Non-Destructive Structural Evaluation via Percussion and Machine Learning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating the structural integrity of objects, especially anatomical and mechanical structures, often require invasive or destructive testing, and struggle with non-invasively detecting internal defects or changes that are not visually discernible.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a percussion measurement device that applies controlled energy to an object, measures the response, and employs machine learning algorithms to decompose the signals into sub-signals, allowing for non-invasive and non-destructive evaluation of structural characteristics by analyzing energy return graphs and force return graphs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive or destructive testing methods are used to evaluate structural integrity, then measurement precision is improved, but the object is damaged or destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces destructive mechanical testing with acoustic energy-based measurement. A transducer applies acoustic energy to the object and detects reflected acoustic energy, allowing non-destructive evaluation of structural characteristics such as damping capacity and internal defects without physical damage to the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic energy as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the object. The acoustic energy penetrates the object, interacts with its internal structure, and returns information about structural characteristics without causing damage, serving as a harmless mediator for evaluation.
2Ease of operation
If simple visual inspection is used to detect structural changes, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple visual inspection with acoustic energy-based measurement. The system applies acoustic energy and analyzes the reflected energy to detect internal structural characteristics and defects that are invisible to the naked eye, significantly improving detection precision while maintaining operational simplicity through automated analysis.
3Measurement precision
If controlled energy application is used to measure damping capacity, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic energy application and detection instead of complex mechanical testing equipment. The transducer applies controlled acoustic energy and measures the reflected energy to determine damping capacity, providing high measurement precision with a relatively simple device configuration compared to traditional mechanical testing systems.
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 efficient detection of defects and structural integrity assessment without damaging the object, providing insights into internal conditions and structural stability through optimized signal decomposition and machine learning analysis.
Implementation Method 1
When an object is subjected to an impact force, a stress wave is transmitted through the object.
Implementation Method 2
The ability of the object to dissipate mechanical energy, commonly referred to as the 'damping capacity' of the object, depends on several factors, including the type and structural integrity of the materials making up the object.
Implementation Method 3
measuring a response, such as energy reflected from the object as a result of the energy application, for example, tapping, the object, or a response such as the deceleration information of the energy application tool
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for measuring the structural characteristics of an object. The object is subjected to an energy application process and provides an objective, quantitative measurement of structural characteristics of an object. The system may include a device, for example, a percussion instrument, capable of being reproducibly placed against the object undergoing such measurement for reproducible positioning. The invention provides for a system and methods for analyzing measured characteristics utilizing machine learning to create a system for predicting pathologies from measurements.