NDT Probe Motion Sensor Feedback for Inspection Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) systems face inefficiencies in data sharing and inspection productivity due to manual data transfer methods and the dependency on probe position and movement speed, which affects detection accuracy and operator productivity.

Innovation Solution

A distributed NDT system that uses wireless conduits and cloud-based technologies to communicatively couple NDT inspection devices with mobile devices and cloud computing systems, enabling enhanced data gathering, analysis, and collaboration, and utilizing motion data from NDT probes to filter sensor data and provide feedback for consistent inspection results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If manual data transfer methods are used in conventional NDT systems, then data sharing between NDT personnel is achieved, but the time required for data sharing increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata sharing efficiencyVSAvoidtime to share data
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical data transfer methods (physical portable memory devices, paper) with electronic wireless communication systems. The NDT system automatically transmits inspection data via wireless networks to remote devices, eliminating the need for physical data carrier transport and significantly reducing data sharing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the NDT probe is moved at varying speeds during inspection, then operator productivity increases, but detection accuracy decreases due to position and orientation effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator productivityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates motion sensors that continuously monitor probe speed, position, and orientation. This motion data is fed back to the processing system, which uses it to compensate for variations in detection signals caused by probe movement. The feedback mechanism allows operators to move the probe at varying speeds for improved productivity while maintaining detection accuracy through real-time signal correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameters of detection signals based on measured motion parameters. When probe speed or orientation varies, the system adjusts signal processing parameters to compensate for these changes, ensuring consistent detection accuracy regardless of probe movement conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the NDT probe is moved faster to increase productivity, then inspection speed increases, but the probability of detection decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection speedVSAvoidprobability of detection
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Motion sensors provide real-time feedback on probe speed to the processing system. When high speeds are detected, the system adjusts signal processing parameters to maintain detection sensitivity, allowing fast inspection without sacrificing probability of detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts processing parameters based on real-time probe motion conditions. Rather than requiring constant probe speed, the system adapts to varying speeds through dynamic parameter adjustment, enabling both high productivity and reliable detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2939016B1Reference measurement for a non-destructive testing system
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 BAKER HUGHES CO
  • EP2939016B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2939016B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2939016B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes a non-destructive testing (NDT) system having an NDT probe and a processor. The NDT probe includes a testing sensor and a motion sensor. The testing sensor is configured to capture sensor data from an inspection area, and the motion sensor is configured to detect a measurement speed at which the NDT probe moves relative to the inspection area. The processor is configured to determine a speed comparison between the measurement speed and a reference speed range.