DE102011083724A1 - Method and device for shaping an ultrasonic signal - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) and method for forming an ultrasound signal with an ultrasound shaping body (2), which has at least one cavity (6), wherein the shaping of the ultrasound signal is effected by interfaces of the cavity (6) provided in the molding body (2).

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for shaping an ultrasound signal and in particular for beam shaping of an ultrasound signal for a dipping system for the examination of an object with regard to the presence of imperfections.

Ultrasound refers to sound waves with a frequency above the audible range, i. from a frequency of more than 20 kHz. The highest technically feasible sound frequencies are currently around 1 GHz. Ultrasonic signals are used in many ways. For example, ultrasound is used in the field of medical technology for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Furthermore, ultrasonic signals are used to examine objects or objects. To inspect an object, an ultrasound head is moved along points of interest of the object and an ultrasound signal is coupled into the object. By evaluating a reflection echo, it can be detected whether maintenance of the object surface to be examined, for example, defects are present.

Furthermore, it is known to use ultrasonic signals for detection on objects within a medium. For example, ultrasonic signals are used for detecting objects below a water surface, for example for finding fish shoals and the like.

The inspection of objects using ultrasound signals is often done in a diving facility. In this case, the object to be examined is located within a dip tank, which is usually filled with water. To examine the immersed object, an ultrasonic head is lowered into the dip tank and guided along the surface of the object to be examined, wherein water acts as a coupling medium between the ultrasonic head and the surface of the object to be examined. The ultrasonic head includes an ultrasonic transmitter for emitting an ultrasonic signal and an ultrasonic receiver for receiving the reflected ultrasonic signal. By evaluating the reflected back ultrasonic signal or reflection signal can be detected whether there are defects below the surface of the object to be examined. The ultrasound head or the ultrasound sensor can form part of an ultrasound sensor array. This ultrasound head or the ultrasound sensor array can be moved along manually or automatically along the surface of the object to be examined.

In conventional dipping systems for the examination of objects, the ultrasound signal emitted by the ultrasound head is coupled via the coupling medium, for example water, into the object to be tested. In many cases, however, in particular for the detection and analysis of smaller defects within the object to be examined, a conventional dipping system is not sufficient, however, since the unfocussed sonication of the object does not permit the precise analysis of smaller defects within the object to be examined.

It is therefore an object to provide a device and a method that allows a more accurate inspection or detection of an object by means of ultrasonic signals.

This object is achieved by a device having the features specified in claim 1.

The invention provides a device for forming an ultrasonic signal with a shaping body, which has at least one cavity, wherein the shaping of the ultrasonic signal is effected by boundary surfaces of the cavity provided in the molding body.

In one possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the shaping body for forming the ultrasonic signal consists of a solid material which is conductive for ultrasound.

In one possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the solid material of the molding body consists of an elastic material.

In an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, the solid material of the molding body consists of a non-elastic material.

In one possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one cavity provided in the molding body forms an ultrasound diaphragm.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one cavity provided in the molding body forms an ultrasonic lens for focusing the ultrasonic signal.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one cavity provided in the molding body forms an ultrasonic mirror for mirroring the ultrasonic signal.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one cavity has a vacuum or negative pressure.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one cavity of the molding body is filled with a gas or with a gas mixture.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one cavity of the molding body is filled with a liquid.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the at least one cavity provided in the molding body is connected to a surface of the molding body via at least one associated pipe.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, a medium located in the cavity for changing the shaping properties of the cavity with respect to the ultrasonic signal via the associated line of the cavity is interchangeable.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the pressure prevailing in the cavity of the molding body of the medium therein is adjustable to change the boundary surfaces of the cavity.

In a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the molding body is attached directly to an ultrasonic sensor head.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, the molding body is attached via a coupling element to an ultrasonic sensor head.

The invention further provides a dipping plant for examining an object for the presence of defects with the features specified in claim 10.

The invention accordingly provides a dipping system for the examination of an object with regard to the presence of defects with at least one ultrasonic head for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasonic signals in a dip tank in which the object to be examined is located, and with a device for shaping the ultrasonic signal at one Shaping body having at least one cavity, wherein the shaping of the ultrasonic signal is effected by interfaces of the cavity provided in the molding body.

The invention further provides a watercraft having the features specified in claim 11.

The invention accordingly provides a watercraft with an ultrasonic source for detecting objects located below a water surface, and at least one device for shaping the ultrasonic signal emitted by the ultrasonic source with a molding body having at least one cavity, wherein the shaping of the ultrasonic signal Boundary surfaces of the provided in the molding body cavity takes place.

The invention further provides a method of shaping an ultrasonic signal having the features specified in claim 12.

The invention accordingly provides a method of shaping an ultrasonic signal, wherein the ultrasonic signal is formed by interfaces of at least one cavity provided in a molding body.

In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the shaped ultrasonic signal is coupled via a coupling medium, in particular water, into an object to be examined.

In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the coupled-in shaped ultrasound signal, which is reflected back from the object to be examined, is evaluated for detecting defects within the object to be examined.

In one possible embodiment of the method according to the invention, the shaping of the emitted ultrasonic signal is regulated by the boundary surfaces of the cavity as a function of the back-reflected ultrasound signal.

In the following, possible embodiments of the device according to the invention and of the method according to the invention for shaping an ultrasonic signal will be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures. Show it:

1 a diagram illustrating a possible embodiment of the inventive device for forming an ultrasonic signal;

2 a diagram illustrating a further embodiment of an apparatus for Forming an ultrasonic signal according to the invention;

3 a diagram for explaining the operation of a device according to the invention for forming an ultrasonic signal;

4 an embodiment of the inventive device for forming an ultrasonic signal;

5 a further embodiment of a device according to the invention for forming an ultrasonic signal;

6 a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a dive system according to the invention for the examination of an object, which uses an apparatus for forming an ultrasonic signal according to the invention;

7 a diagram for illustrating a watercraft, which uses an apparatus for forming an ultrasonic signal according to the invention.

How to get out 1 can recognize, has a device 1 for forming an ultrasonic signal, a shaping body 2 on. This molding body 2 for forming the ultrasonic signal contains at least one cavity. The shaping of the ultrasonic signal is effected by interfaces of this at least one cavity within the molding body 2 , In the in 1 The embodiment shown is the ultrasonic forming body 2 on an ultrasound head 3 appropriate. The ultrasound head 3 In one possible embodiment, it can have a transmitting device for emitting an ultrasonic signal and a receiving device for receiving a reflected ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic molding body 2 consists of a solid conductive material for ultrasound. In this solid material are specially shaped cavities, at the interfaces of ultrasonic radiation are reflected. The ultrasonic molding body 2 consists in a possible embodiment of an elastic material or a plastic, in particular rubber material or the like. This embodiment offers the advantage that by mechanical deformation of the elastic ultrasonic forming body, the geometric shape of the cavities within the ultrasonic forming body 2 is adjustable or readjustable during operation. In an alternative embodiment, the solid material of the ultrasonic forming body 2 made of a non elastic material. For example, is the ultrasonic molding body 2 To an elastic ultrasonic forming body, for example, a molding body, which consists for example of an elastic plastic material, by mechanical actuators, the elastic ultrasonic shaping body 2 be deformed and thus the exact location of the interface in the ultrasonic forming body 2 located cavities adjusted or changed. For example, in this embodiment, an elastic ultrasonic shaping body 2 be curved or compressed by applying mechanical forces. In a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 have the cavities within the ultrasonic forming body 2 a vacuum or a negative pressure. By this vacuum or this negative pressure, the reflection of the ultrasonic signal at the interface of the cavity is improved, ie the efficiency of the signal reflection is increased.

In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 are the cavities within the ultrasonic forming body 2 filled with a gas or gas mixture to achieve certain signal shaping properties. The gas fillings of the cavity, the wall of which is used as an interface for ultrasonic signal shaping, can have a different pressure. Instead of a gas mixture, for example air inside the cavity, inside the cavity there may also be a compressible liquid which, in combination with the solid material of the ultrasonic forming body 2 which forms necessary transitional or interface surface for the signal reflection of the ultrasonic signal. In a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 are the cavities within the ultrasonic forming body 2 provided or filled with a certain medium and a certain pressure. In another possible embodiment, both the nature of the medium in the cavity and its pressure during operation can be adjusted to influence the shaping of the ultrasonic signal. In one possible embodiment, the at least one in the ultrasonic molding body 2 provided cavity on an associated thin line between the cavity and the surface of the ultrasonic molding body 2 runs. Via this line, the medium located in the cavity can be exchanged for changing the shaping properties of the cavity with respect to the shaping of the ultrasonic signal. If, for example, initially only air is present in the cavity, then the shaping property of the cavity with regard to the shaping of the ultrasonic signal can be changed by introducing into the cavity a compressible liquid or a compressible fluid. Is the ultrasonic molding body 2 made of an elastic material, can also by applying mechanical forces to the surface of the ultrasonic forming body 2 a pressure change within the Cavities of the ultrasonic forming body 2 be achieved in order to change the shaping properties with respect to the shaping of the ultrasonic signal. By changing the pressure prevailing in the cavity pressure are in an elastic ultrasonic shaping body 2 the interface of the cavity changes and thereby the shaping properties of the cavity with respect to the incident ultrasonic signal. In one possible embodiment, that is on the ultrasound head 3 located ultrasonic shaping body 2 interchangeable.

At the in 2 illustrated embodiment, the molding body 2 via a coupling element 4 on the ultrasound head 3 appropriate. The coupling element 4 consists of a conductive material for ultrasonic signals. For example, there is the coupling element 4 from a container containing water for conducting the ultrasonic signal. Furthermore, the coupling element can also be a metal or a metal alloy. In the coupling element 4 it may also be a conduit for conducting ultrasonic signals between the ultrasonic forming body 2 and the ultrasound head 3 act.

3 shows a diagram to illustrate the operation of a device according to the invention 1 for shaping an ultrasonic signal. At the in 3 example shown is a device 1 with an ultrasonic molding body 2 and an ultrasound head 3 near an object to be examined 5 , In the object to be examined 5 Defects FS are present, for example, in the manufacture of the object 5 can arise. For example, the defects are material inclusions or gaps or voids within the object to be examined 5 , Between the device 1 and the object to be examined 5 can a coupling medium 15 to transport the ultrasonic signal. In the coupling medium 15 For example, it is water. In the in 3 The arrangement shown can be both the object to be tested 5 as well as the device 1 with the ultrasound head 3 in a pool of water 14 are as in 6 shown.

Through the ultrasonic molding body 2 Be the of the ultrasound head 3 emitted ultrasound signals selectively shaped and via the coupling medium in the body to be examined or in the object to be examined 5 coupled. The shaped ultrasonic signal, which enters the object to be examined 5 is coupled, is at the defects FS within the object to be examined 5 reflects and passes through the coupling medium, such as water, as a reflection echo signal back to the ultrasound head 3 , In one possible embodiment, the ultrasonic shaping body 2 also that of the object 5 reflected back ultrasound signal for the ultrasound head 3 specifically shaped. In an alternative embodiment, only a shaping of the emitted ultrasonic signal takes place. In one possible embodiment, the ultrasonic shaping body 2 Locate where a back-reflected ultrasound signal goes directly to the ultrasound probe 3 , ie to its ultrasonic receiving unit, can get. In one possible embodiment, that is on the ultrasound head 3 attached ultrasonic molding body 2 for various investigations of the object 5 interchangeable. In one possible embodiment, the ultrasonic forming body forms 2 an ultrasonic signal stop. In this case, ultrasonic signals are transmitted only at specific locations. In a further possible embodiment, the ultrasonic shaping body 2 an ultrasonic signal lens for focusing or bundling the ultrasonic waves. In another possible embodiment, the ultrasonic forming body forms 2 an ultrasonic signal mirror for mirroring or reflection of ultrasonic signals. Further signal shaping properties for shaping the ultrasound signal exist in further embodiments of the device according to the invention 1 , For example, the ultrasonic molding body 2 also scatter an ultrasound signal. Furthermore, it is possible that the ultrasonic shaping body 2 operates as a signal prism, in which the ultrasonic signal is decomposed in different ultrasonic signals with different frequencies. In a further possible embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 are the cavities within the ultrasonic forming body 2 arranged such that they allow several shapes of the ultrasonic signal successively, for example, first a focus and then a targeted filtering by means of a diaphragm.

4 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention 1 for shaping an ultrasonic signal. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic shaping body contains 2 a highly effective diaphragm, which selectively directs an ultrasound signal to an object to be examined 5 lets through. At the in 4 illustrated embodiment is the ultrasonic molding body 2 on an ultrasound head 3 which has a transmitting device for emitting an ultrasonic signal and a receiving device for receiving a reflected ultrasonic signal. In the ultrasonic molding body 2 are in the illustrated embodiment, four hollow body 6-1 . 6-2 . 6-3 . 6-4 , The cavities are elongated cavities that form interfaces or mirror surfaces for incident ultrasonic signals. How to get out 4 can detect, only centrally emitted ultrasonic signals that do not interfere with the cavities 6-i be reflected, directly to the object to be examined 5 via the coupling medium, for example water. On the other hand, the scattered ultrasonic signals of the ultrasonic beam are transmitted through the interfaces of the cavities 6-i reflected and filtered away. For a fine scan of the object to be examined 5 with a wide ultrasonic field it can come to a high background noise. By using the in 4 As shown, it is possible to reduce this background noise and also to generate smaller ultrasound beams. In the 4 represented cavities 6-i within the ultrasonic forming body 2 may be filled with the same or different medium, for example a gas mixture or a liquid. The ultrasonic molding body 2 may in one possible embodiment consist of an elastic material, for example a resilient plastic material. By applying the elastic material with mechanical forces, the shape of the cavities 6-i within the ultrasonic forming body 2 be fine-adjusted, for example, to adjust the glare during operation exactly. In another possible embodiment, the pressure in the cavities 6-i located media used to the interfaces of the cavities 6-i to adjust.

5 shows a further embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 for shaping an ultrasonic signal. In the in 5 illustrated embodiment is an ultrasonic head 3 with a transmitting and receiving device below a layer 2 made of elastic material, which serves as ultrasonic shaping body. The ultrasonic molding body 2 made of elastic material is located for example in a housing 7 , which consists of a non-elastic material, such as metal or a metal alloy. At the edges of the ultrasonic forming body 2 There are two cavities in the illustrated embodiment 6-1 . 6-2 that have pipes, for example pipes 8-1 . 8-2 , with a controllable valve 9-1 . 9-2 , are connected. The controllable valves 9-1 . 9-2 are via pipes or tubes 10-1 . 10-2 to a storage container 11 connected, in which there is a fluid or medium, for example a gas or a gas mixture. The controllable valves 9-1 . 9-2 be by a control device 12 controlled with the ultrasonic head 3 connected is. That of the ultrasound head 3 emitted ultrasonic signal is transmitted through the interfaces of the cavities 6-1 . 6-2 shaped, for example, focused, and encounters a coupling medium, such as water, on the object to be examined 5 in which, for example, defects can be found. The reflected-back reflection signal reaches the ultrasonic head 3 and is, for example, by the controller 12 evaluated. Depending on the evaluated reflection signal, the control device 12 in the 5 illustrated valves 9-1 . 9-2 drive and so the shape of the cavities 6-1 . 6-2 change. By changing the shape of the cavities 6-1 . 6-2 The interface of the cavities changes to the solid material of the ultrasonic forming body 2 and hence the shape of the emitted ultrasonic signal. For example, the controller 12 by opening the valves 9-1 . 9-2 the pressure inside the cavities 6-1 . 6-2 increase and so change the interfaces and the associated shaping of the ultrasonic signal. In one possible embodiment, the adjustment of the valves takes place 9-1 . 9-2 depending on the by the control device 12 evaluated back-reflected ultrasonic signal. For example, a control of the shaping of the ultrasonic signal by the ultrasonic shaping body 2 will be realized. In addition to the in 5 illustrated valves 9-1 . 9-2 can the controller 12 in a possible embodiment also control pumps and the like to the pressure or negative pressure within the cavities 6-1 . 6-2 to control or regulate.

6 shows an embodiment of a dipping plant 13 which is a device according to the invention 1 used to form an ultrasonic signal. At the in 6 illustrated embodiment is an object to be examined 5 , For example, a manufactured metallic object, in a dip tank 14 , which is filled with a coupling medium, such as water. The ultrasound head 3 has an ultrasonic forming body mounted thereon 2 for shaping the ultrasonic signal. The device 1 for shaping the ultrasonic signal is transmitted to the ultrasonic shaping body 2 and the ultrasound head 3 and an optional intermediate coupling element 4 over a line 16 lowered into the plunge pool and along the surface of the object to be examined 5 guided. About the line 16 can the ultrasound head 3 with a control or calculation device 12 be connected, which carries out the evaluation of the reflected back ultrasonic signal. Through the ultrasonic molding body 2 you can get that from the ultrasound head 3 emitted ultrasonic signals focused in the object to be inspected 5 be coupled to even small imperfections FS within the object to be examined 5 to be able to examine. The coupling and decoupling of the ultrasonic signal via the coupling medium 15 For example, water that is in the plunge pool 15 located.

7 shows a further application example of a device according to the invention 1 for shaping an ultrasonic signal.

In the in 7 illustrated embodiment is the device of the invention 1 with the ultrasonic molding body 2 and the ultrasound head 3 on a hull of a watercraft 17 , In this case, the device of the invention is used 1 for targeted shaping of the emitted ultrasound signal to objects 18 below the water surface. At the objects 18 For example, they may be fish or schools of fish that reflect an incident ultrasonic signal. Furthermore, an object can 18 also be a submarine or the like. The ultrasonic molding body 2 In one possible embodiment, this may be part of the hull area of the vessel 17 cover or be integrated into it. The ultrasonic molding body 2 consists preferably of an elastic water-repellent material, for example a plastic, in particular a rubber material. By shaping the emitted ultrasonic signal can be targeted to certain located below the water surface objects 18 be searched. In one possible embodiment, the watercraft 17 ultrasound probes 3 with different ultrasonic shaping bodies 2 on, the control device 12 between different ultrasonic shaping devices 1 can switch. At the in 7 illustrated watercraft 17 it may be, for example, a fishing vessel whose rudder is controlled, for example, in response to the reflected back ultrasonic signal to the vessel 17 in the direction of the detected objects 18-i to steer.

The device according to the invention 1 is suitable not only for watercraft, but for any vehicle that uses ultrasonic signals to detect or detect objects or detection of their position. The device according to the invention 1 It is also suitable for any device that uses ultrasound signals to examine objects 5 used. For the objects to be examined 5 they can be industrially manufactured objects, for example turbine blades or gears. In addition, it may be in the objects to be examined 5 also to act organisms or the like. The device according to the invention 1 Accordingly, it can also be used in medical technology for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Claims (15)

Contraption ( 1 ) for forming an ultrasonic signal with an ultrasonic shaping body ( 2 ), the at least one cavity ( 6 ), wherein the shaping of the ultrasonic signal by interfaces in the ultrasonic shaping body ( 2 ) provided cavity ( 6 ) he follows. Device according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic shaping body ( 2 ) consists of a conductive material for ultrasonic solid material. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the solid material of the ultrasonic forming body ( 2 ) consists of an elastic or a non-elastic material. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1-3, wherein the at least one in the ultrasonic forming body ( 2 ) provided cavity forms an ultrasonic diaphragm, an ultrasonic lens or an ultrasonic mirror. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1-4, wherein the at least one cavity ( 6 ) of the ultrasonic forming body ( 2 ) has a vacuum or is filled with a gas or a gas mixture or filled with a liquid. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1-5, wherein the at least one in the ultrasonic forming body ( 2 ) provided cavity ( 6 ) via at least one associated line ( 8th ) with a surface of the ultrasonic forming body ( 2 ) connected is. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein one in the cavity ( 6 ) located medium for changing the shaping properties of the cavity ( 6 ) with respect to the ultrasonic signal via the associated line of the cavity ( 8th ) is interchangeable. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1-7, wherein one in the cavity ( 6 ) prevailing pressure to change the interfaces of the cavity ( 6 ) is adjustable. Device according to one of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein the ultrasonic shaping body ( 2 ) directly or via a coupling element ( 4 ) on an ultrasound head ( 3 ) is attached. Diving equipment ( 13 ) for the examination of an object ( 5 ) with regard to the presence of defects with: at least one ultrasonic transducer ( 3 ) for transmitting and / or receiving ultrasound signals in a dip tank ( 14 ), in which the object to be examined ( 5 ) and with a device ( 1 ) for forming the ultrasonic signal according to one of the preceding claims 1-9. Watercraft ( 17 ) with at least one ultrasound head ( 3 ) for the detection of objects ( 18 ) below a water surface and with at least one device ( 1 ) for the formation of the Ultrasonic head ( 3 ) emitted ultrasonic signal according to one of the preceding claims 1-9. A method of shaping an ultrasonic signal, wherein the ultrasonic signal is transmitted through interfaces of at least one cavity ( 6 ) formed in an ultrasonic molding body ( 2 ) is provided. A method according to claim 12, wherein the shaped ultrasonic signal is transmitted via a coupling medium ( 15 ), in particular water, into an object to be examined ( 5 ) is coupled. The method of claim 13, wherein the coupled ultrasonic shaped signal received from the object to be examined ( 5 ) is reflected back, for detecting defects within the object to be examined ( 5 ) is evaluated. The method of claim 14, wherein shaping the emitted ultrasonic signal through the interfaces of the cavity ( 6 ) is controlled in response to the reflected back ultrasound signal.

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