Patent
US 10,823,708GRAPHENE-BASED NON-DESTRUCTIVE INSPECTION DEVICE AND RELATED METHOD
Antonio BRELATI
US
Copyright © 2026 Matter42. All rights reserved.
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,823,708Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
Figure 1 illustrates a portion of a non-destructive inspection device according to one aspect of the present invention; -
Figure 2A illustrates the inspection device according to the present invention, coupled to a voltage generator during an operating phase of emitting a transmitted acoustic wave; -
Figure 2B illustrates the inspection device according to the present invention, coupled to a transducer during an operating phase of receiving a reflected acoustic wave; -
Figures 3A-3D illustrate, using a common time scale, signals transmitted and received by the inspection device of figure 2A, in which, in particular, figure 3A is representative of a transmitted signal, figure 3B is representative of a signal received in absence of defect detected and figure 3C is …
Figure 4 illustrates a system including a plurality of inspection devices according to the present invention.
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
(Cu rr ently Amended) A non-destructive inspection device (30) for detecting flaws in a body in composite material (20), comprising:-a first structural layer (2), having a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite each other;-a second structural layer (10) mechanically coupled to the first surface (2a) of the first structural layer (2);-a sealed chamber (14), extending between the first and the second structural layer, containing a gas; and-an active region (6), housed in the chamber (14), having a first and a second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b), and being made of one of the following materials: partially reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene, wherein said first and second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b) can be polarized, in a first operating condition, by an AC electric current so as to cause a thermoacoustic generation, by the active region (6), of a first acoustic wave (WE) propagating away from the chamber (14); wherein said chamber (14) is configured to receive, in a second operating condition, a second acoustic wave generated by a reflection of the first acoustic wave; wherein said active region (6) is configured to generate, in the second operating condition and by a thermoelectric effect, an electrical signal (i R) between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) 1 wherein the second structural layer (10) is an integral part of said body (20), the body being formed by a plurality of superposed layers of composite material bonded together by resin; and wherein both the first and the second structural layers (2, 10) are made of the same composite material as said body (20). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the second structural layer (10) is mechanically coupled to said body made of composite material (20), wherein, said chamber (14) and said active region (6) are mutually arranged in such a way that, in the first operating condition, the first acoustic wave propagates towards the body in composite material (20), and wherein, in the second operating condition, the second acoustic wave, generated by the reflection of the first acoustic wave in the presence of a defect in the body in composite material (20), is received by said chamber (14); and wherein said chamber (14) and said active region (6) are mutually a rr anged in such a way that a pressure variation and, consequently, a temperature variation, in the gas contained in the chamber (14) generates, due to [[a]]the thermoelectric effect, said electrical signal (i R) indicative of the presence of said defect. Currently amended
The device according to claim 1, wherein said active region (6) has a heat capacity per unit area, HCPUA, ranging from 10- 1 and 10 -2 J m-2 K⁻¹. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the gas present in the chamber (14) is air or a noble gas. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b) are made of partially reduced graphene oxide. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the active region (6) and the first and the second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b) extend, without inte rr uption, in the same layer of partially reduced graphene oxide, and wherein an electric resistivity value of the active region (6) is lower than an electric resistivity value of the first and the second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (14) defines a volume having a base surface ranging from 1 cm 2 to 100cm 2 and a height ranging from 0.1mm to 10 mm. Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (14) is delimited internally by the respective surfaces of the first layer (2) and the second layer (10), said active region (6) extending on the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2) at a distance from the respective surface of the second layer (10). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device as claimed in claim 1, comprising:-a voltage generator (8) coupled to the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6), operable to generate, in the first operating condition, an AC electric cu rr ent between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) so as to produce, by means of the thermoacoustic effect, said first acoustic wave (WE); and-a current detector (9) coupled to the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6), configured to detect, in the second operating condition, temporally following the first operating condition, an said electrical signal (i R) between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) and to generate [[in]] and output a signal proportional to said electrical signal (i R). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) An avionic structure provided with [[a]]the body (20) in composite material, integrating [[a]]the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the second structural layer (10) of the non-destructive inspection device (30) is mechanically coupled to said body in composite material (20). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein forming the active region (6) includes: carrying out a first operation for reducing a layer of graphene oxide, forming partially reduced graphene oxide in selective regions of the layer of graphene oxide in which formation of the active region (6) and the first and the second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b) is desired; and carrying out a second reduction operation in selective regions of the layer of graphene oxide in which formation exclusively of the active region (6) is desired, so that an electric resistivity value of the active region (6) is lower than an electric resistivity value of the first and second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b). SVG 15972982.05-28-2020.KARSLDN₄RXEAPX3.CLM.1.svg 0.16 5.86 Black and white generating by the thermoacoustic effect, in a first operating condition, by means of [[a]]the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, a first acoustic wave propagating away from the nondestructive inspection device (30); receiving, in a second operating condition, by means of the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, a second acoustic wave generated by reflection of the first acoustic wave; and generating, by thermoelectric effect, by means of the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, an electric signal indicative of the second acoustic wave. Currently amended
Canceled
(Cu rr ently Amended) A method of manufacturing a non-destructive inspection device (30) for detecting flaws in a body in composite material (20), comprising the steps of:-arranging a first structural layer (2), having a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite each other;-forming an active region (6) on the first surface (2a) of the first structural layer (2), the active region (6) having a first and a second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b), and being made of one of the following materials: partially reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene;-mechanically coupling a second structural layer (10) to the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2) so as to form a sealed chamber (14), containing a gas, between the first and the second structural layer in an area of said active region (6); wherein the second structural layer (10) is formed an integral part of said body (20), the body being formed by a plurality of superposed layers of composite material bonded together by resin; and wherein both the first and the second structural layers (2, 10) are made of the same composite material as said body (20). Currently amended
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of mechanically coupling the second structural layer (10) to said body made of composite material (20) to be inspected. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein said active region (6) has a heat capacity per unit area, HCPUA, ranging from 10- 1 to 10 -2 J m- 2 K⁻¹. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the gas present in the chamber (14) is air or a noble gas. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the step of forming the chamber (14) comprises forming locally an evaporating layer between the first and the second structural layer; and carrying out a heat treatment which causes evaporation of the evaporating layer, thus forming a buried region of gas which defines said chamber (14). Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the step of forming the chamber (14) comprises forming a depression in a selective region of the second structural layer (10) prior to the step of coupling the second structural layer (10) to the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2). Original
Canceled
(Cu rr ently Amended) The manufacturing method according to claim [[19]] 18, wherein said composite material includes carbon fibre in a resin matrix. Currently amended
The method of operation according to claim 26, wherein the step of generating the first acoustic wave includes supplying an AC electric current between the first and the second conduction terminal of the active region (6) of the non-destructive inspection device (30), and wherein the step of generating an electric signal indicative of the second acoustic wave includes causing a pressure variation and, consequently, a temperature variation, of the gas contained in the chamber (14) of the non-destructive inspection device (30). Original
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
non-destructive inspection device
avionic structure with integrated non-destructive inspection device
Materials described outside the worked examples.
partially reduced graphene oxide
reduced graphene oxide
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Pressure | 1–6 bar | — |
Temperature |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,823,708Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
Figure 1 illustrates a portion of a non-destructive inspection device according to one aspect of the present invention; -
Figure 2A illustrates the inspection device according to the present invention, coupled to a voltage generator during an operating phase of emitting a transmitted acoustic wave; -
Figure 2B illustrates the inspection device according to the present invention, coupled to a transducer during an operating phase of receiving a reflected acoustic wave; -
Figures 3A-3D illustrate, using a common time scale, signals transmitted and received by the inspection device of figure 2A, in which, in particular, figure 3A is representative of a transmitted signal, figure 3B is representative of a signal received in absence of defect detected and figure 3C is …
Figure 4 illustrates a system including a plurality of inspection devices according to the present invention.
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
(Cu rr ently Amended) A non-destructive inspection device (30) for detecting flaws in a body in composite material (20), comprising:-a first structural layer (2), having a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite each other;-a second structural layer (10) mechanically coupled to the first surface (2a) of the first structural layer (2);-a sealed chamber (14), extending between the first and the second structural layer, containing a gas; and-an active region (6), housed in the chamber (14), having a first and a second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b), and being made of one of the following materials: partially reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene, wherein said first and second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b) can be polarized, in a first operating condition, by an AC electric current so as to cause a thermoacoustic generation, by the active region (6), of a first acoustic wave (WE) propagating away from the chamber (14); wherein said chamber (14) is configured to receive, in a second operating condition, a second acoustic wave generated by a reflection of the first acoustic wave; wherein said active region (6) is configured to generate, in the second operating condition and by a thermoelectric effect, an electrical signal (i R) between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) 1 wherein the second structural layer (10) is an integral part of said body (20), the body being formed by a plurality of superposed layers of composite material bonded together by resin; and wherein both the first and the second structural layers (2, 10) are made of the same composite material as said body (20). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the second structural layer (10) is mechanically coupled to said body made of composite material (20), wherein, said chamber (14) and said active region (6) are mutually arranged in such a way that, in the first operating condition, the first acoustic wave propagates towards the body in composite material (20), and wherein, in the second operating condition, the second acoustic wave, generated by the reflection of the first acoustic wave in the presence of a defect in the body in composite material (20), is received by said chamber (14); and wherein said chamber (14) and said active region (6) are mutually a rr anged in such a way that a pressure variation and, consequently, a temperature variation, in the gas contained in the chamber (14) generates, due to [[a]]the thermoelectric effect, said electrical signal (i R) indicative of the presence of said defect. Currently amended
The device according to claim 1, wherein said active region (6) has a heat capacity per unit area, HCPUA, ranging from 10- 1 and 10 -2 J m-2 K⁻¹. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the gas present in the chamber (14) is air or a noble gas. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b) are made of partially reduced graphene oxide. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the active region (6) and the first and the second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b) extend, without inte rr uption, in the same layer of partially reduced graphene oxide, and wherein an electric resistivity value of the active region (6) is lower than an electric resistivity value of the first and the second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (14) defines a volume having a base surface ranging from 1 cm 2 to 100cm 2 and a height ranging from 0.1mm to 10 mm. Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (14) is delimited internally by the respective surfaces of the first layer (2) and the second layer (10), said active region (6) extending on the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2) at a distance from the respective surface of the second layer (10). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device as claimed in claim 1, comprising:-a voltage generator (8) coupled to the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6), operable to generate, in the first operating condition, an AC electric cu rr ent between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) so as to produce, by means of the thermoacoustic effect, said first acoustic wave (WE); and-a current detector (9) coupled to the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6), configured to detect, in the second operating condition, temporally following the first operating condition, an said electrical signal (i R) between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) and to generate [[in]] and output a signal proportional to said electrical signal (i R). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) An avionic structure provided with [[a]]the body (20) in composite material, integrating [[a]]the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the second structural layer (10) of the non-destructive inspection device (30) is mechanically coupled to said body in composite material (20). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein forming the active region (6) includes: carrying out a first operation for reducing a layer of graphene oxide, forming partially reduced graphene oxide in selective regions of the layer of graphene oxide in which formation of the active region (6) and the first and the second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b) is desired; and carrying out a second reduction operation in selective regions of the layer of graphene oxide in which formation exclusively of the active region (6) is desired, so that an electric resistivity value of the active region (6) is lower than an electric resistivity value of the first and second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b). SVG 15972982.05-28-2020.KARSLDN₄RXEAPX3.CLM.1.svg 0.16 5.86 Black and white generating by the thermoacoustic effect, in a first operating condition, by means of [[a]]the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, a first acoustic wave propagating away from the nondestructive inspection device (30); receiving, in a second operating condition, by means of the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, a second acoustic wave generated by reflection of the first acoustic wave; and generating, by thermoelectric effect, by means of the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, an electric signal indicative of the second acoustic wave. Currently amended
Canceled
(Cu rr ently Amended) A method of manufacturing a non-destructive inspection device (30) for detecting flaws in a body in composite material (20), comprising the steps of:-arranging a first structural layer (2), having a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite each other;-forming an active region (6) on the first surface (2a) of the first structural layer (2), the active region (6) having a first and a second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b), and being made of one of the following materials: partially reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene;-mechanically coupling a second structural layer (10) to the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2) so as to form a sealed chamber (14), containing a gas, between the first and the second structural layer in an area of said active region (6); wherein the second structural layer (10) is formed an integral part of said body (20), the body being formed by a plurality of superposed layers of composite material bonded together by resin; and wherein both the first and the second structural layers (2, 10) are made of the same composite material as said body (20). Currently amended
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of mechanically coupling the second structural layer (10) to said body made of composite material (20) to be inspected. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein said active region (6) has a heat capacity per unit area, HCPUA, ranging from 10- 1 to 10 -2 J m- 2 K⁻¹. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the gas present in the chamber (14) is air or a noble gas. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the step of forming the chamber (14) comprises forming locally an evaporating layer between the first and the second structural layer; and carrying out a heat treatment which causes evaporation of the evaporating layer, thus forming a buried region of gas which defines said chamber (14). Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the step of forming the chamber (14) comprises forming a depression in a selective region of the second structural layer (10) prior to the step of coupling the second structural layer (10) to the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2). Original
Canceled
(Cu rr ently Amended) The manufacturing method according to claim [[19]] 18, wherein said composite material includes carbon fibre in a resin matrix. Currently amended
The method of operation according to claim 26, wherein the step of generating the first acoustic wave includes supplying an AC electric current between the first and the second conduction terminal of the active region (6) of the non-destructive inspection device (30), and wherein the step of generating an electric signal indicative of the second acoustic wave includes causing a pressure variation and, consequently, a temperature variation, of the gas contained in the chamber (14) of the non-destructive inspection device (30). Original
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
non-destructive inspection device
avionic structure with integrated non-destructive inspection device
Materials described outside the worked examples.
partially reduced graphene oxide
reduced graphene oxide
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Pressure | 1–6 bar | — |
Temperature |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,823,708Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
Figure 1 illustrates a portion of a non-destructive inspection device according to one aspect of the present invention; -
Figure 2A illustrates the inspection device according to the present invention, coupled to a voltage generator during an operating phase of emitting a transmitted acoustic wave; -
Figure 2B illustrates the inspection device according to the present invention, coupled to a transducer during an operating phase of receiving a reflected acoustic wave; -
Figures 3A-3D illustrate, using a common time scale, signals transmitted and received by the inspection device of figure 2A, in which, in particular, figure 3A is representative of a transmitted signal, figure 3B is representative of a signal received in absence of defect detected and figure 3C is …
Figure 4 illustrates a system including a plurality of inspection devices according to the present invention.
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
(Cu rr ently Amended) A non-destructive inspection device (30) for detecting flaws in a body in composite material (20), comprising:-a first structural layer (2), having a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite each other;-a second structural layer (10) mechanically coupled to the first surface (2a) of the first structural layer (2);-a sealed chamber (14), extending between the first and the second structural layer, containing a gas; and-an active region (6), housed in the chamber (14), having a first and a second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b), and being made of one of the following materials: partially reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene, wherein said first and second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b) can be polarized, in a first operating condition, by an AC electric current so as to cause a thermoacoustic generation, by the active region (6), of a first acoustic wave (WE) propagating away from the chamber (14); wherein said chamber (14) is configured to receive, in a second operating condition, a second acoustic wave generated by a reflection of the first acoustic wave; wherein said active region (6) is configured to generate, in the second operating condition and by a thermoelectric effect, an electrical signal (i R) between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) 1 wherein the second structural layer (10) is an integral part of said body (20), the body being formed by a plurality of superposed layers of composite material bonded together by resin; and wherein both the first and the second structural layers (2, 10) are made of the same composite material as said body (20). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the second structural layer (10) is mechanically coupled to said body made of composite material (20), wherein, said chamber (14) and said active region (6) are mutually arranged in such a way that, in the first operating condition, the first acoustic wave propagates towards the body in composite material (20), and wherein, in the second operating condition, the second acoustic wave, generated by the reflection of the first acoustic wave in the presence of a defect in the body in composite material (20), is received by said chamber (14); and wherein said chamber (14) and said active region (6) are mutually a rr anged in such a way that a pressure variation and, consequently, a temperature variation, in the gas contained in the chamber (14) generates, due to [[a]]the thermoelectric effect, said electrical signal (i R) indicative of the presence of said defect. Currently amended
The device according to claim 1, wherein said active region (6) has a heat capacity per unit area, HCPUA, ranging from 10- 1 and 10 -2 J m-2 K⁻¹. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the gas present in the chamber (14) is air or a noble gas. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b) are made of partially reduced graphene oxide. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the active region (6) and the first and the second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b) extend, without inte rr uption, in the same layer of partially reduced graphene oxide, and wherein an electric resistivity value of the active region (6) is lower than an electric resistivity value of the first and the second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (14) defines a volume having a base surface ranging from 1 cm 2 to 100cm 2 and a height ranging from 0.1mm to 10 mm. Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (14) is delimited internally by the respective surfaces of the first layer (2) and the second layer (10), said active region (6) extending on the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2) at a distance from the respective surface of the second layer (10). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device as claimed in claim 1, comprising:-a voltage generator (8) coupled to the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6), operable to generate, in the first operating condition, an AC electric cu rr ent between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) so as to produce, by means of the thermoacoustic effect, said first acoustic wave (WE); and-a current detector (9) coupled to the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6), configured to detect, in the second operating condition, temporally following the first operating condition, an said electrical signal (i R) between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) and to generate [[in]] and output a signal proportional to said electrical signal (i R). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) An avionic structure provided with [[a]]the body (20) in composite material, integrating [[a]]the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the second structural layer (10) of the non-destructive inspection device (30) is mechanically coupled to said body in composite material (20). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein forming the active region (6) includes: carrying out a first operation for reducing a layer of graphene oxide, forming partially reduced graphene oxide in selective regions of the layer of graphene oxide in which formation of the active region (6) and the first and the second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b) is desired; and carrying out a second reduction operation in selective regions of the layer of graphene oxide in which formation exclusively of the active region (6) is desired, so that an electric resistivity value of the active region (6) is lower than an electric resistivity value of the first and second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b). SVG 15972982.05-28-2020.KARSLDN₄RXEAPX3.CLM.1.svg 0.16 5.86 Black and white generating by the thermoacoustic effect, in a first operating condition, by means of [[a]]the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, a first acoustic wave propagating away from the nondestructive inspection device (30); receiving, in a second operating condition, by means of the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, a second acoustic wave generated by reflection of the first acoustic wave; and generating, by thermoelectric effect, by means of the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, an electric signal indicative of the second acoustic wave. Currently amended
Canceled
(Cu rr ently Amended) A method of manufacturing a non-destructive inspection device (30) for detecting flaws in a body in composite material (20), comprising the steps of:-arranging a first structural layer (2), having a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite each other;-forming an active region (6) on the first surface (2a) of the first structural layer (2), the active region (6) having a first and a second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b), and being made of one of the following materials: partially reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene;-mechanically coupling a second structural layer (10) to the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2) so as to form a sealed chamber (14), containing a gas, between the first and the second structural layer in an area of said active region (6); wherein the second structural layer (10) is formed an integral part of said body (20), the body being formed by a plurality of superposed layers of composite material bonded together by resin; and wherein both the first and the second structural layers (2, 10) are made of the same composite material as said body (20). Currently amended
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of mechanically coupling the second structural layer (10) to said body made of composite material (20) to be inspected. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein said active region (6) has a heat capacity per unit area, HCPUA, ranging from 10- 1 to 10 -2 J m- 2 K⁻¹. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the gas present in the chamber (14) is air or a noble gas. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the step of forming the chamber (14) comprises forming locally an evaporating layer between the first and the second structural layer; and carrying out a heat treatment which causes evaporation of the evaporating layer, thus forming a buried region of gas which defines said chamber (14). Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the step of forming the chamber (14) comprises forming a depression in a selective region of the second structural layer (10) prior to the step of coupling the second structural layer (10) to the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2). Original
Canceled
(Cu rr ently Amended) The manufacturing method according to claim [[19]] 18, wherein said composite material includes carbon fibre in a resin matrix. Currently amended
The method of operation according to claim 26, wherein the step of generating the first acoustic wave includes supplying an AC electric current between the first and the second conduction terminal of the active region (6) of the non-destructive inspection device (30), and wherein the step of generating an electric signal indicative of the second acoustic wave includes causing a pressure variation and, consequently, a temperature variation, of the gas contained in the chamber (14) of the non-destructive inspection device (30). Original
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
non-destructive inspection device
avionic structure with integrated non-destructive inspection device
Materials described outside the worked examples.
partially reduced graphene oxide
reduced graphene oxide
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Pressure | 1–6 bar | — |
Temperature |
Patent
Atlas literature
Patent
US 10,823,708Patent drawings and their descriptions. Click a drawing to enlarge it.
Figure 1 illustrates a portion of a non-destructive inspection device according to one aspect of the present invention; -
Figure 2A illustrates the inspection device according to the present invention, coupled to a voltage generator during an operating phase of emitting a transmitted acoustic wave; -
Figure 2B illustrates the inspection device according to the present invention, coupled to a transducer during an operating phase of receiving a reflected acoustic wave; -
Figures 3A-3D illustrate, using a common time scale, signals transmitted and received by the inspection device of figure 2A, in which, in particular, figure 3A is representative of a transmitted signal, figure 3B is representative of a signal received in absence of defect detected and figure 3C is …
Figure 4 illustrates a system including a plurality of inspection devices according to the present invention.
Claims define the patent's legal scope. Independent claims stand alone; dependent claims (nested) narrow them. Click a claim to expand its dependents.
(Cu rr ently Amended) A non-destructive inspection device (30) for detecting flaws in a body in composite material (20), comprising:-a first structural layer (2), having a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite each other;-a second structural layer (10) mechanically coupled to the first surface (2a) of the first structural layer (2);-a sealed chamber (14), extending between the first and the second structural layer, containing a gas; and-an active region (6), housed in the chamber (14), having a first and a second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b), and being made of one of the following materials: partially reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene, wherein said first and second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b) can be polarized, in a first operating condition, by an AC electric current so as to cause a thermoacoustic generation, by the active region (6), of a first acoustic wave (WE) propagating away from the chamber (14); wherein said chamber (14) is configured to receive, in a second operating condition, a second acoustic wave generated by a reflection of the first acoustic wave; wherein said active region (6) is configured to generate, in the second operating condition and by a thermoelectric effect, an electrical signal (i R) between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) 1 wherein the second structural layer (10) is an integral part of said body (20), the body being formed by a plurality of superposed layers of composite material bonded together by resin; and wherein both the first and the second structural layers (2, 10) are made of the same composite material as said body (20). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the second structural layer (10) is mechanically coupled to said body made of composite material (20), wherein, said chamber (14) and said active region (6) are mutually arranged in such a way that, in the first operating condition, the first acoustic wave propagates towards the body in composite material (20), and wherein, in the second operating condition, the second acoustic wave, generated by the reflection of the first acoustic wave in the presence of a defect in the body in composite material (20), is received by said chamber (14); and wherein said chamber (14) and said active region (6) are mutually a rr anged in such a way that a pressure variation and, consequently, a temperature variation, in the gas contained in the chamber (14) generates, due to [[a]]the thermoelectric effect, said electrical signal (i R) indicative of the presence of said defect. Currently amended
The device according to claim 1, wherein said active region (6) has a heat capacity per unit area, HCPUA, ranging from 10- 1 and 10 -2 J m-2 K⁻¹. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the gas present in the chamber (14) is air or a noble gas. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b) are made of partially reduced graphene oxide. Original
The device according to claim 1, wherein the active region (6) and the first and the second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b) extend, without inte rr uption, in the same layer of partially reduced graphene oxide, and wherein an electric resistivity value of the active region (6) is lower than an electric resistivity value of the first and the second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (14) defines a volume having a base surface ranging from 1 cm 2 to 100cm 2 and a height ranging from 0.1mm to 10 mm. Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (14) is delimited internally by the respective surfaces of the first layer (2) and the second layer (10), said active region (6) extending on the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2) at a distance from the respective surface of the second layer (10). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The device as claimed in claim 1, comprising:-a voltage generator (8) coupled to the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6), operable to generate, in the first operating condition, an AC electric cu rr ent between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) so as to produce, by means of the thermoacoustic effect, said first acoustic wave (WE); and-a current detector (9) coupled to the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6), configured to detect, in the second operating condition, temporally following the first operating condition, an said electrical signal (i R) between the first and second conduction terminals of the active region (6) and to generate [[in]] and output a signal proportional to said electrical signal (i R). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) An avionic structure provided with [[a]]the body (20) in composite material, integrating [[a]]the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, wherein the second structural layer (10) of the non-destructive inspection device (30) is mechanically coupled to said body in composite material (20). Currently amended
(Cu rr ently Amended) The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein forming the active region (6) includes: carrying out a first operation for reducing a layer of graphene oxide, forming partially reduced graphene oxide in selective regions of the layer of graphene oxide in which formation of the active region (6) and the first and the second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b) is desired; and carrying out a second reduction operation in selective regions of the layer of graphene oxide in which formation exclusively of the active region (6) is desired, so that an electric resistivity value of the active region (6) is lower than an electric resistivity value of the first and second conduction terminals (7, 4a, 4b). SVG 15972982.05-28-2020.KARSLDN₄RXEAPX3.CLM.1.svg 0.16 5.86 Black and white generating by the thermoacoustic effect, in a first operating condition, by means of [[a]]the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, a first acoustic wave propagating away from the nondestructive inspection device (30); receiving, in a second operating condition, by means of the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, a second acoustic wave generated by reflection of the first acoustic wave; and generating, by thermoelectric effect, by means of the non-destructive inspection device (30) according to claim 1, an electric signal indicative of the second acoustic wave. Currently amended
Canceled
(Cu rr ently Amended) A method of manufacturing a non-destructive inspection device (30) for detecting flaws in a body in composite material (20), comprising the steps of:-arranging a first structural layer (2), having a first and a second surface (2a, 2b) opposite each other;-forming an active region (6) on the first surface (2a) of the first structural layer (2), the active region (6) having a first and a second conduction terminal (7, 4a, 4b), and being made of one of the following materials: partially reduced graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, graphene;-mechanically coupling a second structural layer (10) to the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2) so as to form a sealed chamber (14), containing a gas, between the first and the second structural layer in an area of said active region (6); wherein the second structural layer (10) is formed an integral part of said body (20), the body being formed by a plurality of superposed layers of composite material bonded together by resin; and wherein both the first and the second structural layers (2, 10) are made of the same composite material as said body (20). Currently amended
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of mechanically coupling the second structural layer (10) to said body made of composite material (20) to be inspected. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein said active region (6) has a heat capacity per unit area, HCPUA, ranging from 10- 1 to 10 -2 J m- 2 K⁻¹. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the gas present in the chamber (14) is air or a noble gas. Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the step of forming the chamber (14) comprises forming locally an evaporating layer between the first and the second structural layer; and carrying out a heat treatment which causes evaporation of the evaporating layer, thus forming a buried region of gas which defines said chamber (14). Original
The manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein the step of forming the chamber (14) comprises forming a depression in a selective region of the second structural layer (10) prior to the step of coupling the second structural layer (10) to the first surface (2a) of the first layer (2). Original
Canceled
(Cu rr ently Amended) The manufacturing method according to claim [[19]] 18, wherein said composite material includes carbon fibre in a resin matrix. Currently amended
The method of operation according to claim 26, wherein the step of generating the first acoustic wave includes supplying an AC electric current between the first and the second conduction terminal of the active region (6) of the non-destructive inspection device (30), and wherein the step of generating an electric signal indicative of the second acoustic wave includes causing a pressure variation and, consequently, a temperature variation, of the gas contained in the chamber (14) of the non-destructive inspection device (30). Original
Layer stacks claimed or described, ordered top of device to substrate.
non-destructive inspection device
avionic structure with integrated non-destructive inspection device
Materials described outside the worked examples.
partially reduced graphene oxide
reduced graphene oxide
Performance values and ranges asserted in the specification or claims.
| Property | Value | Material |
|---|---|---|
Pressure | 1–6 bar | — |
Temperature |
graphene
carbon fibre in a resin matrix
graphene oxide
| 0–180 °C |
| — |
Thickness | 0.1–10 mm | — |
Voltage | 24–48 V | — |
Thickness | 2–100 cm | — |
Pressure | ≤ 1 pA | — |
graphene
carbon fibre in a resin matrix
graphene oxide
| 0–180 °C |
| — |
Thickness | 0.1–10 mm | — |
Voltage | 24–48 V | — |
Thickness | 2–100 cm | — |
Pressure | ≤ 1 pA | — |
graphene
carbon fibre in a resin matrix
graphene oxide
| 0–180 °C |
| — |
Thickness | 0.1–10 mm | — |
Voltage | 24–48 V | — |
Thickness | 2–100 cm | — |
Pressure | ≤ 1 pA | — |
graphene
carbon fibre in a resin matrix
graphene oxide
| 0–180 °C |
| — |
Thickness | 0.1–10 mm | — |
Voltage | 24–48 V | — |
Thickness | 2–100 cm | — |
Pressure | ≤ 1 pA | — |