Ultrasonic Wheel Transducer Array for Construction Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic inspection methods are inefficient for large constructions with uneven surfaces, leading to high time consumption and costly, incomplete data coverage, as existing tools are suited for small areas and smooth surfaces, and fail to detect faults like vertical cracks and deteriorating reinforcements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rolling wheel comprising ultrasonic transducers and a flexible, segmented tire with a sealed fluid-filled enclosure for improved coupling, allowing low-frequency signal emission and reception across uneven surfaces, enabling efficient data collection and high-resolution imaging of construction materials up to 15-20 cm depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing ultrasonic inspection tools are used on large constructions with uneven surfaces, then measurement coverage is limited, but time consumption increases significantly and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic inspection system is divided into multiple independent transducer elements arranged in an array, allowing parallel data collection from different locations simultaneously. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage of large construction areas while maintaining high inspection speed through concurrent measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from point-by-point inspection to area-wide simultaneous inspection by arranging transducers in a two-dimensional array configuration. This dimensional expansion allows the system to collect data across the entire construction surface at once, dramatically improving both coverage and productivity.
2Ease of operation
If ultrasonic transducers are placed directly on uneven construction surfaces, then contact coupling is poor, but measurement precision deteriorates due to air pockets and faulty measurements
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible coupling medium is introduced between the ultrasonic transducers and the uneven construction surface to ensure continuous contact. This intermediary substance fills gaps and eliminates air pockets, enabling effective ultrasonic signal transmission while adapting to surface irregularities, thus maintaining both ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If high frequency ultrasonic signals are used for inspection, then measurement precision improves, but the signals are unsuitable for concrete and wood materials
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer array is designed to operate at low frequencies specifically optimized for concrete and wood materials. By adjusting the frequency parameter to match the acoustic properties of these construction materials, the system achieves effective penetration and detection while maintaining measurement precision through advanced signal processing of the low-frequency responses.
4Adaptability or versatility
If low frequency ultrasonic signals are used for concrete and wood inspection, then material compatibility improves, but signal-to-noise ratio and image resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple low-frequency ultrasonic transducers are combined in an array configuration, allowing the system to merge their individual signals through coherent processing. This combination approach maintains material compatibility with concrete and wood while improving the signal-to-noise ratio and achieving high-resolution imaging through constructive interference of the low-frequency waves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple identical low-frequency transducer elements that replicate the same sensing function. By copying the transducer design across the array and processing their combined outputs, the system achieves high-resolution imaging capability while maintaining the material compatibility benefits of low-frequency operation.
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 solution reduces time and cost associated with inspections by providing near 100% coverage of large construction materials, improving image resolution and signal-to-noise ratio, and enabling detection of hidden faults and deteriorations in concrete and wood structures.
Implementation Method 1
Device for emission and reception of ultrasonic signal for analysis of test material
Implementation Method 2
providing a coupling media between the transducers and the tire section in rolling contact with the test material
Implementation Method 3
reception of reflected ultrasonic signal enabling non-destructive analysis of solid material
Data Source
AI summary
Method, system, and device for ultrasonic signal emission and reception of reflected ultrasonic signal enabling non-destructive analysis of solid material such as in roads, bridges, and other constructions. The device being formed as a wheel (1) where the wheel (1) comprises an array of transducers (20) arranged on a base (3) attached to an axis (2) and a tire section (10) providing a sealed enclosure (7) around the array of transducers (20) where the tire section comprises a plurality of circular protruding sections (12) comprising a tire tread section (11, 22, 24, 25), and a coupling fluid (26) in the sealed enclosure (7) providing an acoustic transparency between the array of transducers and contact points (27) for the tire tread section (11, 24) towards a test material (15).