Wing-Profile Inspection Frame With Movable Hammer and Microphone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive inspection methods for structural elements with wing profiles are inflexible, time-consuming, prone to operator error, and unsuitable for complex geometries, leading to inaccurate and stressful measurements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a base, positioning module, and detection module, featuring a support frame with movable arms and microphones, a programmable control unit, and stabilization devices, allowing adaptable, precise, and repeatable inspections without stressing the element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If automated inspection devices with rigid connecting means are used, then inspection accuracy is improved, but device flexibility and adaptability to complex geometries deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to adapt to various wing profile geometries. The robotic arm replaces rigid connecting means, allowing the inspection device to flexibly accommodate complex shapes while maintaining measurement precision through controlled positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection apparatus is designed with a universal robotic positioning system that can handle multiple wing profile types and configurations. The robotic arm serves multiple functions: positioning, orientation adjustment, and adaptation to different geometries, making the device versatile for various inspection scenarios without requiring specialized equipment for each geometry type.
2Device complexity
If manual inspection methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but inspection time and operator subjectivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic inspection system performs automated inspection operations without requiring manual manipulation by operators. The robotic arm autonomously positions itself, executes measurement sequences, and collects data, eliminating the time-consuming and subjective aspects of manual inspection while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection operations with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm uses controlled mechanical movement guided by programming rather than human operators, significantly reducing inspection time and eliminating subjectivity while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If inspection devices are made portable and lightweight, then ease of transport is improved, but device weight and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus is divided into modular segments: a base unit, a robotic arm assembly, and a detection module. This segmentation allows the device to be broken down into transportable components while maintaining structural stability during operation. Each segment can be optimized for weight reduction without compromising overall functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-walled but structurally adequate components in the robotic arm and housing, optimizing the weight-to-strength ratio. The use of lightweight materials and thin-walled structures reduces device weight for improved portability while maintaining sufficient structural stability during inspection operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid connecting means are used to fix the inspection device, then measurement stability is improved, but measurement interference and stress on the element increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm serves as an intermediary between the operator and the inspection device, providing stable positioning without direct rigid fixation to the element being inspected. This intermediary mechanism maintains measurement stability through controlled robotic positioning while avoiding the harmful effects of rigid fixation, such as stress induction and measurement interference.
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 versatile, high-precision, and repeatable inspections that are lightweight, portable, and efficient, reducing measurement stress and time, suitable for complex geometries and difficult-to-reach areas.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first microphone of the piezoelectric type
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present invention concerns an apparatus (100) for non-destructive inspection of structural elements (10) having a wing profile, comprising a base (20), a positioning module (300) associated with the base (20) in correspondence with its own first end portion (310) and a detection module (400) associated with a second end portion (320) of the positioning module (300) and comprising a support frame to which at least one impulse hammer (43) and at least one first microphone (44') of the piezoelectric type are connected. The support frame comprises at least a first arm (41) to which a first regulation unit (45) is associated, adapted to support the impulse hammer (43) and to regulate a movement thereof along the first arm (41) itself and a second arm (42) to which a second regulation unit (46) is associated, adapted to support the first microphone (44') and to regulate a movement thereof along the second arm (42) itself. The first arm (41) and the second arm (42) are arranged facing each other and spaced apart, so as to define a working volume suitable for accommodating a structural element (10) having a wing profile, said first arm (41) and second arm (42) being connected to each other by means of a connecting element (47) which allows their reciprocal movement.