Optical Scanner Laser Vibrometer Surface Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating a laser vibrometer relative to machinery components, such as gas turbine rotor blades, require mechanical alignment or post-processing procedures, which are time-consuming and costly, and assume simplified geometric representations of the component surface.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical scanner and a laser vibrometer that maps the object surface, projects a light beam onto a measurement point, and measures its position, allowing for accurate location without mechanical or post-processing alignment through triangulated mesh application and frequency band differentiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical alignment or post-processing procedures are used to locate the vibrometer, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but inspection time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a 3D surface map of the component before performing vibration measurements. This pre-mapping step establishes a reference coordinate system that enables automatic localization of the vibrometer measurement points, eliminating the need for time-consuming mechanical alignment or post-processing procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment procedures with an optical-based 3D mapping system. Instead of using physical alignment tools and procedures, the system uses optical scanning to create a digital surface model, which then enables automatic calculation of vibrometer positions relative to the component geometry, significantly reducing inspection time
2Measurement precision
If mechanical alignment or post-processing procedures are used to locate the vibrometer, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but inspection costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical alignment procedures and post-processing operations with an integrated optical 3D mapping system. This substitution eliminates the need for specialized alignment equipment and reduces manual intervention, thereby lowering inspection costs while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by automatically calculating vibrometer locations based on the 3D surface map and measurement data. The system performs self-localization without requiring external alignment procedures or post-processing operations, reducing both time and cost while maintaining accuracy
3Ease of operation
If simplified geometric representations are used for the component surface, then alignment procedures are simplified, but measurement accuracy on complex surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of curvature by using a full 3D surface map that captures the actual curved and complex geometry of the component, rather than approximating it with simplified planar surfaces. This approach maintains measurement precision on complex surfaces while the automated processing keeps the procedure simple and efficient
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 efficient and cost-effective spatial location of measurement points on complex surfaces, reducing inspection time and costs by correlating measured positions directly with the object surface, thereby improving predictive modeling of vibration responses.
Implementation Method 1
mapping at least a portion of the object surface using the optical scanner
Implementation Method 2
triangulated mesh application
Implementation Method 3
measuring a position of the object surface using the laser vibrometer
Implementation Method 4
laser vibrometer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 3
AI summary
A method and system are provided for inspecting a surface of an object (14) with an optical scanner (16) and a laser vibrometer (18). The method includes the steps of: (a) mapping at least a portion of the object surface (12) using the optical scanner (16); (b) projecting abeam of light (32) from the laser vibrometer (18) onto the object surface (12) at a measurement point (68); (c) locating the measurement point (68) relative to the object surface (12) using the optical scanner (16); and (d) measuring a position of the object surface (12) using the laser vibrometer (18) to determine, for example, a deflection of the object surface (12).