Resonant Conductor Anomaly Mapping via Electromagnetic Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting materials for subsurface anomalies are invasive, costly, or provide incomplete information, often resulting in missed anomalies or unnecessary repairs due to the limitations of surface analysis and x-ray scanning.
Innovation Solution
A wireless method using an electrical conductor with stored electric and magnetic fields, which resonates in response to a time-varying magnetic field, allowing for non-invasive mapping of anomalies by detecting disruptions in these fields during lateral and out-of-plane movements relative to the material, enabling accurate lateral and depth location of anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If x-ray scanner technology is used to inspect subsurface anomalies, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex x-ray scanner technology with a simpler electromagnetic resonance-based detection system. The system uses a conductor pattern that resonates at specific frequencies when exposed to electromagnetic fields, and anomalies are detected through changes in resonance characteristics. This substitution maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from direct x-ray imaging to electromagnetic resonance frequency and quality factor measurements. By monitoring how anomalies affect the resonance parameters (frequency shifts, quality factor changes) of the conductor pattern, the system achieves subsurface anomaly detection with simpler equipment.
2Device complexity
If surface analysis is used to predict subsurface anomalies, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the simple surface-level conductor pattern and the subsurface anomalies. The electromagnetic field penetrates the material and interacts with subsurface anomalies, allowing the simple surface conductor to detect deep-seated defects through field-mediated interaction, thus maintaining both simplicity and precision.
3Measurement precision
If x-ray scanning is used for anomaly detection, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to equipment setup and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The conductor pattern is integrated directly into the material surface, allowing it to serve dual purposes: as part of the material structure and as the sensing element. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate positioning of external scanning equipment, reducing setup time while maintaining detection precision through the pattern's inherent resonance properties.
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 method provides a cost-effective, non-invasive means to accurately map subsurface anomalies, reducing the risk of missed defects and unnecessary repairs by using a handheld or vehicle-integrated system that can inspect various materials.
Implementation Method 1
In the presence of a time-varying magnetic field, the electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses
Implementation Method 2
the electrical conductor resonates to generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses, each of which has a frequency, amplitude and bandwidth associated therewith
Implementation Method 3
a magnetic field response recorder having an antenna for wireless transmission of the time-varying magnetic field to the electrical conductor and for wireless detection of the frequency, amplitude and bandwidth
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical conductor and antenna are positioned in a fixed relationship to one another. Relative lateral movement is generated between the electrical conductor and a homogenous material while maintaining the electrical conductor at a fixed distance from the homogenous material. The antenna supplies a time-varying magnetic field that causes the electrical conductor to resonate and generate harmonic electric and magnetic field responses. Disruptions in at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses during this lateral movement are indicative of a lateral location of a subsurface anomaly. Next, relative out-of-plane movement is generated between the electrical conductor and the homogenous material in the vicinity of the anomaly's lateral location. Disruptions in at least one of the electric and magnetic field responses during this out-of-plane movement are indicative of a depth location of the subsurface anomaly. A recording of the disruptions provides a mapping of the anomaly.