Acoustic Emission Sensor With Integral Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustic emission sensors face challenges in ensuring accurate mounting and acoustic coupling due to separate acoustic generators, leading to variable test signal intensities and difficulties in replicating testing arrangements, especially on structures with limited surface area.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic emission sensor apparatus with an integral acoustic generator, featuring an acoustic signal generating element and an isolator, which generates test signals to assess the quality of mounting by preventing false positives and ensuring that only transmitted signals reach the receiver, thus simplifying the mounting process and improving acoustic coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate acoustic generator is used with the acoustic emission sensor, then the sensor can be mounted on structures with limited surface area, but the mounting process becomes more complex and test signal intensity becomes variable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the acoustic generator and acoustic emission sensor into a single integrated unit. The acoustic generator includes a signal generating element and an isolator that work together within the same housing as the receiver, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated acoustic generator serves multiple functions: it generates test acoustic signals for mounting quality assessment, provides acoustic coupling between the sensor and the structure, and isolates spurious signals. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall mounting process.
2Reliability
If a separate acoustic generator is used, then the sensor can detect acoustic emissions, but false positives occur due to spurious signals from the separate generator
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator acts as an intermediary element between the acoustic generator and the receiver. It selectively transmits desired acoustic signals while blocking spurious signals and false positives, thereby improving signal detection accuracy and eliminating harmful interference from the acoustic generator itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator converts the potentially harmful spurious signals generated by the acoustic generator into beneficial filtering functionality. By strategically positioning the isolator, the system uses the generator's inherent signal generation capability while simultaneously blocking its own spurious emissions, turning a potential harm into a benefit for signal purification.
3Measurement precision
If separate acoustic generator and sensor are used, then the sensor can be tested for acoustic transmissibility, but the test arrangement cannot be replicated on structures with limited surface area
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the acoustic generator and sensor into a single integrated unit, the system eliminates the need for separate test arrangements. The integrated design allows the same compact unit to be mounted directly on structures with limited surface area while still providing acoustic transmissibility testing capability, thereby improving adaptability without sacrificing measurement precision.
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 integral acoustic generator enhances the reliability of acoustic emission sensing by ensuring precise data collection and simplifying the mounting process, reducing the need for separate test generators and improving the consistency of acoustic coupling, especially on structures with limited surface area.
Implementation Method 1
The receiver typically includes a piezoelectric element or transducer. When an acoustic emission resulting from a structural change occurs, the piezoelectric transducer produces an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
an acoustic signal generating element that generates a test acoustic signal
Implementation Method 3
an isolator that prevents false positive signals from reaching the receiver
Implementation Method 4
a fluid (e.g., glue, grease) is typically used between the structure and the wear plate to fill voids that would otherwise impede acoustic transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
Example acoustic emission sensors with integral acoustic generators are disclosed. Example apparatus disclosed herein include an acoustic receiver, an acoustic generator, and a wear plate. The acoustic generator is disposed adjacent to the acoustic receiver. The wear plate is acoustically coupled to the acoustic receiver and to the acoustic generator. The wear plate is to convey acoustic energy from the acoustic generator to the acoustic receiver through a structure under test to which the apparatus is coupled. The wear plate includes first acoustic isolation to impede transmission of acoustic energy from the acoustic generator to the acoustic receiver through the wear plate.