Wireless NDT Data Sharing for Inspection Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) systems face inefficiencies in data sharing and collaboration, relying on physical portable memory devices or paper, which slows down the dissemination of inspection data among personnel.

Innovation Solution

A distributed NDT system that uses wireless conduits to communicatively couple inspection devices with mobile devices like tablets and cloud computing systems, enabling enhanced data gathering, analysis, and collaboration through remote control and data analytics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If physical portable memory devices or paper are used for data sharing, then data can be shared between NDT personnel, but the time required for data sharing increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata sharing capabilityVSAvoiddata sharing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical portable memory devices and paper-based data transfer with wireless communication technology. Inspection devices wirelessly transmit inspection data to remote devices, eliminating the need for physical media and significantly reducing data sharing time while maintaining complete data transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional NDT systems are used, then inspection data can be collected, but real-time collaboration and remote access are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection data accuracyVSAvoidremote collaboration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between inspection devices and remote devices. This intermediary enables real-time data transmission and remote collaboration while preserving the integrity and accuracy of inspection data, allowing multiple personnel to access and collaborate on inspection results simultaneously from different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If physical data transfer methods are used, then data can be shared among personnel, but the speed of data dissemination is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata dissemination completenessVSAvoiddata transfer speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical data transfer methods with wireless communication systems that enable high-speed data transmission. Inspection data is transmitted electronically through wireless networks at significantly faster speeds compared to physical media, while ensuring complete data dissemination to all authorized personnel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2939006B1Improved inspection systems and methods

Publication Date: 2021.11.03 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Systems and methods provided herein. In one embodiment, a system includes a mobile device (22) comprising a display screen. The system further includes a non-destructive testing (NDT) device comprising a camera (14, 16) configured to capture image data, video data, or a combination thereof, and a wireless system configured to communicate the image data, the video data, an overlay data or a combination thereof, to the mobile device; wherein the mobile device is configured to visually display the image data, the video data, the overlay data, or the combination thereof, on the display screen.