Ultrasonic Probe Scanning Extension for Accurate Edge Flaw Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic flaw detection in composite materials is hindered by mechanical instability and couplant leakage at the end portions of the scan surface, leading to inaccurate detection due to probe tilting and ultrasonic wave propagation issues.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic flaw detection method involving an extension member with a flush extension surface that contacts the end portion of the scan surface, combined with a fixing jig to stabilize the probe's movement, ensuring accurate flaw detection by maintaining a stable contact state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the probe is pressed against the scan surface to maintain relative position, then flaw detection accuracy is improved, but mechanical instability and tilting occur at the end portion of the object
Solution Approach 1:
The scan surface is divided into a main scan surface and an extension surface. The extension surface is created by attaching an extension member to the end portion of the object, allowing the probe to continue scanning beyond the original end portion without experiencing mechanical instability or tilting.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of probe instability at the end portion is solved by extending the scan surface in the longitudinal direction through the extension member. This dimensional extension provides a stable scanning surface that eliminates the boundary effect at the original end portion.
2Area of stationary object
If the probe enters the scan surface, then coverage is improved, but the probe may collide with the end portion causing couplant leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The scan surface is segmented into the original scan surface and the extension surface. This segmentation allows the probe to scan over the extension surface without colliding with the end portion, preventing couplant leakage while maintaining full coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension member acts as an intermediary structure that provides a continuous scanning surface. It mediates between the probe and the original object end portion, preventing direct collision and couplant leakage while enabling extended scan coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flaw detection is performed at the end portion of the object, then complete inspection is improved, but accurate detection is hindered due to probe instability
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection process is segmented into scanning over the main scan surface and scanning over the extension surface. This allows complete inspection including the end portion area, while maintaining detection accuracy through the stable extension surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The extension member extends the scan surface in the longitudinal dimension, providing a stable scanning platform at the end portion area. This enables accurate flaw detection to be performed in regions that would otherwise be difficult to inspect.
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 method allows for accurate flaw detection at the end portions of composite materials by stabilizing the probe's movement and ensuring consistent ultrasonic wave propagation, thereby enhancing detection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a moving step of moving the probe over the scan surface and the extension surface
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are an ultrasonic flaw detection method and an extension jig with which flaw detection can be carried out accurately on a scan surface even at an end section of an object to be inspected. This ultrasonic flaw detection method involves carrying out flaw detection on an inspection surface (84) by moving a probe (90) that emits ultrasound over the inspection surface (84) of an object (80) to be inspected, the method including: a contact step for bringing an extension member (10) having formed thereon an extension surface (12) that is flush with the inspection surface (84), into contact with an end section of the object (80) to be inspected in the movement direction of the probe (90); and a movement step for causing the probe (90) to move over the inspection surface (84) and the extension surface (12).