Guided-Wave Sensor Pair Monitoring Without Defect-Free Baselines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current structural health monitoring methods face challenges in obtaining unique baseline signatures for each object, which are influenced by environmental conditions and require complex compensation algorithms, making them inefficient and time-consuming, especially for in-service objects.
Innovation Solution
A structural health monitoring apparatus using a pseudo baseline signature generated by averaging individual signatures from geometrically similar sensor pairs, allowing for real-time detection of abnormalities without the need for a defect-free baseline signature, and compensating for environmental variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a baseline signature is obtained for each object, then structural health monitoring accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the system increases due to the need for separate measurement and storage of each baseline signature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal baseline signature that can be applied across multiple objects of the same type, eliminating the need for separate baseline measurements for each object. This universal baseline serves multiple functions: it provides a reference for all objects in the class, reduces measurement complexity, and maintains monitoring accuracy through statistical aggregation of multiple individual signatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple individual wave signatures through statistical aggregation to create a single universal baseline signature. This merging process integrates data from multiple sources (different objects or multiple measurements) to form a comprehensive reference that captures the essential characteristics of the object class while filtering out object-specific variations.
2Reliability
If environmental compensation algorithms are implemented, then the reliability of baseline comparison is improved, but the device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal baseline signature inherently accounts for environmental variations through its creation process. By aggregating signatures from multiple objects or measurements taken under varying conditions, the baseline self-adjusts to represent typical environmental variations, eliminating the need for separate compensation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary statistical aggregation of multiple signatures to create a robust universal baseline that pre-empts environmental variation issues. This preliminary action embeds environmental compensation into the baseline creation process itself, rather than requiring post-hoc correction algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If baseline signatures are measured for in-service objects, then the applicability to real-world scenarios is improved, but the measurement process becomes more difficult due to unknown or potentially flawed initial states
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a single perfect baseline measurement from a defect-free state, the patent collects multiple partial signatures that may individually contain flaws or variations. By aggregating these partial measurements, the system achieves a comprehensive universal baseline that compensates for individual deficiencies through statistical averaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the previously harmful effect of unknown or flawed initial states into a beneficial feature. By intentionally collecting signatures from objects with varying initial conditions and aggregating them, the system creates a more robust universal baseline that inherently accounts for real-world variability and potential defects, making the monitoring system more adaptable to in-service objects.
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 efficient and reliable detection of structural abnormalities by comparing individual signatures to a pseudo baseline, providing real-time monitoring and reducing complexity by eliminating the need for environmental compensation and defect-free baseline acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
guided waves, which are mechanical waves that travel along a surface or through the object's structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An apparatus for monitoring structural health of an object includes a plurality of sensor pairs. The plurality of sensor pairs each includes an exciting sensor and a receiving sensor. The exciting sensor is configured to transmit a guided wave and the receiving sensor is configured to receive the guided wave. The plurality of sensor pairs are utilized to acquire an individual signature from each one to generate a plurality of individual signatures. A pseudo baseline signature is generated by computing an average of the plurality of individual signatures and compared to the individual signature of a corresponding one of the plurality of sensor pairs to determine whether the individual signature is different from the pseudo baseline signature. If the individual signature is different, an area of the object proximate to the corresponding one of the plurality of sensors pairs, is identified as a potential abnormality area.