Rotating Angle Beam Probe for Wider Ultrasonic Defect Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic probes in non-destructive testing are limited by fixed beam direction, which hinders the detection of defects not aligned with the probe's orientation, necessitating manual repositioning for comprehensive inspection.
Innovation Solution
A rotating ultrasonic probe assembly that adjusts its orientation relative to the target, allowing the ultrasonic beam to traverse a cone-shaped region, enhancing defect detection by rotating about an axis perpendicular to the target surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed beam direction is used in ultrasonic probes, then the device structure is simple, but the detection capability is limited to defects aligned with the probe orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by enabling the ultrasonic probe to rotate about its longitudinal axis, transforming it from a static fixed-orientation device to a dynamic multi-orientation device. This rotation capability allows the probe to scan defects at various angles without requiring multiple separate probes, thereby improving detection capability while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by adding rotational movement around the probe axis, transitioning from one-dimensional linear scanning to three-dimensional volumetric scanning. This enables the ultrasonic beam to cover a conical detection volume, significantly expanding the detection capability for defects at different orientations and locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual repositioning is performed to inspect defects at different orientations, then comprehensive defect detection is achieved, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single rotating probe assembly. Instead of requiring separate probes or manual repositioning for different defect orientations, the rotation mechanism combines multiple inspection angles into one integrated device, achieving comprehensive defect detection coverage while reducing inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the probe to rotate and scan through various angles without interruption or manual intervention. The continuous rotational movement ensures that defects at different orientations can be detected in a single continuous operation, eliminating the time loss associated with stopping and repositioning the probe manually.
3Measurement precision
If the ultrasonic beam traverses a cone-shaped region through rotation, then defect detection at various locations is improved, but the probe assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamics to enable the probe assembly to rotate about its axis, allowing the ultrasonic beam to traverse a cone-shaped region. This dynamic capability improves defect location detection precision by enabling scanning at multiple angles, while the rotation mechanism is designed to maintain acceptable assembly complexity through efficient mechanical implementation.
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 comprehensive defect detection by varying the ultrasonic beam direction, improving the identification of defects at various locations within the target without manual repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
a first ultrasonic probe configured to generate an ultrasonic beam
Implementation Method 2
As the ultrasonic waves contact and penetrate the train wheel, they can reflect from features such as outer surfaces and interior defects
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An inspection system can include a probe assembly comprising a first ultrasonic probe configured to generate an ultrasonic beam. The inspection system, can include a probe holder having a through channel and an outer contacting surface. The through channel can include a first region located at a proximal end of the probe holder. The first region can be configured to receive a distal end of the probe assembly. The probe assembly can be configured to rotate relative to the probe holder about an axis. The outer contacting surface can be located at a distal end of the probe holder and can be configured to removably couple to a target. The ultrasonic beam generated by the first ultrasonic probe can be configured to traverse a target volume in the target based on the rotation of the probe assembly.