Ultrasonic Guided Wave Source Localization via Movable Transducer Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting, localizing, and characterizing mechanical wave sources in complex structures face challenges due to structural complexity, requiring high sensor density or costly calibration, and are limited by the sensitivity of artificial intelligence techniques to training data and lack of interpretability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that estimate spatial channel impulse responses using a movable transducer to record measurements at multiple points on a structure, allowing for the decomposition of data into mode and directional specificity, and combining these estimates with recorded wave data for source detection, localization, and characterization through deconvolution and cross-correlation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation TDOA methods are used for source localization, then source location can be determined using multiple sensors, but accurate localization requires propagation velocity profiles which need costly and tedious calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration by having each transducer in the array excite guided waves and record the resulting waveforms at all sensor locations before actual monitoring. This pre-acquired calibration data is stored and reused during operation, eliminating the need for repeated costly manual calibration procedures while maintaining localization accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the structure's wave propagation characteristics through calibration measurements. The measured impulse responses are stored as lookup tables that can be rapidly queried during source localization without requiring physical recalibration, effectively copying the propagation velocity information in a reusable digital format
2Measurement precision
If high sensor density is used to address structural complexity, then source localization can be improved in complex structures, but system cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from increasing sensor quantity to improving signal processing parameters. By using dispersive guided wave characteristics, mode decomposition, and advanced signal processing techniques, the system achieves accurate localization with fewer sensors by extracting more information from each sensor's measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each transducer in the array multi-functional: they serve as both receivers for passive source detection and as active exciters for calibration and characterization. This universal functionality reduces the need for separate calibration equipment and optimizes the use of each sensor, effectively reducing the total sensor requirement
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration methods are used to obtain propagation velocity profiles, then localization performance can be improved, but the process is tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by using its own transducers to generate calibration signals and record the responses. The calibration process is automated through signal processing algorithms that automatically extract propagation velocity profiles from the recorded waveforms, eliminating the need for manual pencil break or glass capillary break methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration methods (pencil break, glass capillary break) with automated electronic signal generation and digital signal processing. Electrical excitation signals replace mechanical impact methods, and computational algorithms replace manual measurement and analysis, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining or enhancing accuracy
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 accurate and cost-effective detection, localization, and characterization of mechanical wave sources in complex structures without the need for high sensor density or costly calibration, providing a more intuitive and reliable approach compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
passive detection, localization and characterization of mechanical wave sources using ultrasonic guided waves
Implementation Method 2
acoustic emission (AE) technology has been used for over 50 years to detect and track the initiation or growth of material defects
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for passively detecting, localizing, and/or characterizing a mechanical wave source at one or more spatial points of interest on a structure using ultrasonic guided waves are provided. The method includes estimating the spatial channel impulse response at one or more spatial points of interest using a movable transducer. Collected data recorded in response to transient mechanical waves is then combined with the spatial channel impulse response estimates to detect, localize, and/or characterize the source. A direct path from the mechanical wave source to each transducer is not required. Anisotropies and variations between transducer transfer functions may be accounted for and all propagation paths may be used to perform source localization. The method and system may leverage structural complexity rather than ignore it.