Structure Evaluation System Using Elastic Wave Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing structure evaluation systems face challenges in accurately assessing structural integrity due to non-uniform impacts applied to the surface, which can lead to reduced accuracy in detecting internal damage, especially when conventional sensor arrangements fail to extend the inspection range effectively.

Innovation Solution

A structure evaluation system comprising at least three sensors arranged at different intervals in orthogonal directions to detect elastic waves generated from the structure, with a position locator and evaluator that corrects for impact non-uniformity by using a correction value to improve the accuracy of damage detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a uniformly applied impact is applied to the surface of the structure, then the accuracy of position location is improved, but it is necessary to restrict lanes which impairs the convenience of users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition location accuracyVSAvoidlane restriction convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of impact application from requiring uniform distribution (achieved through lane restrictions) to accepting non-uniform impact patterns. The system processes elastic wave data with algorithms that compensate for non-uniform impact distribution, transforming the requirement from a physical constraint on impact application to a data processing approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If impact is applied only to a limited range to avoid usage restrictions, then the convenience of users is improved, but the accuracy of position location is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelane restriction convenienceVSAvoidposition location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system detects the actual impact distribution pattern through sensor data, then uses this information to adjust and correct the position location calculations. The processor analyzes the elastic wave signals to determine where impacts occurred and compensates for the non-uniform distribution, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy without requiring predetermined impact patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If conventional sensor arrangements are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the inspection range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor arrangement complexityVSAvoidinspection range

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the inspection range by utilizing three-dimensional sensor placement and analyzing elastic waves from multiple spatial dimensions. Instead of simply increasing the number of sensors in a plane, the system uses vertical and lateral positioning of sensors to create volumetric coverage, allowing detection of damage throughout the structure's depth and width without proportionally increasing sensor count or system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system enhances the accuracy of structural evaluation by extending the detection range and reducing the influence of non-uniform impacts, allowing for more precise identification of damage even under non-uniform impact conditions.

Implementation Method 1

detect elastic waves generated inside of the structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic wave detection: Acoustic Emission

Implementation Method 2

locate a position of a source in which the elastic waves are generated on the basis of a difference between arrival times of elastic waves detected by the sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of flight measurement: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12104986B2Structure evaluation system, structure evaluation apparatus, and structure evaluation method

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 KK TOSHIBA

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a structure evaluation system includes at least three or more sensors, a position locator, and an evaluator. The three or more sensors are arranged on surfaces different from a surface to which an impact is applied with respect to a structure at different intervals in a first direction of the structure and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction and detects elastic waves generated from the structure. The position locator locates a position of a source in which the elastic waves are generated on the basis of the elastic waves detected by each of the three or more sensors. The evaluator evaluates a deterioration state of the structure on the basis of information based on a position location process of the position locator and information indicating a position where the impact is applied.