Non-invasive Structural Characterization via Acoustic Emission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining structural characteristics of objects, especially anatomical ones like teeth, often require invasive and destructive testing, which can be costly and time-consuming, and fail to detect issues until they become severe.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive and non-destructive system using a predictive model based on a transformation function generated from multiple test results, which can predict structural characteristics using no more than two relevant factors, allowing for quick identification of issues without further annotation or validation, and providing insights into structural integrity and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive and destructive testing methods are used to determine structural characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but the object is damaged or destroyed and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical testing with acoustic emission monitoring and wave propagation analysis. Sensors detect elastic waves generated by micro-cracks and structural changes, allowing non-contact or minimal-contact measurement of structural characteristics without damaging the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves and elastic vibrations as intermediary carriers to probe structural characteristics. These waves interact with internal defects and structural features, carrying information back to sensors without requiring direct physical disruption of the object being tested.
2Ease of operation
If simple visual inspection is used to detect structural changes, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates for internal or non-visual defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection with acoustic emission sensing systems that automatically detect and locate internal defects. The system uses sensors to capture elastic wave signals, processes them through algorithms, and provides automated defect characterization without requiring visual access or manual interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to penetrate and interact with internal structures that are invisible to the naked eye. The waves propagate through the material, reflecting or attenuating at defect locations, thereby providing indirect but accurate information about internal conditions.
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing is performed to detect early-stage defects, then reliability is improved, but loss of time and resources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous or periodic monitoring of structural health through acoustic emission sensors that can operate over extended periods. This allows early detection of defect initiation and progression without requiring repeated comprehensive testing intervals, reducing total time and resource investment while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent detects defects at their earliest stages by continuously monitoring for acoustic emission events that indicate micro-crack formation or structural changes. By identifying issues before they propagate into major failures, the system prevents the need for extensive later testing and intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for measuring the structural characteristics of an object. The object is subjected to an energy application processes and provides an objective, quantitative measurement of structural characteristics of an object. The system may include a device, for example, a percussion instrument, capable of being reproducibly placed against the object undergoing such measurement for reproducible positioning. The invention provides for a system and methods for analyzing measured characteristics to identify issues and pathologies in the object, such as a tooth, and to recommend follow-up courses of action.