Electromagnetic Wave Void Detection in Concrete Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive inspection methods for detecting voids in concrete structures, such as junkers and cavities, lack accuracy and are prone to misdiagnosis due to technician variability, which can lead to undetected defects and potential structural failures.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device that acquires and analyzes data from reflected electromagnetic waves to detect voids in concrete structures, using a combination of frequency analysis and ratio calculations to determine the presence and size of voids, thereby improving detection accuracy and reducing reliance on operator expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-destructive inspection methods are used to detect voids in concrete structures, then the structure is not damaged, but detection accuracy is insufficient and misdiagnosis occurs due to technician variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an electromagnetic wave-based non-destructive testing system. The inspection device emits electromagnetic waves into the concrete structure and detects reflected waves to automatically identify voids, eliminating the need for visual inspection and reducing technician variability in detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital representation (copy) of the concrete structure's internal state through electromagnetic wave reflection data. By processing the reflected wave signals to generate detection results, the system creates an accurate digital model of void locations without physically damaging the structure, enabling precise measurement and reducing human error.
2Measurement precision
If destructive inspection methods are used to obtain high accuracy information, then measurement precision improves, but the structure is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes destructive mechanical inspection methods with non-destructive electromagnetic wave-based detection. By using electromagnetic waves to penetrate the concrete and detect voids through reflected signals, the system achieves high measurement precision without causing any structural damage or requiring sample collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium to detect voids in the concrete structure. Instead of directly physically inspecting or damaging the concrete, the electromagnetic waves serve as a mediator that carries information about the internal structure through reflection, enabling precise detection without harmful contact.
3Ease of operation
If visual inspection by technicians is performed, then the inspection process is simple, but detection accuracy varies between individuals and misdiagnosis occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service inspection system where the electromagnetic wave-based device automatically detects and identifies voids without requiring skilled technician interpretation. The system performs the entire inspection process autonomously, from wave emission to void detection, ensuring consistent and reliable results regardless of operator expertise while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detection device processes reflected wave signals and provides automatic detection results. The system uses the reflected electromagnetic wave data as feedback to continuously adjust and refine the detection process, ensuring consistent and reliable void identification without the variability inherent in human visual inspection.
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
The system enables precise detection of voids with high accuracy, extending the lifespan of concrete structures by quickly identifying and addressing aging deterioration and defects, and reducing the need for destructive inspections.
Implementation Method 1
acquires data of a reflected wave generated by irradiating an electromagnetic wave from a surface toward an interior of an inspection object and causing the electromagnetic wave to be reflected inside the inspection object
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an information processing device that includes: an acquisition means for radiating an electromagnetic wave from the surface of an inspection object and for acquiring data of a reflected wave occurring due to the electromagnetic wave being reflected by the interior of the inspection object; and a detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a gap on the basis of the data of the reflected wave acquired in the acquisition means.