Ultrasonic Flaw Detection for Steel Sheet Side Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ultrasonic flaw detection devices face difficulties in determining whether a flaw is located on the front or back side of a steel sheet.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic flaw detection method that generates and sends ultrasound waves at multiple angles, determining the location of acoustic discontinuities by analyzing echo amplitudes and reception times to differentiate between front and back side flaws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional ultrasonic flaw detection uses a single angle probe, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot determine on which side (front or back) a flaw is located

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflaw location identificationVSAvoiddetection method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection process is segmented into multiple angle measurements. By dividing the detection into different incident angles (first angle and second angle), the system can obtain distinct echo patterns that reveal the side-specific location of flaws, resolving the ambiguity of single-angle detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds the dimension of detection angle to the traditional single-angle ultrasonic detection. By measuring echoes at multiple angles, the system creates additional information dimensions that enable determination of flaw side location, transforming a 1D detection problem into a multi-dimensional analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple angles of ultrasound are used to determine flaw location, then accurate side identification is achieved, but the detection process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflaw side determination accuracyVSAvoiddetection operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces complex mechanical multi-probe arrangements with a single probe performing sequential angle measurements. The complexity is shifted from mechanical configuration to signal processing, where echo amplitude ratios at different angles are analyzed to determine flaw side location.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the incident angle parameter of the ultrasonic wave between measurements. By varying this physical parameter (angle) while keeping the probe position fixed, the method achieves multi-angle detection without requiring mechanical repositioning or multiple probes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively identifies the location of flaws on either side of a steel sheet by utilizing the distinct characteristics of echo patterns generated by different modes of plate waves.

Implementation Method 1

sending out ultrasound waves obliquely at a respective plurality of angles into a specimen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave propagation: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

receiving echoes of the respective ultrasound waves having propagated through the specimen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEcho: Echo

Implementation Method 3

there is one that detects a surface flaw using a surface wave by allowing ultrasound to obliquely enter a steel sheet from a wheel probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlate wave generation: Surface Acoustic Wave

Data Source

PatentEP3722801B1Ultrasonic flaw detection method
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3722801B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3722801B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3722801B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An ultrasonic probe (1) sends out ultrasound waves to a steel sheet (100) obliquely at a plurality of angles, using transmission signals provided from a transmission signal processing unit (3a). In addition, the ultrasonic probe (1) receives echoes corresponding to the plurality of angles from the steel sheet (100). A reception signal processing unit (3b) determines amplitudes of the echoes received by the ultrasonic probe (1) and corresponding to the plurality of angles, and periods of time from when the ultrasound waves are sent out until the echoes are received, as reception times, and identifies a location of a flaw (101) in the steel sheet (100) from the reception times and a ratio between the amplitudes.