Electrical Characteristic Inspection With Fixed Sensor Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nondestructive inspection methods for large and wide objects, such as reinforced concrete and composite materials, are inefficient and require mechanical scanning, struggle with wide impedance ranges, and are costly due to the need for precise impedance measurement across varying materials.

Innovation Solution

An electrical characteristic parameter inspection apparatus and method using multiple sensors or electrodes arranged in predetermined patterns, measuring and analyzing electrical parameters without mechanical scanning, and adjusting electrode connections based on object impedance to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a small electrode is moved on the surface of the object to measure impedance, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to the time required to move the electrode and inspect the whole object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance measurement precisionVSAvoidinspection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the inspection task into multiple measurement points arranged in a matrix pattern across the object surface. Instead of moving a single electrode continuously, multiple fixed electrodes are positioned at segmented locations, allowing parallel measurement across different regions of the object simultaneously, thus improving productivity while maintaining measurement precision at each point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear electrode movement to two-dimensional matrix arrangement of electrodes on the object surface. This dimensional change allows comprehensive coverage of the inspection area through fixed electrode positions, eliminating the need for mechanical scanning while maintaining precise impedance measurements across the entire surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If electrodes are moved to measure impedances at respective positions, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the sequential measurement process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance measurement precisionVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inspection area is segmented into multiple measurement points with fixed electrodes positioned at each point. This segmentation enables simultaneous measurement at all points, converting a sequential time-consuming process into a parallel operation that significantly reduces total inspection time while maintaining precise measurements at each segmented location

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Electrodes are pre-positioned at all measurement points before the inspection begins. This preliminary arrangement of electrodes eliminates the time required for moving electrodes during measurement, allowing immediate simultaneous measurements across all points and thus reducing overall inspection time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If impedance measurement is performed across objects with wide impedance ranges, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for expensive measurement circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement adaptability across different materialsVSAvoidmeasurement circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameters by using voltage ratio measurements instead of absolute impedance measurements. This parameter change allows the system to handle wide impedance ranges (from insulators like concrete to conductors like CFRP) using simple, low-cost voltage division circuits, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability across different material types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 efficient and accurate nondestructive inspection of large objects by reducing mechanical scanning, narrowing impedance dynamic ranges, and optimizing electrode connections for precise measurements.

Implementation Method 1

measures electrical characteristic parameters for the respective selection patterns, the electrical characteristic parameters being output from the sensors included in the selection patterns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Impedance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS12429447B2Electrical characteristic parameter inspection apparatus, electrical characteristic parameter inspection method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 KONICA MINOLTA INC

AI summary

An electrical characteristic parameter inspection apparatus includes multiple sensors to be arranged on or over an object and a hardware processor. The hardware processor selects multiple predetermined selection patterns, each of the selection patterns including a sensor pair, the sensor pair including two or more sensors among the multiple sensors; measures electrical characteristic parameters for the respective selection patterns, the electrical characteristic parameters being output from the sensors included in the selection patterns; and analyzes the electrical characteristic parameters measured for the respective selection patterns.