Manual Nondestructive Testing With Synchronized Probe Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive testing methods require precise 3D CAD models, prior pathway planning, and complex adjustments, making them inefficient for manual testing on complex surfaces without real-time feedback and synchronization of test data, position, and surface characterization.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a probe for data acquisition, a position monitoring sub-system, and a surface characterization sub-system, synchronized by a central control unit, allowing real-time data pairing and feedback without prior pathway planning, enabling reliable manual testing on complex surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior pathway planning and precise 3D CAD models are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring probe position and providing guidance to the operator to follow the optimal measurement pathway. The holographic display shows the planned pathway and current probe position, allowing the operator to self-correct without complex pre-planning. This feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a holographic display as an intermediary between the complex measurement system and the operator. This intermediary visualizes the measurement pathway and provides real-time guidance, translating complex spatial relationships into intuitive visual feedback. This mediator enables precise measurements without requiring the operator to mentally process complex 3D CAD models and planned pathways.
2Measurement precision
If prior pathway planning is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and productivity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback through holographic display showing the planned pathway overlaid with real-time probe position. The operator simply follows the visual guidance rather than executing pre-planned complex sequences, making operation easier while maintaining precision through real-time correction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The operator autonomously follows the holographic guidance without needing detailed pre-planning instructions or complex procedural knowledge. The system serves itself by providing intuitive visual cues that enable the operator to self-guide the probe along the optimal measurement pathway, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
3Ease of operation
If manual acquisition without synchronization is used, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically synchronizes and pairs test data with position data in real-time, providing feedback to ensure correct association without requiring operator intervention. This automated synchronization maintains measurement precision while keeping operation simple, as the system handles the complex data pairing automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the acquisition of test data and position data into a unified synchronized process. By combining these data streams and automatically pairing them based on temporal correlation, the system ensures measurement precision without adding operational complexity. The operator performs a single manual acquisition action while the system handles synchronization internally.
4Measurement precision
If complex adjustments and prior planning are required, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the optimal measurement pathway and prepares holographic guidance in advance, but delays actual execution until the operator is ready. This preliminary preparation enables precise measurements without requiring time-consuming on-site adjustments or complex pre-planning procedures during the measurement process, thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback through holographic display allows the operator to immediately correct any deviations from the optimal pathway during measurement. This continuous guidance eliminates the need for repeated measurements or post-processing corrections, improving both measurement precision and productivity by reducing rework.
Data Source
AI summary
A manual system for non-destructive testing of a part to be tested includes a sub-system for acquiring non-destructive test data comprising a probe, a sub-system for tracking the position of the probe, and a sub-system for acquiring surface characterisation data of a test zone defined on the surface of the part. The system also includes a central sub-system for controlling the test data acquisition, surface characterisation data acquisition and position tracking subsystems as a function of the test zone covered by the probe manipulated by an operator, the central subsystem being able to synchronise the operation of the test data acquisition, surface characterisation data acquisition and position tracking subsystems and to pair the data produced by the test data acquisition, surface characterisation data acquisition and position tracking subsystems during their operation.