3D Point Cloud Structural Inspection via Laser Vibrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser acoustic wavenumber spectroscopy (LAWS) is limited to detecting defects in flat structures and evaluating results in isolation, making it difficult to monitor structural health and track changes over time, especially for complex or large structures.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a vibrometer and ranging device to measure acoustic responses and distances along a scan path, generating a three-dimensional point cloud that represents the structure's geometry and properties, allowing for comprehensive structural inspection and health monitoring by analyzing the point cloud for defects and changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser acoustic wavenumber spectroscopy (LAWS) is used to detect defects, then measurement precision is improved, but the method is limited to flat structures and cannot perform comprehensive structural inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat structure inspection to three-dimensional complex structure inspection by integrating ranging device measurements with acoustic response measurements. The 3D point cloud representation enables acoustic measurements to be mapped onto complex geometries, extending the applicability beyond flat surfaces to curved and irregular structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple functions into a single inspection platform: the vibrometer measures acoustic responses, the ranging device captures geometric information, and the processing system integrates both data types. This multi-functional system can inspect various structure types (flat, curved, complex) using the same apparatus, enhancing versatility.
2Ease of operation
If individual scan results are evaluated in isolation, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but structural health monitoring and change tracking over time become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism by comparing acoustic responses from current scans with those from previous scans of the same structure. The processing system identifies changes in wave propagation patterns, enabling detection of structural degradation, new defects, or modifications over time. This longitudinal comparison provides reliable structural health monitoring while maintaining automated evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scanning to establish a baseline acoustic response signature for the structure in its healthy state. Subsequent scans are compared against this pre-established reference, enabling automated detection of deviations without requiring complex real-time analysis. This preliminary action simplifies ongoing evaluation while ensuring reliable change detection.
3Productivity
If 360-degree three-dimensional acoustic scans are performed without repositioning, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vibrometer and ranging device into a co-located measurement system that captures both acoustic response and geometric information simultaneously from the same measurement positions. This combination enables comprehensive 3D inspection without requiring multiple separate measurement systems or repositioning, improving productivity while the integrated design manages complexity through unified data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system acts as an intermediary that receives data from both the vibrometer and ranging device, integrates the measurements, and reconstructs the 3D point cloud with acoustic response mappings. This intermediary processing layer manages the complexity of coordinating multiple sensors and combining their data streams, enabling the simplified user experience of automated 360-degree scanning.
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 automated, 360-degree, three-dimensional acoustic scans without repositioning, facilitating structural health monitoring and comparison of measurements from multiple scans, and allowing for the tracking of changes in structural properties over time.
Implementation Method 1
A vibrometer may include a laser Doppler vibrometer that measures the acoustic responses using a first laser beam
Implementation Method 2
A ranging device may include a laser rangefinder that measures the distances using a second laser beam
Implementation Method 3
The first laser beam and the second laser beam may be colinearly arranged using a beam combiner
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrometer may measure acoustic responses in portions of a structure along a scan path to acoustic excitation of the structure. A ranging device may measure distances to the portions of the structure along the scan path. A three-dimensional point cloud may be generated based on the acoustic responses in the portions of the structure and the distances to the portions of the structure. The three-dimensional point cloud may include points representing geometry of the portions of the structure. The points may be associated with the acoustic responses in corresponding portions of the structure. One or more properties of the structure may be determined based on an analysis of the three-dimensional point cloud.