CT Surface Extraction for Structural Integrity Fault Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing faults in structural components, such as those in vehicular parts, using computed tomography (CT) scans are limited as they often require destructive testing and are not suitable for spot-checks during manufacturing, and there is a need for an improved concept to analyze volumetric scanning data for structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that extracts the surfaces of components from volumetric scanning data, discards bulk voxels to reduce processing power, and analyzes the interrelationship of surfaces to determine structural integrity, using techniques like local plane fitting and machine-learning models for image segmentation to identify and classify surface voxels, thereby assessing potential faults like cathode-anode overlaps in batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If all voxels are processed for fault analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the volumetric data by distinguishing surface voxels from bulk voxels. Only surface voxels are processed for fault analysis, while bulk voxels are discarded. This segmentation maintains measurement precision for detecting surface-level defects while significantly reducing processing time by excluding unnecessary bulk voxel computations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and isolates surface voxels from the complete volumetric dataset. By taking out only the relevant surface portion for analysis and excluding bulk voxels, the method achieves efficient processing while maintaining the precision needed for detecting surface and interface faults.
2Measurement precision
If manual analysis of component faults is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis with an automated computational system. The method uses computer-implemented algorithms to automatically identify surface voxels, extract surfaces, and detect faults, eliminating the need for manual disassembly and inspection while maintaining high measurement precision through systematic digital analysis.
3Reliability
If volumetric scanning data is used for fault analysis, then non-destructive testing is achieved, but processing power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary surface voxel information from the complete volumetric scanning data. By taking out and processing only surface voxels while discarding bulk voxels, the method maintains non-destructive testing capability (preserving the original component) while significantly reducing processing power requirements through selective data processing.
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 method enhances the analysis of structural integrity by reducing processing power and accurately detecting structural faults, improving the correlation between volumetric scanning data and performance, enabling non-destructive spot-checks and fault analysis during manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The volumetric scanning data is represented by a plurality of voxels. The brightness of the voxels indicates a rate of absorption of the x-rays used for the CT scanning.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a computer-implemented methods, computing devices and computer programs for processing computed tomography (CT) scanning data and analyzing the performance of structural elements represented by computed tomography scanning data. A computer-implemented method for processing volumetric scanning data comprises obtaining (110) volumetric scanning data of a structural element, the structural element comprising a plurality of instances of two or more types of components. The volumetric scanning data is represented by a plurality of voxels. The method comprises assigning (120) the plurality of voxels to one of the two or more different types of components identifying (130), for each type of component, the voxels that are part of a surface of an instance of the component. The method comprises extracting (140) the surfaces of the instances of the components using the voxels that are part of the surface of the respective type of component. The method comprises determining (170) information on a structural integrity of the structural element based on the extracted surfaces.