RF Ship Structure Sensing for Non-Ionizing Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for characterizing solid materials, such as X-ray fluorescence sensors and nuclear quadrupole resonance sensors, are either unsuitable for everyday civilian use due to ionizing radiation or require specific sample structures, limiting their applicability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A solid constituent sensor system utilizing radio or microwave frequency signals is employed to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals from a solid sample, with a processor analyzing the response to characterize the sample, including detecting constituents, deviations, and structural properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray fluorescence sensors are used to detect solid material characteristics, then measurement capability is improved, but safety deteriorates due to ionizing radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic radiation frequency parameter from X-ray range to radio frequency/microwave range, transforming the harmful ionizing radiation into non-ionizing safe radiation while maintaining the electromagnetic resonance detection capability for characterizing solid materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the X-ray fluorescence detection mechanism with an electromagnetic resonance detection mechanism using radio frequency/microwave signals, eliminating the need for ionizing radiation while achieving material characterization through resonance frequency analysis
2Measurement precision
If nuclear quadrupole resonance sensors are used to find EM resonance of solid constituents, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity worsens due to required cylindrical or conical physical sample structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sensor system that can detect electromagnetic resonance in solid materials without requiring specific sample geometries, making the detection method applicable to various sample forms including flat plates, making the system more versatile and easier to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection approach from requiring specific geometric configurations (cylindrical/conical) to accepting various sample forms by using radio frequency/microwave signals that can interact with materials in different geometries, simplifying sample preparation and device operation
3Measurement precision
If invasive sample preparation is performed for material analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical sample preparation with non-contact or minimal-contact electromagnetic resonance detection, allowing material characterization without physical alteration of the sample, thereby simplifying operation and enabling analysis of intact structures
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system allows the material itself to provide the measurement signal through its natural electromagnetic resonance properties, eliminating the need for external sample preparation steps and enabling direct analysis of the material in its existing state
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 safe and versatile characterization of solid materials, including detection of metal fatigue, micro-cracks, and structural defects in ship structures, without the need for invasive sample preparation.
Implementation Method 1
uses one or more radio or microwave frequency signals transmitted to and/or into a solid sample
Implementation Method 2
nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) sensors provide a method of finding the EM resonance of a solid constituent
Implementation Method 3
the at least one receive antenna is positioned and arranged to detect a response resulting from transmission of the transmit signal
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor system that can be used to analyze structures associated with ships using one or more radio frequency (RF) or microwave frequency signals. For example, the sensor system can be used to analyze a ship structure to detect metal fatigue, micro-cracks, thermal stress, defects, deformations, and other possible indicators of overstress and/or failure. The ship structures that can be analyzed are any structures associated with or used on a ship.