Mode Conversion Reflector With Meta-Grating Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies for controlling ultrasonic waves in the ultrasonic non-destructive testing industry suffer from low propagation efficiency due to low transmittance of waves through structures and media, adhesion issues with wedges, and increased equipment volume with phased array transducers.
Innovation Solution
A mode conversion reflector with a meta-grating surface structure of a concavo-convex shape is used on the edge surface of an elastic medium, allowing for high-efficiency mode conversion and reflection of ultrasonic waves by controlling the influence of high-order diffraction modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional structures and media are used to control ultrasonic waves, then the waves can be directed and converted, but the transmission efficiency is low due to low transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the reflective layer by introducing a concavo-convex surface structure with specific curvature radii (first curvature radius R1, second curvature radius R2) and depth (h), transforming the wave interaction parameters to achieve high transmission efficiency while maintaining mode conversion and reflection functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature by creating a concavo-convex surface structure on the reflective layer, where the curved surfaces guide and focus ultrasonic waves, improving wave transmission efficiency through geometric focusing effects while maintaining the desired mode conversion and reflection characteristics
2Ease of operation
If a variable incident angle wedge is used to control ultrasonic wave directions, then wave direction control is improved, but adhesion problems occur between the wedge and the medium
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflective layer as an intermediary structure between the wedge and the medium, which mediates the wave interaction and eliminates direct adhesion requirements between the wedge and the medium while maintaining wave direction control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the wave control function into separate components: the wedge handles wave generation and initial direction, while the reflective layer handles mode conversion and final direction control, allowing each component to be optimized independently without adhesion constraints
3Measurement precision
If a phased array ultrasonic wave transducer is used to control wave directions, then direction control precision is improved, but the equipment volume increases due to additional electromagnetic equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnetic phased array system with a mechanical reflective layer structure that uses geometric optics principles to achieve wave direction control, eliminating the need for complex electromagnetic equipment while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using electromagnetic fields to control wave directions (phased array approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a passive reflective layer with specific geometric shapes to redirect waves, achieving the same control function with simpler, smaller equipment
4Adaptability or versatility
If a periodic structure such as metamaterial is installed to control ultrasonic waves, then wave mode conversion is improved, but higher-order diffraction modes are generated causing low transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a concavo-convex surface structure with specific local curvature characteristics (first curvature radius R1, second curvature radius R2) that are optimized to control wave modes locally without generating harmful higher-order diffraction modes, achieving mode conversion with high transmission efficiency
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 mode conversion reflector achieves high-efficiency mode conversion and reflection of ultrasonic waves, increasing transmission efficiency and overcoming the limitations of conventional technologies, thereby enhancing the performance of non-destructive testing equipment.
Implementation Method 1
configured to mode-convert an ultrasonic wave incident through the elastic medium by an interference phenomenon caused by diffraction of the wave
Implementation Method 2
configured to mode-convert an ultrasonic wave incident through the elastic medium by an interference phenomenon caused by diffraction of the wave
Implementation Method 3
reflect the incident ultrasonic wave into a predetermined direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a mode conversion reflector provided on an edge surface of an elastic medium, capable of mode-converting an incident ultrasonic wave with high efficiency and simultaneously reflecting the wave in a desired direction. The mode conversion reflector according to the embodiment includes an elastic medium; and a reflective layer formed of a non-planar structure on an edge surface of the elastic medium, in which an interference phenomenon caused by diffraction of wave occurs by the reflective layer, so that an ultrasonic wave incident through the elastic medium is mode-converted and reflected in a predetermined direction.