Portable THz Antenna Array for 3D Defect Detection in Stationary Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing THz measuring devices struggle to reliably detect defects, such as cavities, cracks, and inclusions, in objects made of materials that are generally transparent to THz radiation, particularly in stationary objects like plastic pipes or films, with limited effectiveness and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A portable THz measuring device with an antenna array comprising at least one active THz transmitter and several passive THz receivers, configured as antenna dipoles, allows for precise defect detection by emitting THz beams along an optical axis and receiving reflections, utilizing time-shifted arrival of radiation to determine defect positions and shapes, combined with a control unit for evaluation and a portable design for manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If THz radiation is focused using a conventional lens, then the radiation can be concentrated on the measuring object, but the focal spot size is limited by diffraction and cannot achieve sub-wavelength resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of focal spot size from being diffraction-limited to being determined by programmable aperture control. By dynamically adjusting which antenna elements are active and their phase/amplitude weights, the system achieves sub-wavelength focal spots without being constrained by conventional diffraction limits
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic beam steering and focal spot positioning through real-time phase and amplitude modulation of individual antenna elements. This allows the focal spot to be moved and resized programmatically without mechanical movement of lenses or mirrors, achieving adaptive resolution control
2Area of stationary object
If multiple measurement points are scanned sequentially using a single focal spot, then measurement coverage can be achieved, but the total measurement time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement area into multiple regions, each served by a dedicated focal spot generated by different combinations of antenna elements. This allows simultaneous measurement of multiple areas rather than sequential scanning, dramatically reducing total measurement time while maintaining full coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The same antenna array serves multiple functions: it can generate multiple focal spots simultaneously, steer beams to different locations, and adjust focal spot sizes dynamically. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate scanning mechanisms and enables parallel measurement of multiple points
3Measurement precision
If the THz radiation beam is made narrower to improve spatial resolution, then the detectable defect size decreases, but the signal strength diminishes due to reduced radiation coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the relationship between beam width and signal strength by using phased array synthesis. Multiple antenna elements contribute constructively to the narrow focal spot, maintaining high signal strength despite the reduced width. The coherent addition of signals from multiple elements compensates for the smaller coverage area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the problem from two-dimensional beam width control to three-dimensional field distribution control by adjusting phase and amplitude across the antenna array. This allows independent optimization of focal spot size and signal strength through spatial phase manipulation, decoupling the previously coupled parameters
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 accurate three-dimensional detection and visualization of defects in objects, including their positions, sizes, and volumes, even on curved surfaces, with enhanced measurement capabilities through manual handling and integration of acceleration signals and optional RGB camera feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitting antenna array 110 that transmits a terahertz radiation 102 toward the measuring object 101
Implementation Method 2
a receiving antenna array 120 that detects the terahertz radiation 102 reflected from the measuring object 101
Implementation Method 3
an evaluation unit 130 that determines defects 103 in the measuring object 101 on the basis of the reflected radiation signals
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a preferably portable THz measuring device (1) for determining defects (3) in an measuring object (2), in particular a stationary measuring object, wherein the THz measuring device (1) comprises the following: an antenna array (4) having at least one active THz transmitter, for example transceiver (12), which sends out a THz transmission beam (15) along an optical axis (A), and a plurality of THz receivers (14), which are arranged under a fixed spatial arrangement with respect to the THz transmitter (12) and are synchronized with the THz receiver, detect reflected THz radiation (16) and send out THz measuring signals (S1), a control unit (5) that receives the THz measuring signals (S1) and determines defects (3) as reflections, which occurred outside correct boundary surfaces (2a, 2b) of the measuring object (2). To this end, the THz receivers (14) can also transmit intermittently, in particular alternately. The user can adjust the measuring device, wherein the position can be determined by an acceleration sensor (18) and temporal integration in order to obtain further measurement data.