System and method for determining structural characteristics of an object
Inventors
Earthman, James C. • Sheets, Cherilyn G.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10488312-B2
Publication Date
2019-11-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a system and method for measuring the structural characteristics of an object. The object is subjected to an energy application processes and provides an objective, quantitative measurement of structural characteristics of an object. The system may include a device, for example, a percussion instrument, capable of being reproducibly placed against the object undergoing such measurement for reproducible positioning. The structural characteristics as defined herein may include vibration damping capacities, acoustic damping capacities, structural integrity or structural stability.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a method of determining structural characteristics of an object by applying energy and generating a reproducible quantitative response profile. Energy reflected from the object or displacement of the energy application tool is recorded for a time interval after applying energy, and a time versus percussion response profile is created as a function of time. A shape of the time versus percussion response profile is evaluated to make a determination regarding the structural characteristics of the object.
The system and method record objective reflected energy or tool displacement over time and evaluate the shape of the time versus percussion response profile to infer structural integrity and stability, including inherent defects and defect types such as cracks, micro-cracks, fractures, microfractures, microleakage, bond failure, and cement failure. In some embodiments, the response profile is created based on deceleration of the energy application tool upon impact or vibration of the object as a result of the energy application, and the number of energy maxima reflected after energy application is also evaluated.
The invention also includes a device geometry for repeatable positioning, including a sleeve with a tab extended therefrom and object contacting surfaces configured to stabilize placement of the energy application tool against the object. The sleeve and tab are kept against different surfaces of the object to stabilize placement during repeating energy application, and the tab minimizes motion of the object after application of energy in any direction other than a direction of energy application.
Claims Coverage
The document contains three independent method claims. Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on stabilizing object placement using a sleeve/tab, applying energy with an energy application tool disposed inside a device, recording reflected energy and/or tool displacement or deceleration/vibration over a time interval, and creating and evaluating a time versus percussion response profile to determine structural characteristics.
Tab and sleeve stabilized placement for repeating energy application
placing an object contacting surface of a sleeve having a tab extended therefrom directly against said object; keeping said object contacting surface of said tab and said object contacting surface of said sleeve against different surfaces of the object, said sleeve and said tab comprised part of a device.
Time-based reflected energy or tool displacement recording
recording for a time interval, energy reflected from the object or displacement of the energy application tool as a result of energy application.
Time versus percussion response profile evaluation for structural determination
creating a time versus percussion response profile of the response reflected from the object or the displacement of the energy application tool as a function of time; and evaluating a shape of the time versus percussion response profile to make a determination regarding the structural characteristics of the object.
Measuring tool deceleration upon impact or object vibration
measuring for a time interval, the deceleration of the energy application tool upon impact with the object or any vibration of the object as a result of the energy application.
Tab minimizes motion of the object after application
wherein said tab minimizes motion of the object after application of energy in any direction other than a direction of said applying energy.
Stabilizing an energy application tool using sleeve and tab during repeating energy application
keeping said tab and said sleeve against different surfaces of the object for stabilizing the placement of an energy application tool against said object during repeating energy application to said object by said energy application tool, said sleeve and tab comprised part of a device and said energy application tool is disposed inside said device.
Time versus percussion response profile from repeating energy application
recording for a time interval, energy reflected from the object or displacement of the energy application tool as a result of repeating energy application; creating a time versus percussion response profile of the response reflected from the object or the displacement of the energy application tool as a function of time; and evaluating a shape of the time versus percussion response profile to make a determination regarding the structural characteristics of the object.
Across the independent claims, the coverage is directed to determining structural characteristics by stabilizing object placement with a sleeve/tab, applying energy with an internal energy application tool, recording reflected energy and/or tool displacement or measuring deceleration and/or vibration over time, generating a time versus percussion response profile, and evaluating the profile shape to make the structural determination. Additional independent-claim-specific constraints include motion minimization by the tab and using sleeve/tab stabilization during repeating energy application.
Stated Advantages
Object motion is minimized after application of energy in any direction other than the direction of applying energy.
Repeatable stabilization of placement of the energy application tool against the object is achieved during repeating energy application.
Documented Applications
Detection and characterization of dental cracks, microcracks, fractures, microleakage, and bond or cement failure in tooth structure and dental implant/prosthetic dental implant contexts.
Assessment of dental-specific outputs including restorability, procedural success, remodeling, looseness, and stability without invasive procedures, and locations or types of defects such as cracks, fractures, microfractures, microleakages, lesion, decay, and delamination.
Testing or evaluation of composite structures, including layered honeycomb composites such as Nomex honeycomb core.
Engineering-structure evaluation using structural characteristics and damping or acoustic damping properties, including analysis and comparisons such as buccal loading comparisons and finite element simulation.
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