Ultrasonic Multiple-Reflection Analysis for Shallow CFRP Defects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Composite materials like CFRP face challenges in accurately detecting defects such as peeling and foreign matters in shallow portions due to strong surface reflections and multiple reflections, which obscure the defect signals.

Innovation Solution

A wave motion analysis device and method that extracts and analyzes multiple reflection areas deeper than the inspection target range, using a multiplexer, transmission beamformer, reflection signal acquisition, and detection units to identify defects by processing ultrasonic signals, enabling defect detection despite surface reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ultrasonic scanning is performed on shallow portions of composite materials, then defect detection capability is improved, but surface reflections and multiple reflections obscure defect signals and reduce measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection precisionVSAvoidsurface reflection interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ultrasonic signal processing into distinct components: receiving multiple reflection waves, extracting envelope signals, performing Fourier transformation to obtain frequency spectra, and identifying peak frequencies. This segmentation allows separate analysis and processing of different signal components to isolate defect signals from surface reflection interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs excessive action by receiving and analyzing multiple reflection waves (beyond the single direct reflection) and conducting repeated Fourier transformations on extracted envelope signals. This excessive processing enables differentiation between surface reflections and actual defect signals through frequency domain analysis, ultimately improving defect detection precision in shallow portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Measurement precision

If multiple reflection waves are received and analyzed, then defect detection accuracy is improved, but signal processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex time-domain signal processing with frequency-domain analysis using Fourier transformation. By converting time-series reflection wave signals into frequency spectra, the system substitutes mechanical/time-based processing with mathematical/frequency-based processing, simplifying the identification of defect characteristics through peak frequency detection.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action through repeated Fourier transformations on sequentially extracted envelope signals from multiple reflection waves. This periodic processing approach systematically analyzes different reflection components, enabling consistent defect detection while maintaining structured and manageable signal processing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Accurately detects defects in composite materials by distinguishing multiple reflection signals from surface reflections, enhancing the precision of defect identification in layered structures.

Implementation Method 1

An ultrasonic wave is transmitted from a probe (ultrasonic probe) into an inspection object, a reflection wave of the ultrasonic wave generated from a difference in acoustic impedance in the inspection object structure is received

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave transmission and reflection: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 2

a reflection wave of the ultrasonic wave generated from a difference in acoustic impedance in the inspection object structure is received

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic impedance difference reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

A multiple-reflected wave is received in advance in a defect-free section, and a propagation time is obtained for a reflected wave that is obtained by repeating reflection a plurality of times in the multiple-reflected wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMultiple reflection wave propagation: Echo

Data Source

PatentEP4354133B1Wave motion analysis device, scanning device, wave motion analysis system, wave motion analysis method, and program
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP4354133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4354133B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4354133B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wave motion analysis device 100 that detects a defect of an inspection object on the basis of a reflection wave obtained from the inspection object, and includes a multiple reflection area extraction unit 106 that acquires tomographic data generated on the basis of the reflection wave and extracts, from the tomographic data, a multiple reflection area corresponding to a depth range deeper than a depth at which a real image of the inspection object is able to be detected and being an area in which a multiple reflection signal is able to be mainly detected, and a detection unit 107 that detects a multiple reflection image corresponding to the defect of the inspection object from the extracted multiple reflection area.