Muon Tomography for 3D Printed Object Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for quality inspection of 3D printed objects are inadequate in detecting internal voids and defects in real-time during or after the printing process, especially for large structures and those created in diverse materials like polymers, metals, ceramics, and fiber impregnated resins, and lack transparency and data security.
Innovation Solution
Muon tomography is employed to non-destructively examine 3D printed objects by shooting muons inside or outside the build chamber, with algorithms creating digital renderings for quality assessment, utilizing machine learning to improve the process and recording data on a distributed ledger for security and transparency, applicable to various materials and environments including space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional inspection methods are used for 3D printed objects, then the inspection process is simple and inexpensive, but internal voids and defects cannot be detected in real-time
Solution Approach 1:
Muon particles serve as intermediaries to penetrate and detect internal structures of 3D printed objects. The muon tomography system uses these cosmic ray particles as a mediator between the inspection source and the object, enabling non-destructive internal defect detection without requiring complex contact-based inspection equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical inspection methods with particle-based muon tomography. Instead of using physical probes or contact-based sensors that cannot penetrate dense materials, the system uses muon particles that naturally penetrate through the object, with detectors capturing their interaction patterns to reveal internal defects.
2Reliability
If muon tomography is used for real-time inspection during printing, then internal defects can be detected, but the inspection system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The muon detector system serves multiple functions: it detects internal defects in 3D printed objects, monitors the printing process in real-time, and can be integrated into existing build chambers without requiring completely separate inspection equipment. This multi-functionality justifies the complexity by providing comprehensive quality assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses naturally occurring cosmic ray muons as the inspection source, eliminating the need for expensive artificial radiation sources or complex particle acceleration equipment. The environment itself provides the inspection particles, reducing system complexity while maintaining detection capability.
3Measurement precision
If post-production inspection is performed, then quality assessment is thorough, but production time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The muon tomography inspection is performed during the 3D printing process itself rather than after completion. By conducting the inspection preliminarily while the object is still being constructed, the system identifies defects early when they can be addressed without requiring re-printing of entire objects, thus saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection process runs continuously alongside the printing operation without interrupting production. Muon particles constantly interact with the object during printing, and detectors continuously monitor for defects, maintaining uninterrupted production flow while ensuring quality assessment.
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 real-time quality assurance and defect detection within 3D printed objects, improving build processes through machine learning and providing secure, transparent data management across diverse environments and materials, ensuring the quality and mechanical integrity of printed objects.
Implementation Method 1
Muon tomography is employed to non-destructively examine 3D printed objects by shooting muons inside or outside the build chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for non-destructive examination of three-dimensional (3D) printed objects includes a muon source directs muon particles at and through the 3D object and a muon detector receives the muon particles from the muon source to produce a muon signal which is representative of the 3D object. A first computing device executes an algorithm to analyze the muon signal. The analysis comprises creating a 3D rendering of the 3D object based upon the muon signal; preparing a physics-based digital model of the 3D object; and comparing the 3D rendered object to the digital model to identify defects within the 3D object. An augmented reality (AR) device and a second computing device may communicate with the first computing device and receive the 3d rendered object and the digital model. This can used on earth, in space, on a moon or asteroid or another planet as muons occur naturally in these environments.