Acoustic-RF Multi-Sensor Probe for Material Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are unable to simultaneously measure mechanical, thermal, and electrical material properties while locating and identifying structural defects, limiting their effectiveness in assessing material performance and integrity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sensor system combining acoustic and radio frequency (RF) sensors to provide a comprehensive assessment of material properties, including defect detection, using dual-modality data fusion and advanced algorithms for real-time analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If single-technique NDE methodologies are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and defect detection capability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines acoustic sensors and RF sensors into a single integrated NDE system. The acoustic member and RF member are mounted in close proximity within the same probe housing, allowing simultaneous measurement of mechanical properties (via acoustic waves) and electrical/thermal properties (via RF signals). This merging resolves the contradiction by achieving comprehensive measurement precision while managing system complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-modality probe serves multiple functions: acoustic sensing for mechanical property characterization, RF sensing for electrical and thermal property characterization, and defect detection. This multi-functionality allows a single system to measure the entire range of material properties (mechanical, thermal, electrical) that would otherwise require separate specialized devices, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized NDE techniques are used for specific properties, then measurement precision for that property is improved, but adaptability to measure multiple properties simultaneously is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic member and RF member are designed to operate independently yet simultaneously within the same probe. The acoustic member measures mechanical properties (elastic moduli, strength) through acoustic wave propagation, while the RF member measures electrical and thermal properties through electromagnetic signal analysis. This universal design enables the system to adapt to measure multiple material properties without sacrificing the measurement precision of individual properties, as each sensor maintains its specialized measurement capability.
3Reliability
If single-sensor systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but sensitivity to minute defects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges acoustic and RF sensing capabilities to achieve enhanced defect detection sensitivity. Acoustic sensors detect minute structural flaws through acoustic wave scattering and attenuation, while RF sensors simultaneously detect the same flaws through electromagnetic signal variations. The combination of these two independent detection mechanisms provides redundant verification and enhanced sensitivity to defects below the resolution limit of either single technique, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
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 system achieves highly accurate measurements of material properties and increased sensitivity to defects, enhancing quality assurance and performance prediction, with improved sensitivity and accuracy over single-technique methodologies.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic member 26 and a radiofrequency (RF) member 28 mounted in the hollow interior 24 in a close proximity to each other
Implementation Method 2
a radiofrequency (RF) member 28 mounted in the hollow interior 24 in a close proximity to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining properties and structural integrity of a material comprises a probe including a housing, a source operable to propagate an acoustic energy through a thickness of the material, a source operable to propagate a radio frequency (RF) energy through the thickness of the material, an acoustic member mounted within the housing and operable to measure a response of the material to the acoustic energy, and a radio frequency (RF) member mounted within the hollow interior in a close proximity to the acoustic member and operable to measure a response of the material to the RF energy. A hardware interface device is coupled to both acoustic and RF members. A controller is coupled to the hardware interface and configured to receive the acoustic and RF response signals and includes a processor operable to process the received acoustic and RF response signals.