensure that the coupling agent between the probe and the workpiece is evenly applied by placing the phased array ultrasonic probe in the liquid tank. This eliminates the detection error caused by uneven application of the coupling agent, thereby greatly improving the accuracy of the measurement and further improving the measurement precision. At the same time, the automatic test of the phased array probe can be realized by programming the fixed-point movement of the mechanical scanning. This not only improves the detection efficiency, but also further ensures the accuracy and consistency of the detection results.

[0017] The liquid tank design makes the replacement and maintenance of the probe easier and more convenient. At the same time, the system programming settings are also easy to operate, so that non-professionals can also perform simple operations and management. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a front view of the present invention; Figure 2 A perspective view of the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 The enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 4 for Figure 2 The enlarged view of point B in the middle; In the figure, 1. pulse signal transmitter; 2. pulse signal receiver; 3. mechanical walking mechanism; 4. probe lifting mechanism; 5. signal processing host; 6. water tank; 7. regular reflector; 8. phased array ultrasonic probe. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention; it is obvious that the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments, and all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field based on the embodiments of the present invention without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inside", "outside", "top / bottom" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0021] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "provided with", "mounted / connected", "connected", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connected" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0022] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the present invention provides an automatic performance testing system for an immersion phased array probe, comprising: The pulse signal transmitter 1 is used to transmit ultrasonic waves. Specifically, the pulse signal transmitter 1 excites the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 to generate ultrasonic waves.

[0023] The pulse signal receiver 2 is used to receive ultrasonic waves reflected by the regular reflector 7 . Specifically, the pulse signal transmitter 1 excites the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 to generate ultrasonic waves. When encountering the regular reflector 7 , the ultrasonic waves will be reflected and received by the pulse signal receiver 2 .

[0024] The signal processing host 5 is used to receive the signal fed back by the pulse signal receiver 2 and process the signal to obtain the performance data of the phased array ultrasonic probe 8, specifically: The pulse signal transmitter 1 excites the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 to generate ultrasonic waves, which are transmitted from the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 to the coupling agent or the coupling liquid in the water tank 6 described below. When the ultrasonic waves propagate in the workpiece, they will be reflected when encountering the regular reflector 7 and received by the pulse signal receiver 2. The ultrasonic signal is processed in the signal processing host 5 to obtain the performance data of the phased array probe, such as the sensitivity, beam directivity, scanning range, etc. of the probe. These data are very important for evaluating the performance of the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 and optimizing the detection process.

[0025] The pulse signal transmitter 1, the pulse signal receiver 2 and the signal processing host 5 constitute a measurement unit of the phased array probe of the device, and realize data generation and data processing in the detection process of the phased array probe.

[0026] The mechanical walking mechanism 3 is provided with a probe lifting mechanism 4. The mechanical walking mechanism 3, the probe lifting mechanism 4 and the regular reflector 7 constitute a spatial positioning mechanism of the device. The mechanical walking mechanism 3 and the probe lifting mechanism 4 are preferably moved in coordination by motor control to position the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 to a specified measurement point of a specified reflector.

[0027] The mechanical walking mechanism 3 is the basic mobile platform of the equipment, which is used for movement and positioning in the working environment. The mechanism is well designed and has stable operation performance and accurate mobile positioning capabilities.

[0028] The probe lifting mechanism 4 is an important component arranged on the mechanical walking mechanism 3, and is responsible for the lifting and lowering movement of the phased array ultrasonic probe 8. Through precise lifting and lowering control, the distance and angle between the ultrasonic probe and the regular reflector 7 can be adjusted.

[0029] The mechanical walking mechanism 3, the probe lifting mechanism 4 and the regular reflector 7 together constitute the spatial positioning mechanism of the device. The regular reflector 7 is used as the target point for detection. The mechanical walking mechanism 3 and the probe lifting mechanism 4 position the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 to the designated measurement point of the regular reflector 7 through precise movement and positioning.

[0030] A phased array ultrasonic probe 8 is arranged on the probe lifting mechanism 4; The mechanical walking mechanism 3 and the probe lifting mechanism 4 are used to control the probe to be positioned at a designated measuring point of the regular reflector 7 .

[0031] In the present invention, in order to avoid measurement errors caused by uneven application of coupling agent, preferably, it also includes: The water tank 6 is used to store the coupling liquid and the regular reflector 7. The water tank 6 is the main structure of the whole device and is the carrier for storing the coupling liquid and the regular reflector 7. By storing uniform coupling liquid and regular reflector 7 in the water tank 6, the present invention effectively avoids the measurement error caused by uneven application of the coupling agent. This is because the water tank 6 provides a uniform and stable detection environment, ensuring that the ultrasonic wave can be evenly propagated to the regular reflector 7, thereby obtaining accurate detection results.

[0032] In the present invention, the mechanical walking mechanism 3 is slidably connected to the guide rail truss of the water immersion phased array probe performance automatic test system. The mechanical walking mechanism 3 is connected to the guide rail truss by a sliding connection. This connection method ensures the stability and accuracy of the mechanical walking mechanism 3 on the guide rail truss, so that it can move along a set path. As one of the core components of the water immersion phased array probe performance automatic test system, the guide rail truss provides a stable mobile platform for the mechanical walking mechanism 3.

[0033] In the present invention, the mechanical walking mechanism 3 and the probe lifting mechanism 4 are both controlled by motors to move. Motor control is the key to controlling the movement of the mechanical walking mechanism 3 and the probe lifting mechanism 4. Through motor control, the coordinated movement between the two can be achieved, and the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 can be accurately positioned to the specified measurement point of the regular reflector 7. This control can realize automated and semi-automated operations and improve detection efficiency and accuracy.

[0034] In summary, in the present invention, the mechanical walking mechanism 3 moves along the guide rail truss to position the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 to different measurement points. In this process, the probe lifting mechanism 4 performs precise lifting and lowering motions through motor control to ensure the accurate distance and angle between the probe and the regular reflector 7. At the same time, the coupling liquid in the water tank 6 provides a good medium environment for the propagation of ultrasonic waves. Finally, the received ultrasonic signal is processed and analyzed by the signal processing host 5 to obtain the performance data of the phased array probe.

[0035] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a test method for the above-mentioned automatic test system for performance of immersion phased array probe, comprising the following steps: Step (1), the pulse signal transmitter 1 excites the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 to generate ultrasonic waves, which propagate in the coupling liquid loaded in the water tank 6 and propagate to the surface of the workpiece through the coupling liquid and enter the interior of the workpiece; Step (2), when the ultrasonic wave propagates in the workpiece, it will be reflected after encountering the regular reflector 7 and will be received by the pulse signal receiver 2; Step (3), the pulse signal receiver 2 feeds back a signal to the signal processing host 5 , and the signal processing host 5 processes the signal to obtain performance data of the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 .

[0036] The present invention should be tested when The phased array probe to be tested is fixed to the mechanical lifting mechanism. During the test, the phased array probe information is first input on the host side of the equipment, such as: probe size, probe type, number of array elements, array element length, frequency, focal length and other information; pulse signal transmitter 1 excitation information, such as: excitation voltage, repetition frequency, pulse width, amplification gain, filtering and other information; walking mechanism positioning information, such as the starting point of the test operation, walking speed, direction, distance from the regular reflector 7, etc. After setting a series of parameters, the system can automatically measure the phased array probe.

[0037] After the test is completed, the measurement data will be automatically recorded by the measurement software. The system host can generate time domain diagrams, frequency domain diagrams, relative bandwidth, pulse width, crosstalk and other parameters in real time based on the data, and can further draw graphs of the test parameters of the phased array probe if necessary, which is more convenient for analyzing the array element conditions and overall change trends of the phased array ultrasonic probe 8. It is convenient for personnel to make judgments and adjustments when using the phased array probe to detect workpieces. Compared with traditional manual detection methods, in addition to more accurate measured results, the full coverage measurement of the phased array ultrasonic probe 8 can also directly detect abnormal array elements in the phased array ultrasonic probe 8, which is convenient for subsequent analysis and elimination. By replacing different fixtures, the performance of phased array probes of different shapes and types can be tested.

[0038] The above are only preferred specific implementations of the present invention; however, the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can make equivalent replacements or changes according to the technical solutions and improved concepts of the present invention within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic performance test system for immersion phased array probes, characterized in that: include: A pulse signal transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves; A pulse signal receiver, used for receiving ultrasonic waves reflected by a regular reflector; A signal processing host, used for receiving and processing the signal fed back by the pulse signal receiver to obtain performance data of the phased array ultrasonic probe; A mechanical walking mechanism, on which a probe lifting mechanism is provided; A phased array ultrasonic probe is arranged on the probe lifting mechanism; The mechanical walking mechanism and the probe lifting mechanism are used to control the probe to be positioned at a designated measuring point of the regular reflector.

2. The automatic performance test system for an immersion phased array probe according to claim 1 is characterized in that: Also includes: A water tank is used for storing coupling fluid and the regular reflector.

3. The automatic performance test system for an immersion phased array probe according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The mechanical walking mechanism is slidably connected to the guide rail truss of the water immersion phased array probe performance automatic testing system.

4. An automatic performance test system for an immersion phased array probe according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The mechanical walking mechanism and the probe lifting mechanism are both controlled to move by motors.

5. A method for testing an automatic performance testing system for an immersion phased array probe according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The steps include: Step (1), the pulse signal transmitter excites the phased array probe to generate ultrasonic waves, which propagate in the coupling liquid loaded in the water tank and propagate into the workpiece through the coupling liquid; Step (2), when the ultrasonic wave propagates in the workpiece, it will be reflected after encountering a regular reflector and will be received by a pulse signal receiver; Step (3), the pulse signal receiver feeds back a signal to the signal processing host, and the signal processing host processes the signal to obtain performance data of the phased array ultrasonic probe.

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