Concentric Phased-Array Probe Beam Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phased-array probes, such as linear, annular, and matrix array probes, face limitations in controlling ultrasonic beam direction and focusing accuracy, with matrix array probes experiencing high noise levels due to numerous control channels, which increases costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A phased-array flaw-detection device with ultrasonic transducers separated in a concentric circle pattern and rows orthogonal to a reference line, allowing for simultaneous control of transducers to focus beams into circles and direct them in any direction, while reducing noise levels without increasing the number of control channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a matrix array probe is used to focus ultrasonic beam in circles and control beam direction in any direction, then the beam focusing and directional control capability is improved, but the number of control channels increases significantly leading to high noise levels and increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The probe elements are segmented into multiple concentric circular groups rather than using a full matrix array configuration. Each circular group can be independently controlled to focus the ultrasonic beam in specific directions, achieving versatile beam control without requiring control channels for every individual element in a complete matrix
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric circular element groups serve multiple functions: they can focus the beam in different directions by selective excitation, control beam width through variable aperture utilization, and perform flaw detection without requiring separate dedicated components for each function that a full matrix array would need
2Measurement precision
If the number of control channels is increased to improve beam focusing precision and reduce noise, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the hardware cost and system complexity increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of controlling every element individually with separate channels, the invention uses partial action by controlling groups of elements (circular zones) collectively. This provides sufficient beam focusing precision for flaw detection without the excessive number of channels that would be required for element-by-element control
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple probe elements within each concentric circular group are merged into a single controllable unit. The combined action of these elements achieves the desired beam focusing and directional control, reducing the total number of control channels needed while maintaining 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
This configuration enables precise focusing and directional control of ultrasonic beams, improving measurement accuracy and reducing noise levels, thus enhancing flaw detection capabilities without the need for additional control channels.
Implementation Method 1
A phased-array probe is composed of a plurality of transducers. Each of the transducers independently controls the timing (the phase) of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave
Implementation Method 2
Each of the transducers independently controls the timing (the phase) of transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave, and forms a synthesized ultrasonic wavefront thereby to control an ultrasonic beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
A plurality of ultrasonic transducers 12 (segment 15) of the invented probe 10 are separated in a concentric circle pattern, separated in rows that are orthogonal to a reference line L that passes through the center of circles, and positioned line symmetrically with respect to the reference line L. The detection surface 14 of the invented probe 10 has a circular shape having the diameter D, and has a plurality of segments 15 divided into a plurality of arc-shaped portions that are symmetrical with respect to the reference line L. Further a controller 20 which has a plurality of control channels 21 for controlling pairs of the line symmetrical ultrasonic transducers 12 under the same conditions is provided.