Electromagnet Array EMAT for Configurable Bias Magnetic Field Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing EMATs require fixed permanent magnets for specific bias magnetic field patterns to transmit different types of ultrasonic waves, limiting flexibility and efficiency in non-destructive testing and in-line inspection of metallic targets.
Innovation Solution
An EMAT system utilizing an electromagnet array with a magnetic core and a wound coil, powered by a DC and AC power supply, allowing for controlled generation of first and second bias magnetic fields through varying currents, enabling the creation of different magnetic polarization patterns for transmitting various ultrasonic waves, such as Lamb, shear-horizontal, and shear-bulk waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed permanent magnets are used to generate bias magnetic field patterns, then the EMAT can transmit specific types of ultrasonic waves, but the system lacks flexibility to transmit different types of waves and requires multiple separate EMATs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing fixed permanent magnets with electromagnets that can dynamically change their magnetic field patterns. The electromagnet array can be controlled to generate different bias magnetic field configurations (e.g., checkerboard patterns, uniform patterns) to transmit various types of ultrasonic waves including Lamb waves, shear-horizontal waves, and shear-bulk waves, allowing a single EMAT system to adapt to multiple testing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single EMAT system with electromagnet arrays that can perform multiple functions. By controlling the electromagnets to generate different magnetic field patterns, the same transducer can transmit different types of ultrasonic waves, eliminating the need for multiple specialized EMATs and providing a universal testing solution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate EMATs are used to transmit different types of ultrasonic waves, then each wave type can be optimized, but the size, weight, and cost of the inspection system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple EMAT functionalities into a single integrated system. The electromagnet array integrates the functions of multiple separate EMATs by generating different magnetic field patterns to transmit various ultrasonic wave types, thereby reducing the overall weight, size, and complexity of the inspection system while maintaining full wave transmission capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate EMATs are used for different wave types, then comprehensive testing coverage is achieved, but the cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single EMAT system with electromagnet arrays that can perform multiple functions. By controlling the electromagnets to generate different magnetic field patterns, the same transducer can transmit different types of ultrasonic waves, eliminating the need for multiple specialized EMATs and providing a universal testing solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the merging principle by combining multiple EMAT functionalities into a single integrated system. The electromagnet array integrates the functions of multiple separate EMATs by generating different magnetic field patterns to transmit various ultrasonic wave types, thereby reducing the overall weight, size, and complexity of the inspection system while maintaining full wave transmission capability.
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 solution allows a single EMAT system to generate multiple types of ultrasonic waves, enhancing flexibility and efficiency in inspections, reducing size, weight, and cost, while avoiding issues like ferromagnetic debris attraction, and enabling effective ultrasonic wave transmission and reception in metallic targets.
Implementation Method 1
a first bias magnetic field generated by the electromagnet array when the wound coil is energized with a first current from the power supply
Implementation Method 2
An electro-magnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) is a transducer (i.e., sensor) for non-contact, acoustic (i.e., ultrasonic) wave generation and reception in metallic targets
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-magnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) system and method for controlling the EMAT system are provided. The system includes an electromagnet array with one or more electromagnets. Each electromagnet includes a magnetic core and a wound coil wrapped around the magnetic core. The electromagnet array generates bias magnetic fields having different patterns when the wound coils are energized differently.