XR Inspection System Wireless Control for PAUT Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional nondestructive inspection systems, such as Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) units, require inspectors to frequently move between the inspection target and the inspection main unit, leading to hazardous, time-consuming, and costly processes, often necessitating the presence of multiple inspectors for safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an extended reality (XR) device with the inspection system, allowing inspectors to view and interact with both the target and inspection data via the XR device, enabling remote control of the inspection system and providing accurate position data, thus reducing the need for frequent movement and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If inspectors frequently move between the inspection target and the inspection main unit to view data and control the inspection, then inspection control and data verification can be performed, but inspection efficiency decreases and safety hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection control reliabilityVSAvoidinspection efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the inspection main unit and the inspection probe. This wireless link allows inspectors to control the inspection process and view data remotely without physically moving between the target and main unit, thereby maintaining inspection control reliability while improving efficiency and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical movement of inspectors with electronic data transmission and wireless communication. Instead of physically moving to view displays or input data, inspectors use wireless devices to access inspection data and control parameters, eliminating the need for frequent physical movement while maintaining full control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple inspectors are deployed to ensure safety and efficiency, then inspection safety and productivity improve, but inspection costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection safetyVSAvoidinspection cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless communication system acts as an intermediary that enables a single inspector to perform multiple functions simultaneously - controlling the inspection, viewing data, and monitoring safety parameters - without requiring multiple personnel. This reduces the quantity of inspectors needed while maintaining safety and efficiency through improved information access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication device serves multiple functions: it provides inspection data access, enables control parameter adjustment, offers real-time monitoring capabilities, and ensures safety compliance. This multi-functionality allows a single inspector to perform roles that previously required multiple personnel, reducing overall inspection costs while maintaining safety standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the inspection main unit is positioned at a convenient location away from the target, then inspector safety improves, but the inspector cannot easily access the display or control interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspector safetyVSAvoidinterface accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical access to the inspection main unit's display and control interface with wireless electronic access. Inspectors can view inspection data and adjust control parameters through wireless communication devices, eliminating the need to physically approach or move the main unit while maintaining full operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication system serves as an intermediary that bridges the distance between the inspector and the inspection main unit. It transmits control commands and inspection data wirelessly, allowing inspectors to operate the system from safe distances without compromising ease of operation or interface accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The XR inspection system enhances inspection efficiency and safety by allowing single-operator inspections with improved data accuracy and reduced costs, as inspectors can focus on the target while controlling the inspection process remotely, eliminating the need for constant switching between the target and the inspection main unit display.

Implementation Method 1

The inspection probe serves as a transceiver that sends ultrasonic energy to the target, receives the reflected energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic Vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11783464B2Integrating extended reality with inspection systems
Publication Date: 2023.10.10 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC
  • US11783464B2 patent drawing
  • US11783464B2 patent drawing
  • US11783464B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An extended reality (“XR”) inspection system for inspecting a target is provided. The XR inspection system includes an inspection system and an XR device. The inspection system includes an inspection main unit and an inspection probe. The inspection main unit collects inspection data from the inspection probe, receives commands input by an inspector using the XR device, performs functions associated with the commands, and sends display data to the XR device. The XR device provides an augmented reality display and sensors. The XR device displays display data received from the inspection main unit, receives commands via the sensors from the inspector, and sends the commands to the inspection main unit.