Non-Destructive Inspection of Structures Through Cover Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Structures covered with protective layers pose challenges for non-destructive inspection, as corrosion can be obscured, requiring removal and reinstallation of the cover layer, which is time-consuming and potentially damaging.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using high energy photon beams to inspect structures through cover layers by emitting a photon beam, detecting scatter signals from multiple paths, and comparing values to assess the integrity of the structure without removing the cover layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the cover layer is removed for visual inspection, then the structure can be inspected for corrosion, but the inspection process becomes time-consuming and the cover layer may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of removing and visually inspecting the cover layer with a non-destructive inspection system using high energy photons (gamma rays or x-rays). The photon beam penetrates the cover layer and interacts with the structure, allowing inspection without physical contact or removal of the cover layer, thus eliminating time loss and damage risk while maintaining inspection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces high energy photons as an intermediary medium to transmit inspection information through the cover layer. The photons serve as a mediator that can penetrate both the cover layer and the structure, carrying information about the structure's condition to detectors without requiring direct visual access or physical removal of the cover layer
2Measurement precision
If the cover layer is removed for inspection, then corrosion can be detected, but the cover layer may be damaged and temperature control is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical removal of the cover layer with a non-contact photon-based inspection system. The high energy photon beam penetrates the cover layer to detect corrosion without physical manipulation, preserving the cover layer's integrity and its protective function while maintaining accurate corrosion detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The high energy photons act as an intermediary that can pass through the cover layer to interact with the structure underneath. This allows corrosion detection information to be transmitted through the cover layer without compromising the cover layer's physical integrity or its ability to protect the structure from environmental factors including temperature variations
3Ease of operation
If conventional visual inspection is used, then the inspection process is simple, but it cannot effectively inspect the structure across the cover layer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameter of the inspection beam by using high energy photons (gamma rays or x-rays) instead of visible light. This parameter change enables the inspection beam to penetrate the cover layer and interact with the structure, achieving effective corrosion detection while maintaining operational simplicity through automated detection and ratio-based analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces high energy photons as an intermediary that can penetrate the cover layer, which visible light cannot do effectively. The system maintains operational simplicity by using the ratio of scattered photon signals detected at different angles, which automatically compensates for variations in cover layer thickness and material properties, providing effective corrosion detection without complex calibration procedures
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 non-destructive inspection of structures by comparing scatter signal values to determine the integrity of the structure, effectively identifying corrosion without damaging the cover layer or causing temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
The propagation of the high energy photon beam along the photon path results in scattering along at least first and second scatter paths originating from the target point P and extending back across the cover layer and away therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
There is described a method for inspecting a structure across a cover layer covering the structure. The method generally has emitting a high energy photon beam along a photon path extending across said cover layer and leading to a target point within said structure, resulting in scattering along at least first and second scatter paths originating from said target point and extending across said cover layer and away therefrom, said first and second scatter paths forming a respective angle relative to said cover layer and defining an inspection plane comprising at least the target point; simultaneously detecting a first scatter signal incoming from said first scatter path and detecting a second scatter signal incoming from said second scatter path, and generating first and second values indicative therefrom; comparing said first and second values to one another; and inspecting said structure based on said comparing.