Automated NDT Validation with Cart Loading and Part Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are time-consuming, costly, and pose health and safety risks due to manual inspection, and automated systems require extensive programming for each component.
Innovation Solution
A non-destructive testing machine with a cart system that allows for easy loading and positioning of parts within the testing enclosure, along with a weighing system capable of generating thousands of weight values per second to ensure precise and efficient testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual inspection is used to analyze components, then flexibility in handling different component types is maintained, but testing time increases and health and safety issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the NDT machine automatically identifies and adapts to different component types through image recognition and machine learning algorithms, eliminating the need for manual programming while maintaining flexibility. The system serves itself by autonomously selecting appropriate testing parameters and configurations based on the detected component characteristics.
2Loss of time
If automated systems are used to analyze components, then testing time is reduced, but programming complexity increases for each component type
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual programming operations with automated image recognition and machine learning systems. The system captures images of components, automatically identifies component types and characteristics, and selects appropriate testing parameters without requiring manual programming intervention. This substitution of mechanical programming operations with automated recognition systems reduces both testing time and programming complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of components is performed, then adaptability to different component configurations is maintained, but health and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary automated cart that serves as a mediator between the operator and the component handling process. The cart autonomously transports components into and out of the testing enclosure, eliminating direct manual handling of potentially hazardous components while maintaining adaptability through programmable routing and positioning capabilities.
4Productivity
If components are frequently loaded and unloaded from the testing enclosure, then testing capacity increases, but positioning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning components on the cart outside the testing enclosure and pre-programming the optimal insertion path and final positioning coordinates based on component identification. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the component is loaded into the testing enclosure, it is already positioned with the required precision, maintaining both high testing capacity and positioning accuracy.
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 reduces testing time, enhances safety by minimizing manual handling, and streamlines programming, thereby increasing testing capacity and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a load cell mounted to the support, and a part platform suspended from the load cell to receive a part to be weighed, the load cell operable to generate thousands of weight values for the part per second
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for performing a validation process on a part to be processed are provided. An identifier associated with the part is received. A listing of at least one automated process based on the identifier is displayed. An indication of a selected automated process from the listing is received. First instructions are transmitted to an automated process device for performing an automated processing program in accordance with the selected automated process. Processing results associated with the part are received from the automated process device. Second instructions are transmitted to a validation process device for performing a validation program in accordance with a validation process associated with the selected automated process. Validation results associated with the part are received from the validation process device. The processing results and the validation results are stored in association with the identifier.