Distributed NDT System Wireless Data Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) systems face inefficiencies in data sharing and collaboration, relying on physical media or manual methods that slow down the inspection and maintenance processes in complex equipment environments like power generation, oil and gas, and aircraft facilities.

Innovation Solution

A distributed NDT system utilizing mobile devices, cloud computing, and secure wireless conduits to enable real-time data sharing, remote control, and collaborative workflows among NDT devices, allowing for enhanced visualization, data analytics, and improved resource allocation through the use of tablets and cloud-based ecosystems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If physical portable memory devices are used to share data between NDT personnel, then data can be transferred between devices, but the time required to share data increases due to physical dispatch requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sharing capabilityVSAvoiddata sharing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical portable memory device dispatch with an electromagnetic communication system. NDT devices connect to a network (wireless or wired) to transfer data digitally, eliminating the need for physical movement of storage media between personnel and locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a network infrastructure as an intermediary between NDT devices and personnel. Data is transmitted through this intermediate communication channel rather than requiring direct physical contact between devices or personnel, enabling remote and simultaneous data access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If conventional NDT systems use physical media for data sharing, then data can be stored and transferred, but the efficiency of inspection and maintenance processes decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata storage capabilityVSAvoidinspection and maintenance efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical data handling processes with automated digital systems. NDT devices automatically upload data to the network, enabling real-time access without manual intervention for data transfer, thus improving inspection and maintenance efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables continuous data availability through network connectivity. Multiple personnel can access and analyze NDT data simultaneously and continuously rather than requiring sequential physical access to portable media, maintaining uninterrupted workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS9436811B2Systems and methods for licensing non-destructive testing content

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A non-transitory computer readable medium may include executable instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause the processor provide for a repository of digital content and to create a first license based on the digital content. The instructions further cause the processor to transmit the first license and the digital content to a non-destructive testing (NDT) device, and wherein the digital content is configured to be executed by, used by, or displayed by the NDT device, or a combination thereof, based on the first license.