Apparatus for inspecting the inside of a liquid rocket engine combustion chamber

Abstract

The present invention provides a combustion inspection device for inspecting the interior of a liquid rocket engine combustion chamber, comprising: a combustion chamber mounting portion on which the combustion chamber is mounted; a combustion chamber rotating portion provided in the combustion chamber mounting portion for rotating the combustion chamber; a moving axis disposed inside the combustion chamber in a vertical direction of the combustion chamber mounting portion; a camera module that moves in the vertical direction of the moving axis to photograph the interior surface of the combustion chamber; and a control unit that determines internal defects of the combustion chamber by comparing pixel changes between a pre-test image and a post-test image of the interior surface of the combustion chamber received from the camera module.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an internal inspection device for a liquid rocket engine combustor. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional industrial surface inspection equipment identifies defects by irradiating an object with a laser pattern or light source and comparing the reflection pattern of the acquired image with grayscale values. After combustion tests, the combustor assembly undergoes plastic deformation due to the influence of high temperature and pressure, and microscopic cracks may form on the inner walls of the combustor due to thermal pressure. Conventional methods for inspecting the interior of combustors rely on visual inspection, and in the case of microscopic cracks on the walls, defects are assessed through pressure maintenance tests using nitrogen and helium pressurization. Existing liquid rocket combustors and gas generators are manufactured using 3D printing and brazing methods, followed by strength and airtightness tests using water, nitrogen, and helium. Damage to the inner walls is identified through visual inspection and internal pressure maintenance tests after combustion tests. Conventional combustor inspection utilizes pressure monitoring methods, and if a pressure drop occurs, an additional visual inspection is performed to confirm internal defects. Performing visual inspections requires a significant amount of time to locate defects inside the combustor, and inspection is impossible, particularly for small combustors that are inaccessible to the inspector. Defects detected through visual inspection may not be identified due to the inspector's eyesight or physical condition. The problem to be solved

[0003] The present invention aims to solve various problems, including those mentioned above, by providing an internal inspection device for a liquid rocket engine combustor. However, these problems are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the present invention. means of solving the problem

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a combustion inspection device is provided, comprising: a combustion mounting part on which a combustion is mounted; a combustion rotating part provided in the combustion mounting part for rotating the combustion; a moving axis disposed inside the combustion in a vertical direction in the combustion mounting part; a camera module that moves in the vertical direction of the moving axis to photograph the internal surface of the combustion; and a control unit that determines internal defects of the combustion by comparing pixel changes between a pre-test image and a post-test image of the internal surface of the combustion received from the camera module.

[0005] The above control unit can control the shooting angle of the camera module so that the shooting surface of the camera module is maintained perpendicular to the inner surface of the combustion chamber.

[0006] The control unit above can generate a curved surface tracking path of the camera module based on pre-stored internal shape data of the combustor and adjust the focus of the camera module based on the curved surface tracking path.

[0007] A combustion device inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a power supply unit that is mounted on the camera module and connected to the moving shaft via a sleeve, receives driving power from the moving shaft, moves in the up-and-down axial direction of the moving shaft, and supplies the driving power to the camera module.

[0008] A combustion device inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a proximity sensor module mounted on the power supply unit, which receives the driving power and measures the distance between the lens of the camera module and the inner surface of the combustion device.

[0009] A combustion device inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cleaning module mounted on the power supply unit to receive the driving power and clean foreign substances on the inner surface of the combustion device.

[0010] Other aspects, features, and advantages other than those described above will become clear from the specific details, claims, and drawings for implementing the invention below. Effects of the invention

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention as described above, by quantitatively determining internal defects in combustors, gas generators, and pre-combustors of various sizes, defect detection in all internal areas of the combustor can be automated and precisely evaluated. Of course, the scope of the present invention is not limited by this effect. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0012] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the configuration and operation of a combustion device inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the configuration and operation of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 to 6 are drawings for explaining the configuration and operation of a combustion device inspection device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0013] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0015] In the following embodiments, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. Also, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the feature or component described in the specification exists, and do not exclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0016] In the drawings, the size of components may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of explanation. For example, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated.

[0017] In the following embodiments, when a part such as a region, component, section, block, or module is described as being on or above another part, it includes not only cases where it is directly on top of the other part, but also cases where another region, component, section, block, or module is interposed therein. Furthermore, when a region, component, section, block, or module is described as being connected, it includes not only cases where the region, component, section, block, or module is directly connected, but also cases where other regions, components, sections, blocks, or modules are interposed therein to indirectly connect them.

[0018] Hereinafter, in order to enable a person skilled in the art to easily practice the present invention, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the configuration and operation of a combustion device inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3 to 6 are drawings for explaining the configuration and operation of a combustion device inspection device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining the configuration and operation of a control unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] According to the present invention, internal damage to a combustion chamber can be identified by comparing changes in image shape (e.g., pixel changes) between a previously captured image and a newly captured image inside the combustion chamber. Specifically, internal damage can be inspected by comparing and analyzing an image of the interior of the combustion chamber wall captured using an automated high-performance / high-magnification camera module capable of multi-axis movement inside the combustion chamber with an image taken after a strength-airtightness test or a combustion test.

[0021] First, referring to FIG. 2, a combustion device inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (300). For example, the control unit (300) may include a memory (310), a processor (320), and a communication module (330). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and some components of the control unit (300) may be separated into a plurality of devices, or a plurality of components may be merged into one device.

[0022] The memory (310) is a computer-readable recording medium and may include a non-perishable mass storage device such as RAM (random access memory), ROM (read only memory), and a disk drive. Additionally, program code for controlling a combustion inspection device may be temporarily or permanently stored in the memory (310).

[0023] The processor (320) controls the overall operation of the combustion inspection device. For example, the processor (320) may be implemented in a form that optionally includes a processor, an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), other chipsets, logic circuits, registers, communication modems, and / or data processing devices known in the art to perform the above-described operation. For example, the processor (320) may perform basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations and may execute program code stored in memory (310), for example. The processor (320) may store data in memory (310) or load data stored in memory (310).

[0024] The processor (320) can determine internal defects in the combustor by comparing pixel changes in the pre-test and post-test images of the internal surface of the combustor received from the camera module.

[0025] The processor (320) can control the shooting angle of the camera module so that the shooting surface of the camera module is kept perpendicular to the inner surface of the combustion chamber.

[0026] The processor (320) can generate a curved surface tracking path of the camera module based on pre-stored internal shape data of the combustor and adjust the focus of the camera module based on the curved surface tracking path.

[0027] The communication module (330) can provide a function for communicating with an external device through a network. For example, a request generated by a processor according to program code stored in a recording device such as memory can be transmitted to an external server through a network under the control of the communication module. Conversely, control signals, commands, content, files, etc. provided under the control of a processor of an external server can be received through the communication module via the network. For example, control signals or commands from an external server received through the communication module can be transmitted to a processor or memory.

[0028] The communication method is not limited and may include not only communication methods utilizing communication networks that the network may include (e.g., mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting networks), but also short-range wireless communication between devices. For example, the network may include any one or more networks such as a PAN (personal area network), LAN (local area network), CAN (campus area network), MAN (metropolitan area network), WAN (wide area network), BBN (broadband network), and the Internet. Additionally, the network may include any one or more network topologies such as a bus network, star network, ring network, mesh network, star-bus network, tree or hierarchical network, but is not limited thereto.

[0029] In addition, the combustion device inspection device according to the present invention may include an input / output interface. The input / output interface may be a means for interfacing with an input / output device. The input / output interface may display status information of the current equipment. For example, the input device may include a device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and the output device may include a device such as a display for displaying a communication session of an application. As another example, the input / output interface may be a means for interfacing with a device in which input and output functions are integrated into one, such as a touchscreen.

[0030] According to the present invention, a combustion chamber inspection device is provided that can be applied in conditions where visual inspection is impossible and the chamber has a circular shape, such as a liquid rocket combustion chamber.

[0031] The combustion device inspection method according to the present invention first allows the internal contour of the combustion device to be input. Subsequently, CCD camera calibration and initialization may be performed. Subsequently, a first shot of the internal surface of the combustion device may be performed. Subsequently, a combustion device test may be performed. Subsequently, a second shot of the internal surface of the combustion device may be performed. Subsequently, a result report comparing the first shot data and the second shot data may be output.

[0032] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3, the combustor (10) can be mounted on the combustor mounting part (190). For example, the combustor mounting part (190) can be mounted on the support part (195).

[0033] The combustion unit rotation part (150) is provided in the combustion unit mounting part (190) and can rotate the combustion unit (10). For example, the combustion unit rotation part (150) can rotate the combustion unit (10) based on a rotation value received from the control unit (300). For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the combustion unit rotation part (150) can be configured in a gear shape to rotate the combustion unit (10).

[0034] The movable shaft (100) can be positioned vertically inside the combustor mounting part (190). For example, the movable shaft (100) can be mounted on the support part (195). For example, referring together with FIG. 6, the movable shaft (100) can be mounted on the support part (195) by being provided with a mounting sleeve (170). Additionally, the movable shaft (100) can receive driving power through power supply terminals (171, 172).

[0035] For example, as shown in the enlarged portion (200) of FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 5, a power supply unit (250) may be mounted on the moving axis (100). Additionally, a camera module (220), a proximity sensor module (210), and a cleaning module (230) may be mounted on the power supply unit (250).

[0036] The power supply unit (250) is connected to the moving axis (100) via a power supply sleeve (257) and receives driving power from the moving axis (100), allowing the moving axis (100) to move in the up and down axial direction. Additionally, the power supply unit (250) can supply driving power to the camera module (220), proximity sensor module (210), and cleaning module (230) through the power supply circuit (255).

[0037] The camera module (220) can photograph the inner surface of the combustion chamber by moving in the vertical axial direction of the moving axis (100). For example, the camera module (220) can photograph the inner surface of the combustion chamber based on the vertical axial movement value for the power supply unit (250) of the control unit (300) and the rotation value for the combustion chamber rotation unit (150). For example, the camera module (220) may include a CCD camera module.

[0038] The camera module (220) can have its shooting angle controlled so that the shooting surface of the camera module remains perpendicular to the inner surface of the combustion chamber. For example, the control unit (300) can generate a curved surface tracking path of the camera module based on pre-stored internal shape data of the combustion chamber and control the shooting angle and focus of the camera module based on the curved surface tracking path. For example, the camera module (220) may be equipped with a lighting device for illuminating the internal light source of the combustion chamber.

[0039] For example, the camera module (220) may be coated with a water-repellent coating to prevent dust and foreign substances from adhering to the camera surface. Additionally, the camera module (220) may be equipped with a high-speed lens rotation device.

[0040] The control unit (300) can automatically correct the measurement position reference value due to power outage, external vibration, or shock during device operation. Alternatively, the control unit (300) can restart shooting from the measurement position reference value. For example, since the measurement position reference value varies for each combustion device, the measurement position reference value can be set through an identification sticker or marking on the inner surface after mounting the combustion device.

[0041] The control unit (300) can display the abnormal area in three dimensions after measuring the entire area inside the combustion chamber. In addition, the control unit (300) can send a notification to the user when a defect is found during image comparison analysis.

[0042] The proximity sensor module (210) is mounted on the power supply unit (250) to receive driving power and can measure the distance between the lens of the camera module (220) and the inner surface of the combustion chamber. For example, the proximity sensor module (210) can provide distance notifications to prevent collision and scratching between the CCD camera and the light source.

[0043] The cleaning module (230) is mounted on the power supply unit (250) and receives driving power to clean foreign substances on the internal surface of the combustion chamber. For example, the cleaning module (230) can provide an air jet function that can additionally remove and clean internal foreign substances during the image capture comparison process.

[0044] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations from the description above. For example, suitable results can be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0045] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0046] 10: Combustion device 100: Moving axis 150: Combustion unit rotating part 190: Combustion unit mounting section 210: Proximity sensor module 230: Washing module 220: Camera module 250: Power supply 300: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A device for inspecting the interior of a liquid rocket engine combustion chamber, comprising: a combustion chamber mounting part on which the combustion chamber is mounted; a combustion chamber rotating part provided in the combustion chamber mounting part for rotating the combustion chamber; a moving axis disposed inside the combustion chamber in a vertical direction of the combustion chamber mounting part; a camera module that moves in the vertical direction of the moving axis to photograph the interior surface of the combustion chamber; and a control unit that determines internal defects of the combustion chamber by comparing pixel changes between a pre-test image and a post-test image of the interior surface of the combustion chamber received from the camera module; wherein the control unit generates a curved surface following path of the camera module based on pre-stored internal combustion chamber shape data, and controls the shooting angle and focus of the camera module based on the curved surface following path so that the shooting plane of the camera module maintains a vertical position relative to the interior surface of the combustion chamber. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A combustion inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit that is mounted on the camera module and connected to the moving axis via a sleeve, receives driving power from the moving axis, moves in the up-and-down axial direction of the moving axis, and supplies the driving power to the camera module. Claim 5 A combustion device inspection device according to claim 4, further comprising a proximity sensor module mounted on the power supply unit, which receives the driving power and measures the distance between the lens of the camera module and the inner surface of the combustion device. Claim 6 A combustion device inspection device according to claim 4, further comprising a cleaning module mounted on the power supply unit to receive the driving power and clean foreign substances on the inner surface of the combustion device.

Images