Optical Nondestructive Testing of Connection Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical nondestructive testing methods cannot effectively determine the state of connection between members connected directly or with a connector, as they require breaking samples or are limited to specific material structures, making them unsuitable for assessing connection interfaces between first and second members.

Innovation Solution

An optical nondestructive testing method and apparatus that applies a sinusoidally changing heating laser to a measurement point, measuring the phase difference between the laser intensity and infrared radiation to determine the connection area using phase difference-connection area correlation information, allowing for nondestructive assessment of connection interfaces regardless of direct connection or connector presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sample breaking method is used to check connection state, then measurement precision is improved, but the sample is destroyed and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection state determination accuracyVSAvoidtesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sample breaking method with an optical measurement system that uses light reflection characteristics to determine connection state. The optical nondestructive testing apparatus measures the connection area between members by analyzing reflected light without causing any physical damage, thus maintaining both measurement precision and productivity.

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

2Productivity

If existing optical nondestructive testing methods are used, then productivity is improved by avoiding sample destruction, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to effectively determine connection state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenondestructive testing capabilityVSAvoidconnection area determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from general optical properties to specific light reflection characteristics at connection interfaces. By measuring the intensity of light reflected at angles corresponding to connection areas and comparing it with reference values, the system achieves precise determination of connection state while maintaining nondestructive testing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to probe the connection state. The light reflects off the connection interfaces between members, and by analyzing the reflected light intensity and patterns, the system can determine the connection area and state without direct contact or destruction of the tested object.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing optical methods are applied to connector-connected members, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to connector interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplicability to connector connectionsVSAvoidconnection interface detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the measurement process into distinct steps: first measuring the light reflection from the first member surface, then measuring the light reflection from the second member surface through the connector, and finally comparing these measurements to determine the connection area. This segmentation allows the system to isolate and measure each interface separately, improving precision even with connectors present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 accurate and nondestructive determination of connection areas between members, reducing errors and extending applicability to various material combinations and connection types, including those with connectors, by using phase difference measurements and correlation data.

Implementation Method 1

applying a heating laser to a measurement point on a surface of the first member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

measuring a sinusoidally changing intensity of infrared radiation radiating from the measurement point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3193161B1Optical nondestructive testing method and optical nondestructive testing apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 JTEKT CORP
  • EP3193161B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3193161B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3193161B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An optical nondestructive testing method includes: a laser emitting step involving emitting a heating laser from a laser output device such that the intensity of the heating laser applied to a measurement point changes sinusoidally; a laser intensity measuring step involving measuring the intensity of the heating laser by a phase difference detector; an infrared radiation intensity measuring step involving measuring, by the phase difference detector, the intensity of infrared radiation radiating from the measurement point; a phase difference measuring step involving determining, by the phase difference detector, a phase difference between the intensity of the heating laser and the intensity of the infrared radiation, and outputting the phase difference determined to a determiner from the phase difference detector; and a connection area calculating step involving determining, by the determiner, a connection area in accordance with the phase difference and phase difference-connection area correlation information.