Multi-Frequency Wireless Sensor for Bulk and Guided Wave NDT
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive testing (NDT) systems require separate sensors for high-frequency bulk waves and low-frequency guided waves, leading to increased costs, weight, and physical space, as well as reduced efficiency in inspection processes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-frequency wireless sensor and excitation device that incorporates a piezoelectric ultrasound transducer with multiple induction coils and capacitances, allowing simultaneous generation and detection of both bulk and guided waves, reducing the need for multiple sensors and enhancing inspection speed and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two different types of sensors are used for bulk waves and guided waves, then both wave types can be generated, but the cost, weight, and physical space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (ultrasound transducer, induction coil, capacitance) into a single integrated wireless sensor unit that can generate both bulk waves and guided waves. This merging eliminates the need for separate sensors for each wave type, directly reducing the combined weight of sensors integrated into the test object while maintaining the capability to perform both bulk wave and guided wave testing
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless sensor is designed as a multi-functional device that can operate at multiple frequencies to generate different wave types. The sensor includes an ultrasound transducer and induction coil system that can be excited at different frequencies to produce either bulk waves or guided waves, making a single sensor universal for both testing modes
2Adaptability or versatility
If two different types of sensors are used for bulk waves and guided waves, then both wave types can be generated, but the physical space occupied by sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the ultrasound transducer, induction coil, and capacitance into a single compact wireless sensor unit. This consolidation reduces the physical footprint required on the test object surface compared to using separate dedicated sensors for bulk wave and guided wave testing
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional wireless sensor performs both bulk wave and guided wave testing capabilities in a single device, reducing the total area occupied by sensors on the test object while maintaining versatility for different testing requirements
3Reliability
If separate sensors are used for bulk waves and guided waves, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the inspection speed and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless sensor can simultaneously generate and detect both bulk waves and guided waves during a single inspection operation. This continuous multi-functional operation eliminates the need to switch between separate sensors or perform separate testing sequences, thereby increasing inspection speed and efficiency while maintaining reliable detection capabilities for both wave types
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 multi-frequency sensor and excitation device enable simultaneous inspection using bulk and guided waves, reducing costs, weight, and physical space, while providing unique identifiers for each sensor location, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of NDT processes.
Implementation Method 1
a first induction coil electrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer; a second induction coil; and a capacitance, connected in parallel with the second induction coil, such that the wireless sensor can operate at a first operating frequency or a second operating frequency when the sensor is excited by a remote device
Implementation Method 2
Known NDT sensors typically employ piezoelectric or other transducers to generate ultrasound waves which propagate through the test object
Implementation Method 3
The first and second induction coils, the capacitance and the ultrasound transducer may form a resonant circuit which has first and second resonant frequencies
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-frequency wireless sensor for non-destructive testing of a test object, the sensor comprising: an ultrasound transducer having a plurality of operating frequencies; a first induction coil electrically coupled to the ultrasound transducer; a second induction coil; and a capacitance, connected in parallel with the second induction coil, such that the wireless sensor can operate at a first operating frequency or a second operating frequency when the sensor is excited by a remote device.