Laser Ultrasonic Inspection with Unified Signal Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser induced ultrasonic inspection apparatuses are hindered by the increase in the number of parts due to multiple signal generators, which complicates size reduction and synchronization of signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A laser induced ultrasonic inspection apparatus utilizing a light modulator with a vibrator as a signal source for generating reference signals, reducing the need for separate signal generators and enabling synchronization of multiple signal processing types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple signal generators are used to control laser light, moving stage, and detect vibration, then the functionality and accuracy of the inspection apparatus is improved, but the number of parts increases and the apparatus size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple signal generation functions into a single signal generator that outputs multiple types of signals (reference signal, pulse control signal, stage control signal) simultaneously. This merging approach maintains the required functionality for laser control, stage movement, and vibration detection while reducing the total number of separate signal generators from multiple to one, thereby reducing apparatus size and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single signal generator is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: generating reference signals for synchronization, pulse control signals for laser operation, and stage control signals for moving stage positioning. This universal signal generator replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated signal generators, achieving both functional completeness and compactness
2Measurement precision
If multiple signal generators are used for different control functions, then the precision of each function is maintained, but synchronization between multiple signal processing types becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all signal generation functions into a single signal generator, the patent establishes a common timing base for all operations. The reference signal, pulse control signal, and stage control signal are all generated by the same device with synchronized internal clocking, making it straightforward to synchronize multiple signal processing types without the complexity of coordinating multiple independent signal generators
3Volume of moving object
If the apparatus size is reduced for better portability, then the number of parts must be reduced, but maintaining accurate defect detection and signal synchronization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces apparatus size by merging multiple signal generators into one compact unit that performs all necessary signal generation functions. This consolidation maintains accurate defect detection capability because the single signal generator provides synchronized reference signals, pulse control signals, and stage control signals that are precisely timed relative to each other, ensuring accurate timing for ultrasonic wave generation, detection, and defect localization
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 apparatus achieves a smaller size and improved portability while maintaining accurate defect detection and synchronization of signal processing, allowing for efficient operation with internal power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser light source configured to irradiates an object under inspection with pulse-shaped first laser light... an ultrasonic wave induced in the object under inspection by the radiation of the first laser light
Implementation Method 2
a laser interferometer configured to use second laser light to detect vibration of the object under inspection... a light receiver configured to receive the second laser light traveling via the light modulator and the second laser light traveling via the object under inspection
Implementation Method 3
a light modulator configured to use a vibrator to modulate a frequency of the second laser light
Data Source
AI summary
A laser induced ultrasonic inspection apparatus including: a head including a light source configured to irradiates an object with pulse-shaped first laser light, a first signal generator configured to generate a pulse control signal, and a laser interferometer configured to detect vibration induced by the radiation of the first laser light; a moving stage at which the object is placed; and a second signal generator configured to generate a stage control signal, the laser interferometer including a light source configured to irradiate the object with second laser light, a light modulator, and a light receiver configured to receive the second laser light traveling via the light modulator and the object.