Automated Structural Health Assessment Using Image Data Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing structural health rely on manual interpretation of non-destructive evaluation data, leading to errors and high costs due to variability in inspector skill and equipment accessibility, resulting in conservative structural design and missed or over-reported flaws.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that receives damage image data, converts it into analyzable format, performs structural analysis, and outputs results on structural suitability for continued service, using in-situ sensing and finite element analysis to reduce false positives and negatives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual interpretation of non-destructive evaluation data is used, then inspector expertise and experience can be utilized, but errors arise due to variability in skill and experience leading to false positives and false negatives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical interpretation process with an automated computer-based system that processes non-destructive evaluation data. The system automatically compares inspection data against structural models and criteria to determine structural health, eliminating human variability and error while maintaining high accuracy through systematic algorithmic analysis.
2Reliability
If conservative structural design is used to manage uncertainty, then structural safety is ensured, but the benefit of repairs is not realized due to overly restrictive allowable damage limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-driven assessment system that uses actual non-destructive evaluation data to update structural health status and adjust allowable damage limits dynamically. Rather than applying fixed conservative limits, the system continuously monitors structural condition and provides feedback-based recommendations that optimize repair decisions while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of allowable damage limits from fixed conservative values to dynamic values based on actual inspection data, structural age, repair history, and observed degradation patterns. This allows optimization of damage thresholds to balance safety requirements with repair efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If sophisticated equipment and operator experience are combined, then structural health assessment capability is improved, but costs and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring structural models, degradation criteria, and assessment algorithms before inspection occurs. The system prepares reference data, structural models, and evaluation criteria in advance, so that during actual inspection, the automated system can rapidly compare incoming data against pre-established parameters, significantly reducing inspection time while maintaining high detection precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Structural analysis systems and methods are disclosed. One embodiment provides a method for analyzing a structure includes receiving damage image data; converting the received image data into analysis data in an analyzable format; performing a structural analysis on the analysis data; and outputting the results of the structural analysis. The system includes a computer or other processing device that is capable of analyzing a structure. The system receives damage image data; converts the received image data into analysis data in an analyzable format; performs a structural analysis on the analysis data; and outputs the results of the structural analysis.