Exoemission Sensor for Atmospheric Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting defects and fatigue in structures require a physical crack or defect to be present, limiting early detection and being costly and resolution-limited, while exoelectron detection is restricted to high-vacuum conditions, preventing its use for defect detection.
Innovation Solution
A defect detection system utilizing an exoemission sensor with a conductive and insulating layer, mountable to a material, capable of receiving exoemissions in atmospheric conditions, and an analysis device to determine defects based on emitted signals, allowing for early detection of defects without the need for a physical crack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods (dye penetrants, acoustic, ultrasound, Eddy current, X-ray) are used, then defects can be detected, but detection can only occur after a physical crack or defect is already present in the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The exoemission sensor detects exoelectrons emitted during the fatigue process before a physical crack forms. By monitoring exoelectron emission rates that decrease over time during fatigue, the system performs preliminary detection of material degradation before visible defects appear, enabling preventive maintenance before actual cracking occurs.
2Measurement precision
If dye penetrating methods are used, then defects can be detected, but resolution and accuracy are limited because cracks must exist on the surface and be observable to the naked eye or under magnification
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces optical/mechanical detection methods (dye penetrants requiring visible cracks) with a physical field-based detection method (exoemission sensing). The exoemission sensor detects electrical signals from exoelectrons emitted during fatigue, substituting mechanical/optical observation with electromagnetic field detection to achieve higher sensitivity and earlier detection.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic, ultrasound and Eddy current X-ray techniques are used, then higher resolution than dye penetrants can be achieved, but detection time is long as multiple images must be analyzed and costs can be high
Solution Approach 1:
The exoemission sensor provides continuous real-time monitoring of exoelectron emission rates during fatigue loading. The sensor autonomously detects changes in emission rates that indicate fatigue progression, eliminating the need for multiple image acquisitions and manual analysis required by acoustic and ultrasound methods, thereby achieving both high resolution and fast detection.
4Measurement precision
If exoelectron detection is performed under high vacuum conditions, then exoelectrons can be detected, but the system cannot be used for defect detection in atmospheric conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operating pressure parameter from high vacuum to atmospheric conditions. The exoemission sensor is specifically designed to operate at atmospheric pressure, detecting exoelectrons emitted during fatigue in normal environmental conditions, thereby enabling practical application for structural health monitoring without requiring vacuum chambers.
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
Enables early detection of defects and generation of fatigue maps, improving resolution and reducing costs by detecting defects before they become observable, and operating in normal atmospheric conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Exoemissions, as used herein, refers to the phenomenon of emission of charged particles (e.g., electrons) from solid surfaces after plastic deformation, stress, strain, abrasion or particle bombardment of the solid surface
Data Source
AI summary
An defect detection system includes an exoemission sensor having a conductive layer and an insulating layer. The exoemission sensor is mountable to a material of interest and configured to receive exoemissions from the material while in an atmosphere. The exoemission sensor outputs a signal based upon the received emissions. An analysis device is configured to receive the signal from the exoemission sensor and determine whether a defect is present in the material based upon the signal.