Multimodal Tomographic Sensors for High-Resolution Material Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tomographic methods for assessing the condition of materials like wood and concrete are costly, time-consuming, and limited in spatial resolution, lacking the ability to provide comprehensive and reproducible data due to manual pulse generation and insufficient sensor density, and are not adaptable to varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A multidimensional tomographic method using miniaturized, robust, and waterproof sensors that combine mechanical, electrical, dielectric, thermal, and electromagnetic impulses, with automatic signal generation and adaptive properties, allowing for equidistant sensor arrangements and automated data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of sensors is increased to improve spatial resolution and measurement precision, then the measurement precision and spatial resolution are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into multiple independent sensor nodes, each capable of autonomous operation. Each sensor is a separate measurement point that can independently generate and detect pulses, allowing the overall system to achieve high spatial resolution through distributed measurement points without requiring a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sensor in the array serves multiple functions: it acts as both a transmitter (impulse generator) and a receiver (signal detector). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate transmitter and receiver components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through the comprehensive data collected from all sensors.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual pulse generation is used with hammer striking, then the equipment simplicity is maintained, but the measurement time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensors are equipped with integrated impulse generation capabilities, allowing them to autonomously transmit measurement signals without requiring external manual excitation. Each sensor can self-excite the measurement process by generating electrical pulses that propagate through the test object, eliminating the need for manual hammer striking and significantly increasing measurement productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical impulse generation (hammer striking) is replaced by an electrical impulse generation system integrated into the sensors. Electrical pulses are generated and transmitted through the sensor array, providing precise, repeatable, and automated excitation that eliminates manual intervention and dramatically reduces measurement time while maintaining equipment simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If sensors are made smaller and more robust for easier installation, then the ease of operation and installation are improved, but the sensor capabilities and measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor design incorporates nested functional components where the impulse generation elements, detection elements, and processing circuits are integrated within a compact housing. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to maintain small dimensions for easy installation while preserving all necessary measurement capabilities through efficient spatial organization of its internal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor employs advanced transducer materials and optimized geometric parameters that enhance its measurement capability despite its small size. By carefully selecting and optimizing physical and electrical parameters (such as transducer material properties, electrode configuration, and signal processing algorithms), the sensor achieves high measurement precision while maintaining a compact form factor that is easy to install.
4Measurement precision
If automated signal generation and multiple impulse types are implemented, then the measurement precision and data comprehensiveness are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple impulse generation capabilities (electrical, mechanical, thermal) and signal detection functions are merged into a single integrated sensor unit. This consolidation allows the system to generate and detect multiple types of signals simultaneously at each measurement point, enhancing data comprehensiveness while avoiding the complexity that would arise from having separate systems for each measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is designed as a universal measurement device that can perform multiple measurement functions through a single component. It can generate electrical pulses, mechanical vibrations, and thermal signals, and detect their propagation through the test object. This multi-functionality enables comprehensive data collection without requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby managing device complexity while improving measurement precision.
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
Enables faster, more accurate, and cost-effective material assessment with increased spatial resolution, enabling continuous monitoring and detection of structural changes in materials like wood, concrete, and flood dams, while providing comprehensive material property analysis.
Implementation Method 1
mechanical impulses or signals being generated by means of a piezoelectric crystal
Implementation Method 2
the travel time of sound pulses between all the sensors, generated by manually striking them with a hammer, was measured
Implementation Method 3
Ultrasound methods failed at the same time due to the combination of inhomogeneity and anisotropy of wood as a material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for multidimensional, tomographic material and/or condition testing of a test specimen is described, wherein a sensor with electronics for recording and processing measurement data is arranged at several predefinable positions on the test specimen or in an area of the test specimen, wherein at least one sensor or the electronics of at least one sensor is used to carry out several different physical measurement procedures on the test specimen and to generate, trigger and/or emit pulses and/or signals required for carrying out at least one of the measurement procedures.Furthermore, a device for multidimensional tomographic material and/or condition testing of a test specimen, in particular for carrying out the above method, is specified. The device comprises several sensors, each containing electronics, and a sensor with electronics for recording and processing measurement data can be arranged on the test specimen or in a region of the test specimen at several predefinable positions. At least one sensor, or the electronics of at least one sensor, is configured to perform several different physical measurement procedures on the test specimen and to generate, trigger, and/or emit pulses and/or signals required for carrying out at least one of the measurement procedures. Finally, a corresponding sensor for such a device is specified.