X-ray CT Inspection of Carbon Bicycle Parts for Internal Defect Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge lies in detecting abnormal portions such as pores or cracks in carbon composite bicycle parts without disassembling them, as these defects can lead to stability issues and accidents, and current inspection methods are time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

A non-destructive inspection apparatus that uses X-ray technology to generate gray scale images, measure changes in gray value, and detect abnormal areas by emitting X-rays with specific voltage and current settings, and employs neural networks to classify and determine the type of abnormalities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If traditional inspection methods are used to detect abnormal portions in carbon composite parts, then detection accuracy may be maintained, but inspection time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection timeVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual disassembly and visual inspection with automated X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning. The X-ray CT system automatically captures three-dimensional images of the carbon composite part's internal structure, eliminating the need for time-consuming disassembly while maintaining high detection accuracy for pores and cracks

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a digital three-dimensional copy (virtual model) of the part's internal structure through X-ray CT scanning. This digital replica allows for automated analysis and detection of abnormalities without physically manipulating or disassembling the actual part, significantly reducing inspection time while preserving detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Weight of moving object

If the carbon composite material is made thinner to reduce weight, then bicycle weight decreases, but the part becomes more susceptible to damage and cracks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebicycle weightVSAvoidpart durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary quality verification through X-ray CT scanning before the part is put into service. By detecting pores, cracks, and other defects in the internal structure before the part is installed on the bicycle, the system prevents potential failures, thereby maintaining reliability even as wall thickness decreases for weight reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary inspection process (X-ray CT scanning) between manufacturing and final assembly. This intermediary step identifies and flags defective parts before they reach the user, allowing thin-walled parts to be used confidently for weight reduction while reliability is maintained through pre-screening

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If expert inspection is used to identify abnormal portions, then detection accuracy is maintained, but the process requires considerable time and specialized knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidinspection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated image processing algorithms that independently analyze the X-ray CT data to detect pores, cracks, and other abnormalities. The system performs self-diagnosis without requiring expert human intervention, maintaining high detection accuracy while eliminating the need for specialized knowledge and reducing inspection complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the human expert's analytical function with automated computer-based image processing. The system uses algorithms to automatically identify and classify defects in the three-dimensional images, substituting human expertise with computational analysis that maintains accuracy while simplifying the overall inspection process

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

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 detection of abnormal areas without disassembling the bicycle, improving inspection efficiency and allowing for certification of second-hand bicycles, thereby ensuring user safety and establishing a healthy trading culture.

Implementation Method 1

obtain information on a transmission amount of an X-ray by emitting the X-ray to a part of a bicycle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectX-ray transmission: X-Ray

Data Source

PatentUS11846591B2Apparatus, method, computer-readable storage medium for non-destructive inspection of bicycle based on analyzing amount of scale value change
Publication Date: 2023.12.19 WRIGHTBROS CO LTD
  • US11846591B2 patent drawing
  • US11846591B2 patent drawing
  • US11846591B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A non-destructive inspection apparatus is provided. The non-destructive inspection apparatus includes at least one memory configured to store commands for performing predetermined operations, and at least one processor operatively coupled to the at least one memory and configured to execute the commands. The at least one processor is configured to obtain information on a transmission amount of an X-ray by emitting the X-ray to a part of a bicycle, generate a gray scale image based on the information on the transmission, measure an amount of change in a gray value from one end to the other end of the part of the bicycle represented in the gray scale image along an extending direction of the part, and detect an area in which the amount of change in the gray value is equal to or greater than a threshold, as an abnormal area.