Ultrasound Transducer Layer Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-invasive temperature measurement in layered environments, such as those with metal enclosures and pipelines, are inadequate due to the need for invasive techniques and the unsuitability of advanced technologies like MRI for industrial processes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an ultrasound transducer and receiving sensors to emit and receive ultrasound signals, determining the number of layers based on signal propagation and direction changes, allowing for non-invasive temperature measurement and characterization of each layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive measurement techniques are used to measure temperature in enclosed environments, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the process is interrupted and the measurement becomes impossible in continuous processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure temperature non-invasively. The acoustic transducer emits sound waves that propagate through the enclosure walls and material, and the acoustic receiver detects these waves. The temperature is determined by analyzing the acoustic signal characteristics (velocity, frequency, attenuation) without physical contact, thus maintaining process continuity while achieving accurate temperature measurement.
2Measurement precision
If MRI technology is used for non-invasive temperature measurement, then measurement accuracy and spatial resolution are improved, but the system becomes expensive, requires fixed installation, and is incompatible with industrial processes containing metal enclosures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex MRI system with a simpler acoustic-based measurement system. Instead of using magnetic resonance imaging equipment, the invention uses acoustic transducers and receivers that emit and detect sound waves. This substitution maintains the ability to measure temperature non-invasively while dramatically reducing system complexity, cost, and installation requirements, and eliminating incompatibility with metal enclosures.
3Measurement precision
If the number of layers in a layered environment is unknown, then accurate temperature measurement of individual layers cannot be performed, but invasive techniques to determine layer characteristics are not feasible
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic measurement system serves multiple functions: it determines the number of layers, identifies layer boundaries, measures layer thickness, and determines temperature of individual layers all through a single non-invasive acoustic signal analysis. The system processes acoustic signals to extract multiple parameters (layer count, thickness, temperature) simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate invasive measurements and making the overall process feasible and easy to operate.
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 non-invasive temperature measurement and characterization of layered environments, overcoming the limitations of invasive methods and the incompatibility of MRI with industrial processes.
Implementation Method 1
The ultrasound transducer is configured to emit a first ultrasound signal into the first layer at the first location. The at least one receiving sensor is configured to receive a plurality of propagated ultrasound signals.
Implementation Method 2
determine a total number of layers in the layered environment based on at least one from the set of: a number of signals received and a number of propagation direction changes only of the first ultrasound signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring a number of layers in a layered environment includes an ultrasound transducer positioned at an exterior surface of a first layer at a first location. At least one receiving sensor is positioned perpendicular to the exterior surface of the first layer at a second location. The ultrasound transducer and the at least one receiving sensor are in communication with a computer processor, power source, and computer-readable memory. The ultrasound transducer is configured to emit a first ultrasound signal into the first layer at the first location. The at least one receiving sensor is configured to receive a plurality of propagated ultrasound signals. The processor is configured to determine a total number of layers in the layered environment based on at least one from the set of: a number of signals received and a number of propagation direction changes only of the first ultrasound signal.