Acoustic Positional Fingerprint Verification for NDE Probe Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In complex industrial environments like nuclear power plants, precise positional verification between inspection and repair operations is challenging due to factors such as device slippage, complex movements, and local radioactivity, making it difficult to accurately match positions during non-destructive testing and repairs, especially in inaccessible areas.
Innovation Solution
The use of positional verification devices and methods that generate and compare 'positional fingerprints' from signal data, such as ultrasonic or visual data, to ensure precise location matching, utilizing techniques like Fourier transforms and probabilistic comparisons to account for slight variations in data, allowing for reliable verification of repair locations and system integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tracking methods (optical encoders, magnetic encoders, RFID tags) are used to verify probe position, then position verification is possible, but the system becomes complex and unreliable in hazardous environments with device slippage and complex movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical tracking systems (optical encoders, magnetic encoders, RFID tags) with an acoustic-based positioning system. The inspection device uses acoustic signals to detect reference features and determine its position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical tracking infrastructure and improving reliability in environments with device slippage and complex movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates acoustic fingerprints (copies) of reference features at known positions. These acoustic signatures are stored and later used to verify device position by comparing newly acquired acoustic data against the stored fingerprints, enabling position verification without physical tracking tags or encoders.
2Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic signals are used for non-destructive testing in inaccessible areas, then inspection capability is improved, but position verification becomes difficult due to device slippage and complex movements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic reference features as intermediaries between the inspection device and the structure being inspected. These reference features provide stable acoustic signatures that the device can detect to determine its position, serving as a mediator that enables accurate positioning even when the device experiences slippage or complex movements in inaccessible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where acoustic data is continuously acquired, processed into fingerprints, and compared against stored reference fingerprints. This feedback loop allows the system to verify and correct position information in real-time, maintaining measurement precision despite device slippage or complex movements during inspection operations.
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
Enables precise and reliable positional verification, ensuring accurate repairs and inspections in hazardous environments by generating and comparing simplified characteristic data sets, facilitating quicker and more reliable repairs and inspections with minimal computational resources.
Implementation Method 1
The signal data is then converted by a computer into a positional 'fingerprint'—a simplified but characteristic data set that can be used to verify other signals at the position. For example, a Fourier transform, selections from the signal data's frequency domain, and/or any other detectable characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
NDE probes provide unique data signals from a remote object such that can be used to accurately and precisely locate a position. With a computer processor, the data signals are converted into a positional fingerprint that is compact and easily analyzed as a file or information of probe position. The positional fingerprint is stored in association with the position or object to verify a same position at another time. Another probe detects other data signals for the object at another time. Under a similar transformation into a positional fingerprint, the position of the other probe can be matched to the first by comparing positional fingerprints. The comparison may use a probabilistic comparison and/or compare several different fingerprints from several different locations and times to ensure a best match. Position verification between probes may ensure a repair has been completed in the proper location, verify system integrity or investigate potential problems.