Ultrasonic Probe for Composite Panels with Varying Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-destructive ultrasonic testing devices are ineffective for panels made of laminated composite materials with non-constant thickness, as they require calibration on a healthy panel of the same dimensions and can provide erroneous results when the panel thickness varies.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic device with an ultrasonic probe that automatically verifies correct coupling and adjusts the depth range analysis, allowing for inspection of panels with varying thickness without prior calibration, using a roller probe with a freewheel and array of transducers to ensure consistent analysis depth regardless of thickness changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If calibration on a healthy panel with constant thickness is performed, then measurement precision is improved for panels of constant thickness, but adaptability deteriorates when inspecting panels with non-constant thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the analysis depth range based on the actual panel thickness detected during inspection. The system automatically modifies the inspection parameters to match the specific thickness of each panel section, enabling accurate delamination detection across panels with non-constant thickness without requiring prior calibration on constant thickness panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the analysis depth range parameter dynamically according to the detected panel thickness. By adjusting this parameter in real-time based on the actual thickness measured during inspection, the system maintains measurement precision across varying thickness conditions, resolving the contradiction between precision for constant thickness panels and adaptability for varying thickness panels.
2Productivity
If the probe is moved over a length of panel with decreasing thickness, then inspection coverage is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to erroneous results
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual panel thickness during inspection and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the analysis depth range. This closed-loop control ensures that the inspection parameters remain optimized for the current thickness condition, maintaining measurement precision while allowing the probe to move across the entire panel length for comprehensive coverage.
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 detection of delaminations in panels with non-constant thickness by ensuring consistent coupling and depth analysis, reducing the need for calibration and improving the reliability of ultrasonic testing for aircraft components.
Implementation Method 1
sends, via a probe in contact with the front face of the inspected panel, an ultrasonic pulse and collects the pulse reflected by the rear face of the panel
Implementation Method 2
collects the pulse reflected by the rear face of the panel
Data Source
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AI summary
The diagnostic apparatus comprises an ultrasonic probe 30 intended to be brought into contact with the front face of the panel to be inspected, an electronic device 40 for controlling the emission and reception of ultrasonic pulses 51 by the ultrasonic probe 30, and a display device 41 having, notably, indicators showing the presence or absence of delamination in the panel.