Cleveland-Cliffs has been granted a patent for a defect detection and remediation system designed for cast metals. The system utilizes ultrasonic waves to identify subsurface defects and employs lasers for remediation, enhancing quality control during the continuous casting process. GlobalData’s report on Cleveland-Cliffs gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on Cleveland-Cliffs, was a key innovation area identified from patents. Cleveland-Cliffs's grant share as of June 2024 was 79%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Defect detection and remediation system for cast metal
The patent US12042850B2 describes a sophisticated defect detection and remediation system specifically designed for cast metals. The system comprises a detection device and a remediation device. The detection device features multiple detection units that utilize signal generators to produce ultrasonic waves directed at the cast metal's surface, allowing for the identification of defects near the surface without direct physical contact. The receivers, also spaced away from the surface, capture signals generated by these ultrasonic waves. The system is capable of detecting defects based on various signal characteristics, including amplitude and frequency, and can assess the size and position of the defects. The remediation device employs lasers to address the identified defects, enabling remediation during the continuous casting process and at temperatures reaching up to 1,000°C.
The operational method outlined in the patent involves translating the cast metal relative to the detection and remediation system. Initially, the system detects the presence of defects using the detection units, which generate ultrasonic waves and analyze the received signals. Once a defect is identified, the system determines whether remediation is necessary based on the defect's characteristics. If remediation is warranted, the remediation units apply laser beams to the target area, employing techniques such as ablation, melting, grinding, or scarfing to rectify the defect. This innovative approach enhances the quality control of cast metals by enabling real-time defect detection and remediation during the manufacturing process.
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