Airborne Sound Tracking for Inspection Probe Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technologies require cumbersome and complicated automated systems for tracking the position and orientation of inspection probes, limiting flexibility and efficiency in multi-dimensional tracking.
Innovation Solution
A non-mechanized position and orientation encoding system using airborne sound tracking signals, gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers to enable hand-manipulated probe tracking with a transmitter probe fixture, receiver array, and electronic control unit, allowing for multi-dimensional tracking without traditional robotic equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional automated robotic inspection systems are used, then tracking precision is maintained, but device complexity and operational cumbersome increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical robotic systems with an acoustic field-based tracking system. Airborne ultrasound waves are used to transmit position information, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators, motors, and complex mechanical linkages. This substitution of mechanical systems with acoustic fields directly reduces device complexity while maintaining tracking functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces airborne sound waves as an intermediary medium to transmit position and orientation information between the inspection probe and the tracking system. This acoustic intermediary enables non-contact, non-mechanized tracking, simplifying the overall system architecture while preserving measurement capabilities
2Ease of operation
If non-mechanized tracking systems are used, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional planar tracking to three-dimensional spatial tracking by incorporating vertical dimension measurements through airborne acoustic waves. This dimensional expansion enables accurate tracking of probe position in all three spatial dimensions plus orientation, maintaining measurement precision while enabling hand-manipulated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical encoders and position sensors with acoustic time-of-flight measurements. By measuring the time it takes for acoustic waves to travel between the probe and reference points, the system achieves precise position determination without mechanical components, maintaining measurement accuracy while improving ease of operation
3Measurement precision
If automated robotic systems are used, then tracking accuracy is maintained, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tracking functionality from heavy mechanical robotic systems and implements it through lightweight airborne acoustic wave transmission. By removing the need for mechanical actuators, motors, and complex positioning mechanisms, the system achieves accurate tracking with significantly reduced weight and compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical positioning systems with acoustic field-based tracking. Airborne ultrasound waves provide the measurement medium, eliminating heavy mechanical components while maintaining tracking accuracy. This substitution directly addresses the weight reduction requirement while preserving 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
Enables fast, compact, and accurate tracking of inspection probe positions and orientations in multiple dimensions, replacing the need for automated systems and providing real-time absolute position measurements, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in NDE applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilize airborne sound tracking signals
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasonic pulse is transmitted from a transmitter on the transmitter probe fixture that is received by at least one receiver in the receiver array
Implementation Method 3
A measurement is taken for the time it takes for the ultrasonic pulse to travel along a path to the receiver or receivers
Implementation Method 4
measure body forces and motion using gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers
Implementation Method 5
measure body forces and motion using gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers
Implementation Method 6
measure body forces and motion using gyroscopes, accelerometers, and magnetometers
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and systems for tracking motion in multiple dimensions, including multiple dimensions, including a transmitter probe fixture, a receiver array, and an electronic control unit.