Magnetostrictive Scanner Probe for Guided Wave Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultrasonic guided wave inspection systems for pipes, plates, and shells face limitations such as an uninspectable 'dead zone' and limited axial and lateral resolution, making them less effective for detecting flaws close to structural features or in short, inaccessible regions.
Innovation Solution
A magnetostrictive ultrasonic guided wave scanner system that uses a scanner probe with a ferromagnetic strip and biasing magnet to generate and detect shear horizontal-type guided waves, providing improved axial and lateral resolution through two-dimensional scan images, and reducing the dead zone by integrating a position encoder and flexible sensor coils for precise data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic guided wave inspection systems are used, then long-distance inspection capability is achieved, but axial and lateral resolution deteriorates and dead zone increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner probe is divided into multiple sensor coils arranged in an array, with each coil capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to synthesize focused beams at different positions and directions, improving both resolution and reducing dead zone by combining signals from multiple segmented elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-element or simple array transducers to a two-dimensional array of sensor coils. This dimensional expansion enables independent control of axial and lateral focusing, allowing the system to achieve high resolution in both directions simultaneously while minimizing the dead zone through sophisticated beamforming algorithms
2Reliability
If conventional guided wave systems are used, then long-range inspection is enabled, but the ability to inspect regions close to structural features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning and positioning using the encoder and sensor array to identify regions of interest before applying full inspection power. This allows optimization of inspection parameters for areas close to structural features before formal inspection begins
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner probe is designed with dynamic scanning capability, allowing real-time adjustment of sensor coil activation patterns and beamforming parameters as the probe moves along the structure. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain high reliability for detecting flaws near structural features by continuously optimizing the inspection configuration
3Measurement precision
If magnetostrictive scanner probe with sensor coil array is used, then axial and lateral resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor coil array is designed to perform multiple functions: generating guided waves, receiving reflected waves, and providing positioning information through the encoder. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high resolution capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical focusing mechanisms with electronic beamforming using the sensor coil array. Instead of physically moving or adjusting individual transducer elements mechanically, the system uses electronic control of current in multiple coils to achieve focusing, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving resolution
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 system enables effective inspection of structures with closely-spaced features by reducing the dead zone and enhancing resolution, allowing for the detection of anomalies like corrosion and cracks in areas previously inaccessible or difficult to inspect.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one magnet is configured to apply a biasing magnetization to the ferromagnetic strip
Implementation Method 2
applying a time-varying current in the at least one sensor coil to induce a time-varying magnetization in said ferromagnetic strip to generate shear horizontal-type guided wave energy into said structure
Implementation Method 3
detecting reflected shear horizontal-type guided wave energy as the probe is moved relative to said structure
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system includes a magnetostrictive scanner probe, a ferromagnetic strip, at least one magnet, and a processor. The magnetostrictive scanner probe includes a probe body for supporting at least one flexible sensor coil and a position encoder. The ferromagnetic strip is configured to be coupled to a structure, and the at least one magnet is configured to apply a biasing magnetization to the ferromagnetic strip. The processor is configured to cause a time-varying current to be generated in the at least one flexible sensor coil to induce a time-varying magnetization in said ferromagnetic strip perpendicular to said biasing magnetization to generate shear horizontal-type guided wave energy into said structure, and process reflected shear horizontal-type guided wave energy received by the at least one flexible sensor coil as the probe is moved relative to said structure to generate at least one two-dimensional image of a region of said structure.