Standing-Wave Defect Detection for Internal Device Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detecting defects in hardware components require disassembly, which can be complex and invasive, limiting non-destructive evaluation capabilities.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method using electroacoustic transducers to create a standing wave with a displacement antinode at a component location, analyzing signals to determine defects based on expected vibration patterns in the absence of defects, allowing for non-destructive diagnosis of internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If software-based checks are used to detect hardware defects, then defect detection capability is improved, but the ability to detect physical condition defects is limited without disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection capabilityVSAvoiddisassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical disassembly with acoustic wave-based detection. Electroacoustic transducers generate acoustic waves that propagate through the device housing and components, allowing defect detection through non-contact, non-invasive means. This substitutes the mechanical disassembly process with an acoustic field-based inspection method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect defects. The electroacoustic transducers generate acoustic waves that interact with internal components, and the reflected or transmitted waves carry information about component integrity. This intermediary acoustic field enables defect detection without direct physical contact or disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If disassembly is performed to check physical condition of components, then defect detection accuracy is improved, but operation complexity and time are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual disassembly and physical inspection with an automated acoustic detection system. The electroacoustic transducers and signal processing system automatically detect defects through acoustic wave analysis, eliminating the need for manual disassembly operations while maintaining high detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-diagnosis by using its own electroacoustic transducers to generate and detect acoustic waves. The system autonomously identifies defects in its components without requiring external inspection tools or manual intervention, enabling the device to monitor its own health status.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If disassembly is performed for component inspection, then access to internal components is improved, but inspection time and device availability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidinspection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical access through disassembly with acoustic wave propagation through the device housing. The electroacoustic transducers generate acoustic waves that penetrate the housing and interact with internal components, allowing defect detection through the housing material without requiring physical access or disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 non-invasive, self-diagnosing capabilities for detecting defects within devices without disassembly, effectively identifying abnormalities in geometry, density, and temperature, reducing the need for invasive diagnostics.

Implementation Method 1

controlling one or more electroacoustic transducers of a device to create a standing wave having a displacement antinode at an expected location of a component of the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStanding wave:

Implementation Method 2

controlling one or more electroacoustic transducers of a device to create a standing wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transduction:

Implementation Method 3

receiving a signal representing sound generated by vibration of the component driven by the standing wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 4

receiving a signal representing sound generated by vibration of the component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic emission: Acoustic Emission

Data Source

PatentEP3934271A1Apparatus, method and computer program for detecting defects
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3934271A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3934271A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3934271A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: controlling one or more electroacoustic transducers of a device to create a standing wave having a displacement antinode at an expected location of a component of the device; receiving a signal representing sound generated by vibration of the component driven by the standing wave; causing analysis of the signal to determine whether there is a defect based on whether the signal represents a sound that would be expected to result from vibration of the component driven by the standing wave in the absence of a defect.