Optical Motion-Tracking NDT Probe Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive testing methods require prior knowledge of the geometry of mechanical parts and rely on mechanical carrier systems, leading to geometrical inaccuracies and poor maneuverability, making them inefficient for manual inspections.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing an optical motion-tracking system to learn the examination area and probe coordinates, eliminating the need for mechanical carriers and prior geometry knowledge, allowing for accurate manual testing without complex installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical carrier system is used for non-destructive testing, then the testing can be performed on mechanical parts, but geometrical inaccuracies accumulate from the carrier, gripping system, and fastening, reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical carrier system with an optical motion-tracking system. Instead of using a mechanical carrier with gripping systems and fastening mechanisms, the invention uses optical tracking to monitor the position and orientation of the probe directly in space, eliminating the mechanical components that introduce geometrical inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coordinate system learning mechanism as an intermediary between the optical tracking system and the measurement process. By learning the coordinate systems of both the examination area and the probe, the system establishes a precise mathematical relationship that allows accurate position and orientation determination without direct mechanical coupling.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanical carrier system is used for non-destructive testing, then the testing structure is established, but the maneuverability becomes poor due to the rigid mechanical structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical carrier system with an optical motion-tracking system, allowing the probe to be moved freely by the operator without being constrained by a rigid mechanical structure. The optical tracking maintains positioning reliability by continuously monitoring the probe's position and orientation in space through coordinate system transformations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If prior knowledge of part geometry is required for non-destructive testing, then the testing can be configured, but the adaptability to different parts is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary coordinate system learning during the initial setup phase. By learning the coordinate systems of the examination area and the probe beforehand, the system prepares the transformation relationships needed for accurate positioning, enabling rapid adaptation to different parts without requiring detailed prior geometry knowledge.
4Device complexity
If a mechanical carrier system with preloaded probe models is used, then the testing can be performed, but the device complexity increases due to the mechanical carrier and gripping system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical carrier system and its associated gripping mechanisms, replacing them with an optical motion-tracking system. This substitution reduces device complexity by removing unnecessary mechanical components while improving positioning precision through direct optical monitoring and coordinate system learning.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy and maneuverability of non-destructive testing by relying solely on the optical motion-tracking system, enabling precise positioning and orientation of the probe without prior geometry knowledge, thus improving the efficiency of manual inspections.
Implementation Method 1
an optical motion-tracking system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a device for non-destructive testing of a mechanical part, the device including an optical motion-tracking system, a non-destructive testing probe fixedly linked to a first rigid body, and a pointing device, includes steps of: learning of an origin and of axes of an examination area of the surface of the mechanical part using the pointing device, in a coordinate system linked to the optical motion-tracking system, so as to define a coordinate system linked to the examination area, learning of an origin and of axes of an emitter and receiver surface, called active surface, of the probe using the pointing device, in a coordinate system linked to the first rigid body of the probe, and determination of the position and of the orientation of the active surface of the probe, in the coordinate system linked to the examination area.