Phased Array Receiver Assembly for Non-Destructive Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive testing methods for electrically conductive structures face challenges due to complex connections and electronics in phased-array receiver assemblies, leading to reduced receiver density and potential masking of defects.
Innovation Solution
A device with a phased array receiver assembly in the form of a strip or matrix of elementary magnetic receivers, where receivers are supplied in series or parallel, minimizing connections and electronics, and using a flexible multilayer printed circuit support to increase receiver density and simplify implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multi-element receiver assemblies with independent connections are used to increase acquisition speed, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and connection requirements increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple magnetic receivers into a single integrated assembly where receivers are magnetically coupled through a shared magnetic circuit. This merging approach allows multiple receivers to operate simultaneously for increased acquisition speed while sharing common connections, thereby reducing overall connection complexity compared to independent connections for each receiver.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic circuit assembly serves multiple functions: it provides magnetic coupling between receivers, establishes electrical connections, and defines the geometric arrangement of receivers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate connection structures, simplifying the overall device while maintaining high detection coverage.
2Reliability
If substantial space is allocated to connectivity within the probe, then connection reliability is improved, but receiver density decreases leading to potential defect masking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection function with the magnetic circuit structure itself. The magnetic circuit serves as both the magnetic flux path and the mechanical support for electrical connections, eliminating the need for separate connection structures and maximizing receiver density while maintaining reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The design nests electrical connections within the magnetic circuit structure. Connection elements are integrated into the magnetic circuit geometry, allowing connections to be embedded within the magnetic path rather than occupying additional external space, thereby increasing receiver density without compromising connection reliability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional magnetic receivers are used with complex electronics including amplifiers and multiplexing, then signal detection capability is improved, but the areas not covered by receivers increase potentially masking defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple receivers into a continuous or closely-spaced array within the magnetic circuit assembly. This merging creates overlapping magnetic field coverage that eliminates gaps between individual receivers, ensuring complete coverage of the inspected area while maintaining signal detection capability through the collective response of multiple receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic circuit creates a three-dimensional magnetic flux path that encompasses the space between receivers. This dimensional approach allows the magnetic field to penetrate and detect defects in areas that would be geometrically between discrete receivers, effectively eliminating uncovered zones while maintaining simple receiver construction.
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 configuration reduces the number of connections, increases receiver density, simplifies the magnetic receiver assembly, and enables the production of 2D imagers for effective detection of small defects on conductive structures without masking.
Implementation Method 1
This method involves emitting an electromagnetic field near the structure to be inspected using an inductive component and measuring the magnetic flux disturbance caused by any potential defect in the structure
Implementation Method 2
measuring the magnetic flux disturbance caused by any potential defect in the structure using a receiving component (magnetic field sensors or receivers)
Implementation Method 3
The receivers can be either inductive or magnetic, for example AMR (anisotropic magnetoresistance), GMR (giant magnetoresistance), GMI (giant magneto-impedance), Hall effect
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~4D
Figure 5~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for the non-destructive testing of an electrically conductive part comprising: - an induction portion, and - a receiving portion, - treatment means, in which the induction portion comprises an inductor dissociated into n layers (33) supplied at different frequencies f1, f2,..., fn, in which the receiving portion comprises several magnetic receivers (34) supplied at frequencies f1', f2',..., fn' connected to one another in at least one column, each magnetic receiver (34) being positioned under a layer, the indices n and m being integers = 2, and in which the treatment means make it possible to know the magnetic field in each of the magnetic receivers (34) of a column.