Ultrasonic Transducer Control for Complex Geometry Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling ultrasonic transducers struggle with inspecting objects with very complex geometries, as they produce noisy B-scans due to strong interferences from surfaces with small radii of curvature, impairing defect detection.
Innovation Solution
A method that iteratively adjusts emission delays of ultrasonic waves based on measurement signals to ensure simultaneous wave arrival at the object, using initial and complementary emission delays to refine wavefront alignment with the object's geometry, reducing interference and improving B-scan clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic transducer control methods are used for objects with very complex geometry, then the inspection process is simple, but the B-scan becomes too noisy due to strong interferences from surfaces with small radii of curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary actions by calculating complementary emission delays from initial measurement signals before the actual inspection. This pre-processing step prepares the transducer control parameters in advance, allowing the subsequent inspection to achieve clear B-scans without requiring complex real-time adjustments during scanning.
Solution Approach 2:
The method implements feedback by using initial measurement signals to determine complementary emission delays, which are then applied in a second firing to improve the B-scan quality. The process can be iterated, where new measurement signals from the second firing can be used to refine the emission delays further, continuously improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If emission delays are adjusted to match object geometry, then wave interference is reduced and B-scan quality improves, but the number of firings and processing steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complementary emission delays are calculated in advance from initial measurement signals, preparing the optimized control parameters before the actual inspection firing. This preliminary calculation allows the main inspection to proceed efficiently with pre-optimized parameters, reducing the need for repeated adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The method uses periodic ultrasonic firings with different emission delay configurations. The first firing obtains initial measurement signals, the second firing applies complementary delays for improved inspection. This periodic alternation between measurement and optimized inspection phases enables efficient defect detection.
3Reliability
If the ultrasonic beam is adapted to the object surface curvature, then transmission in the part is optimized, but the control method becomes more complex requiring contour calculation and delay law application
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating the complementary emission delays from the initial measurement signals itself, without requiring external contour measurement equipment or manual intervention. The transducer array uses its own initial inspection data to determine the optimal delay parameters for subsequent firings.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the emission delay parameters based on the object's geometry. By calculating complementary delays from initial measurements and applying them in subsequent firings, the system adapts the ultrasonic beam parameters to match the object surface curvature, optimizing transmission efficiency.
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
This approach allows for effective inspection of complex objects by iteratively determining and applying emission delays, resulting in clearer B-scans that reveal object structures and defects, even with small radii of curvature, by minimizing wave interference.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the transducers so that they emit towards the object ultrasound waves having initial emission delays E0 with respect to one another
Implementation Method 2
receiving from the transducers measurement signals S0, measuring in particular echoes due to reflections of the ultrasound waves on the object
Implementation Method 3
when the surface of the object has locally a small radius of curvature compared with the dimensions of the probe, strong interferences between the waves reflected by the object remain
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling ultrasonic transducers of an ultrasonic probe for inspecting an object includes: iterated at least twice, receiving from the transducers new measurement signals; measuring echoes due to reflections of ultrasonic waves on the object, the ultrasonic waves having emission delays with respect to one another, the emission delays having been determined from initial emission delays and all complementary emission delays determined previously; determining new complementary emission delays from the new measurement signals; controlling the transducers so they emit ultrasonic waves to the object, the ultrasonic waves having emission delays with respect to one another, the emission delays having been determined from the initial emission delays and all the complementary emission delays determined previously.