Acoustic Cavity Detection via Travel Time Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying cavity positions in structures are complex and lack simplicity, ease of implementation, and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using global search, involving the arrangement of acoustic emission sensors, construction of cavity models, tracking of signal propagation paths, and calculation of deviations between actual and theoretical travel times to identify cavity positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing methods for identifying cavity positions are used, then cavity detection capability is achieved, but the method complexity increases and ease of implementation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/calculation-based cavity identification methods with an acoustic wave-based detection system. By using acoustic emission sensors to detect wave propagation characteristics and comparing theoretical versus actual travel times, the system achieves reliable cavity detection while simplifying the overall methodology. The acoustic wave field naturally interacts with cavities, providing direct detection without complex intermediate steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the structure's own acoustic wave propagation characteristics to identify cavities. The acoustic waves naturally travel through the structure and interact with cavities, and the system simply needs to measure and compare travel times. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external complex testing equipment or invasive procedures, achieving reliable detection with simplified implementation.
2Measurement precision
If existing cavity identification methods are implemented, then cavity location is determined, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of theoretical travel times for acoustic waves between all sensor pairs before actual measurement. This pre-computed reference data enables direct comparison with measured values, simplifying the operational process. The cavity location can be determined by straightforward comparison without complex real-time calculations, improving ease of operation while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the structure into discrete sensor placement locations and calculates travel times for each sensor pair independently. This segmentation allows the complex problem of cavity detection to be broken down into simple, independent measurements and comparisons. Each sensor pair provides independent data that can be processed separately, making the overall system easier to operate while achieving accurate cavity localization through aggregation of results.
3Measurement precision
If traditional cavity detection approaches are used, then detection results are obtained, but the system requires pre-measurement of wave speed which complicates the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the approach from requiring absolute wave speed values to using relative travel time differences. By comparing theoretical travel times (calculated assuming uniform material) with actual measured travel times, the method eliminates the need for pre-measuring wave speed in different materials. This parameter transformation maintains cavity identification accuracy while dramatically simplifying implementation, as no material-specific calibration is required.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method provides a simple, easy-to-implement, and highly reliable approach for identifying cavity positions, achieving high accuracy without requiring pre-measurement of wave speed, and is applicable across various fields.
Implementation Method 1
The acoustic emission sensors need to be provided with a function of actively transmitting a pulse signal (sound wave signal)
Implementation Method 2
arranging a plurality of acoustic emission sensors at key positions of the target area, and acquiring actual travel time (actual propagation time) of signals between the acoustic emission sensors on site
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for identifying a cavity position of a structure based on global search includes: step 1: using a structure requiring cavity position identification as a target area, arranging acoustic emission sensors at key positions of the target area, and acquiring actual travel time of signals between the acoustic emission sensors on site; step 2: constructing cavity models for the target area; and for each cavity model, tracking shortest paths of signal propagation between the acoustic emission sensors when each cavity model exists in the target area, to obtain theoretical travel time of the signals; and step 3: respectively calculating deviations between the theoretical travel time and the actual travel time of the signals between the acoustic emission sensors corresponding to each cavity model, and using a position of a cavity model corresponding to a minimum deviation as an identified cavity position in the target area.