Repositionable Mechanical Exciter for Acoustic Delamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic exciters are inadequate for continuous and semi-continuous acoustic interrogation of materials, particularly in confined spaces, and struggle to detect subsurface defects like delamination in reinforced concrete structures, which are challenging to assess visually.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic exciter system with repositionable excitation elements that maintain continuous contact with the substrate, utilizing a motor to agitate these elements and a sensor to sense acoustic responses, enabling comprehensive material characterization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If visual inspection is used for bridge evaluation, then the inspection process is simple and accessible, but subsurface defects like internal delaminations cannot be adequately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary to detect subsurface defects. The exciter generates acoustic waves that penetrate the concrete, and sensors detect the waves' interaction with internal delaminations, enabling non-contact detection of subsurface defects while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual inspection (optical system) with acoustic inspection (acoustic system). The mechanical vibration and acoustic wave propagation enable detection of subsurface defects that are invisible to the human eye, substituting one physical domain for another to overcome the limitations of visual inspection
2Device complexity
If traditional acoustic exciters are used, then the device structure is simple, but continuous and semi-continuous acoustic interrogation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous acoustic interrogation by maintaining constant contact between the exciter and substrate through a compliant mechanism. The exciter continuously generates acoustic waves as it moves along the substrate, eliminating gaps in inspection coverage and enabling both continuous and semi-continuous interrogation modes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic compliant mechanism that allows the exciter to adapt its position and maintain contact with the substrate surface. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to accommodate surface irregularities while maintaining continuous acoustic excitation, bridging the gap between simple structure and continuous operation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the exciter is fixed in position, then the device structure is stable, but the excitation path cannot be altered to inspect different areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed exciter into a movable platform that can be repositioned along the substrate. The platform maintains stability during operation but can be relocated to different positions, enabling multiple excitation paths and comprehensive coverage of different inspection areas while preserving operational stability
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 provides versatile and continuous acoustic excitation, allowing for effective detection of subsurface defects like delamination in bridge decks and other concrete structures, even in confined spaces, enhancing detection accuracy and cost-effectiveness of rehabilitation.
Implementation Method 1
a motor that is configured to agitate the plurality of excitation elements to cause acoustic excitation of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that is configured to sense an acoustic response of the acoustic excitation
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an acoustic exciter that is configured to be supported by a platform. The acoustic exciter includes a plurality of excitation elements that rotate about an axis of rotation to cause acoustic excitation of a substrate via contact with the substrate. The acoustic exciter is repositionable relative to the platform to alter an excitation path that is applied to the substrate by the excitation elements. The system further includes a sensor that is configured to sense an acoustic response of the acoustic excitation.