Variable flow resistance device

The flow resistance is adjusted by controlling the petal-shaped tensioning mechanism by the servo, which solves the problem that the existing pipeline inspection device cannot adapt to the complex pipeline environment, and achieves flexible adjustment of flow resistance and improved device reliability.

CN120444500APending Publication Date: 2025-08-08HUAZHONG UNIV OF SCI & TECH +1
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202510656477.3
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-05-21
Publication Date
2025-08-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing pipeline inspection device cannot adjust the size of the umbrella, cannot pass through valves and elbows, and is easily stuck and cannot adapt to complex pipeline environments.

Method used

A variable flow resistance device is designed to control the degree of the petal-shaped stretching and closing mechanism through the servo to achieve dynamic adjustment of the flow resistance. Combined with the water flow measurement sensor and the line laying mechanism, the robot is accurately controlled to move in the tube.

Benefits of technology

It realizes flexible flow resistance adjustment, adapts to different pipeline environments, is simple in structure, is easy to manufacture and maintain, and improves the reliability and service life of the device.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN120444500A_ABST
    Figure CN120444500A_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The invention discloses a variable flow resistance device which comprises a steering engine, a cable, a tail round cover, a petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism, a center base and a cylindrical cam. The tail end of the steering engine is externally connected with a cable through a steering engine bonding plate; the tail part of the steering engine is sleeved with a tail part round cover on the cable; a central seat is mounted at the front end of the steering engine; the opening and closing mechanism is hinged to the central seat; the output end of the steering engine is in transmission connection with the opening and closing mechanism through a cylindrical cam. Wherein the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism comprises a sliding column, a connecting lug and a plurality of blades, and each blade is hinged to the sliding column through the connecting lug. The invention has the following beneficial effects: the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism can control the umbrella shape, can detect the opening and closing angle, can be linked with a pay-off mechanism and a water flow measurement sensor, can accurately control the robot to move back and forth in the pipe, can control the thrust water flow passive propelling mechanism, is small in size, can be controlled, can be independently used, or can be used as a supplement of a pipeline active thrust unit, and can be used as a water flow passive propelling mechanism. And the device is suitable for the pipeline with the diameter of 100-400 mm.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application belongs to the technical field of pipeline inspection, and more specifically, relates to a variable flow resistance device. Background Art

[0002] The existing pipeline inspection application is a fixed umbrella structure, the size of the umbrella cannot be controlled, it cannot pass through valves and elbows, it is long, cannot pass through valves and elbows, is easy to get stuck, and the umbrella may get caught on the pipe wall and cannot be removed.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a variable flow resistance device to address the above technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the defects of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a variable flow resistance device, which controls the opening and closing degree of the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism through a servo, thereby realizing dynamic adjustment of the flow resistance.

[0005] A variable flow resistance device includes a steering gear, a cable, a tail round cover, a petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism, a center seat and a cylindrical cam;

[0006] The tail end of the servo is connected to the external cable through the servo bonding plate;

[0007] The tail of the servo is equipped with a tail round cover on the cable;

[0008] A center seat is installed at the front end of the steering gear, and the opening and closing mechanism is hinged to the center seat;

[0009] The output end of the servo is connected to the opening and closing mechanism through a cylindrical cam.

[0010] The petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism includes a sliding column, a connecting ear and a plurality of blades, and each of the blades is hinged to the sliding column through the connecting ear.

[0011] One end of the sliding column is provided with a plurality of annularly distributed bonding ears, and the bonding ears are hinged to the connecting ears.

[0012] The other end side of the sliding column is connected to a roller, the cylindrical side of the cylindrical cam is provided with a cam groove, and the roller is matched with the cam groove.

[0013] A circular hole for sliding connection of the sliding column is provided at the middle position of the upper part of the center seat.

[0014] The upper circumference of the central seat is provided with a plurality of annularly distributed hinge seats, and the roots of the blades are hinged to the hinge seats.

[0015] Reinforcement ribs are arranged on the inner side of the blade.

[0016] The cables include an external controller, a wire-releasing mechanism and a water flow measuring sensor.

[0017] Compared with the existing technology, it has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. The petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism of the present invention can control the umbrella shape, detect the opening and closing angle, and can be linked with the line-releasing mechanism and the water flow measurement sensor to accurately control the forward and backward movement of the robot in the pipe. The controllable thrust water flow passive propulsion mechanism is small in size and can be controlled. It can be used independently or as a supplement to the pipeline active thrust unit and is suitable for pipes with a diameter of 100-400mm.

[0019] 2. The variable flow resistance device controls the cylindrical cam through the servo, which in turn drives the opening and closing of the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism, realizing dynamic adjustment of the flow resistance and being able to adapt to different working environments and needs. The design of the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism makes the flow resistance adjustment more flexible, and the structure is simple, easy to manufacture and maintain.

[0020] 3. The reinforcing ribs arranged on the inner side of the blade enhance the structural strength of the blade and improve the reliability and service life of the device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 It is a front structural diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 It is a front-end structural diagram of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a partial structural diagram of the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 It is a structural diagram of the steering gear of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 It is a structural diagram of the sliding column of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 It is a blade structure diagram of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 It is a structural diagram of the center seat of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 It is a structural diagram of the cylindrical cam of the present invention.

[0030] Reference numerals in the figure: 1. servo; 11. servo bonding plate; 2. cable; 3. tail round cover; 4. petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism; 41. sliding column; 411. bonding ear; 412. roller; 42. connecting ear; 43. blade; 431. reinforcing rib; 5. center seat; 51. circular hole; 52. hinge seat; 6. cylindrical cam; 61. cam groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of this application more clear, the following further describes this application in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0032] In the specification and claims of this application, the terms "first" and "second" are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order of objects. For example, the terms "first control instruction" and "second control instruction" are used to distinguish different control instructions, rather than to describe a specific order of control instructions.

[0033] In the embodiments of this application, words such as "exemplary" or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "exemplary" or "for example" in the embodiments of this application should not be interpreted as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. Rather, the use of words such as "exemplary" or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a concrete manner.

[0034] In the description of the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more, for example, multiple processing units means two or more processing units, etc.; multiple elements means two or more elements, etc.

[0035] The embodiments of the present application are described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application.

[0036] like Figure 1 Combined with Figures 2 to 11As shown, a variable flow resistance device includes a servo 1, a cable 2, a tail circular cover 3, a petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism 4, a center seat 5, and a cylindrical cam 6. The tail end of the servo 1 is externally connected to the cable 2 via a servo adhesive plate 11. The tail end of the servo 1 is fitted with a tail circular cover 3 over the cable 2. The front end of the servo 1 is mounted with a center seat 5, and the opening and closing mechanism 4 is hingedly connected to the center seat 5. The output end of the servo 1 is connected to the opening and closing mechanism 4 via a cylindrical cam 6. The servo 1 drives the cylindrical cam 6 and the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism 4 to achieve continuous and precise adjustment of the flow resistance value. The components are highly integrated, easy to install, and suitable for long-term stable operation in complex environments. By connecting an external controller, a pay-out mechanism, and a water flow measurement sensor (such as a water flow measurement sensor), the flow resistance can be automatically adjusted according to the external environment to meet diverse needs.

[0037] The petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism 4 includes a sliding column 41, a connecting ear 42 and a plurality of blades 43. Each of the blades 43 is hinged to the sliding column 41 through the connecting ear 42. The blades 43 are hinged to the sliding column 41 through the connecting ear 42, which can achieve multi-angle opening and closing with a large adjustment range. The hinged design of the blades 43 and the sliding column 41 reduces the transmission components and reduces the mechanical failure rate.

[0038] One end of the sliding column 41 is provided with a plurality of annularly distributed bonding ears 411, which are hinged to the connecting ears 42. The annularly distributed bonding ears 411 are hinged to the connecting ears 42, so that the blades 43 are evenly stressed and local stress concentration is avoided. The sliding column 41 drives the multiple blades 43 to open and close synchronously through the annular bonding ears 411, ensuring the consistency of flow resistance adjustment.

[0039] The other end of the sliding column 41 is connected to a roller 412, and a cam groove 61 is provided on the cylindrical side of the cylindrical cam 6. The roller 412 is connected to the cam groove 61. The cooperation between the roller 412 and the cam groove 61 converts the rotational motion of the servo 1 into the linear motion of the sliding column 41, with high transmission efficiency and small error. The curve design of the cam groove 61 can smoothly control the movement speed of the sliding column 41 to avoid jamming or impact.

[0040] A circular hole 51 for sliding connection of the sliding column 41 is provided in the upper middle position of the center seat 5. The circular hole 51 of the center seat 5 provides a linear guide for the sliding column 41, ensuring the stability of the movement trajectory of the sliding column 41 and improving the adjustment accuracy. The cooperation between the circular hole 51 and the sliding column 41 reduces mechanical friction and extends the life of the device.

[0041] The upper circumference of the center seat 5 is provided with a plurality of annularly distributed hinge seats 52, and the roots of the blades 43 are hinged to the hinge seats 52. The roots of the blades 43 are fixed to the hinge seats 52 of the center seat 5 to form a stable fulcrum to ensure reliable opening and closing movements. The plurality of hinge seats 52 are distributed in an annular manner, so that the blades 43 are evenly stressed when opening and closing to avoid deformation.

[0042] A reinforcing rib 431 is provided on the inner side of the blade 43. The reinforcing rib 431 on the inner side of the blade 43 improves the bending and impact resistance of the blade 43 and prevents deformation after long-term use. The structural reinforcement design can adapt to high-frequency opening and closing operations and improve the durability of the device.

[0043] Cable 2 is connected to an external controller, a pay-out mechanism, and a water flow measuring sensor. The external water flow measuring sensor can monitor changes in external water flow in real time and automatically adjust the flow resistance to match the working conditions (such as flow control). Through the controller and pay-out mechanism, the device can be remotely controlled and the length of cable 2 can be dynamically adjusted to meet the needs of different scenarios.

[0044] Compared with the existing technology, it has the following beneficial effects:

[0045] 1. The petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism 4 of the present invention can control the umbrella shape, detect the opening and closing angle, and can be used with the line release.

[0046] The mechanism and water flow measurement sensor are linked to accurately control the forward and backward movement of the robot in the pipe. The controllable thrust water flow passive propulsion mechanism is small in size and controllable. It can be used independently or as a supplement to the pipeline active thrust unit. It is suitable for pipes with a diameter of 100-400mm.

[0047] 2. The variable flow resistance device controls the cylindrical cam 6 through the servo 1, which in turn drives the opening and closing of the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism 4, achieving dynamic adjustment of the flow resistance and being able to adapt to different working environments and needs. The design of the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism 4 makes the flow resistance adjustment more flexible, and the structure is simple, easy to manufacture and maintain.

[0048] 3. The reinforcing ribs 431 provided on the inner side of the blade 43 enhance the structural strength of the blade 43 and improve the reliability and service life of the device.

[0049] Working principle:

[0050] During the assembly process, connect the tail end of the servo 1 to the cable 2 through the servo adhesive plate to ensure the connection

[0051] Firmly, install the tail round cover 3 on the tail cable 2 of the servo 1 to protect the connection part.

[0052] Protect, will

[0053] The center seat 5 is installed at the front end of the steering gear 1 to ensure the installation position is accurate.

[0054] The root of the blade 43 of the structure 4 is hinged to the hinge seat 52 of the upper circumference of the center seat 5, and the blade

[0055] 43 is hinged to the bonding ear 411 of the sliding column 41 through the connecting ear 42, the other end side of the sliding column 41 is connected to the roller 412, and the roller 412 is matched with the cam groove 61 of the cylindrical cam 6, and the cable 2 is connected to the external controller 7, the wire-releasing mechanism 8 and the water flow measurement sensor 9 to complete the assembly of the entire device.

[0056] During use, when the water flow sensor detects a change in external water flow conditions, it transmits a signal to the controller. The controller then controls the rotation of the servo 1 according to a preset program, which in turn drives the cylindrical cam 6. Because the roller 412 engages with the cam groove 61 of the cylindrical cam 6, the circular motion of the cylindrical cam 6 is converted into linear motion of the sliding post 41. This linear motion of the sliding post 41, through the connecting ear 42, drives the blade 43 to open and close about the hinge seat 52 on the center seat 5, thereby changing the flow resistance of the variable flow resistance device to adapt to different water flow conditions.

[0057] Example 1: Application of underwater pipeline inspection

[0058] Application scenario: During pipeline inspection, it is necessary to dynamically adjust the flow rate in the pipeline according to the changes in water flow.

[0059] The variable flow resistance device can be used as a control component of a flow control valve to change the valve opening by adjusting the flow resistance.

[0060] Assemble the device according to the assembly process in the manual, and assemble the servo 1, cable 2, tail round cover 3, petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism 4, center seat 5 and cylindrical cam 6, etc., to ensure that all components are firmly connected, especially the hinged parts between the servo 1 and the center seat 5, the blade 43 and the center seat 5 and the sliding column 41.

[0061] Connect cable 2 to an external controller, a pay-off mechanism, and a water flow sensor. The controller can be an industrial-grade controller with waterproof function. The pay-off mechanism 8 must be able to adapt to underwater environments. The water flow sensor must be able to accurately measure the water flow speed and flow rate underwater.

[0062] The assembled variable flow resistance device is installed on the valve control part of the underwater pipeline so that the blades 43 of the petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism 4 are connected to the opening and closing components of the valve. This ensures that the device can operate stably underwater and will not be damaged by the impact of water flow.

[0063] During operation, the water flow sensor monitors the water flow in the underwater pipe in real time and transmits the signal to the controller. The controller controls the rotation of the servo 1 based on a preset program and the received water flow signal. The servo 1 rotates the cylindrical cam 6. The interaction between the roller 412 and the cam groove 61 converts the circular motion of the cylindrical cam 6 into the linear motion of the sliding post 41.

[0064] The linear motion of the sliding post 41, through the connecting lug 42, drives the blade 43 to open and close with the hinged seat 52 on the center seat 5 as the fulcrum, thereby changing the valve opening and regulating the flow rate in the pipeline. For example, when the water flow is too fast, the controller controls the steering gear 1 to open the blade 43, reducing the valve opening and reducing the flow rate. When the water flow is too slow, the controller controls the steering gear 1 to close the blade 43, increasing the valve opening and increasing the flow rate.

[0065] Example 2: Application scenario of the active thrust adjustment device for pipeline inspection robots: used for sewage pipeline inspection robots with a diameter of 200-300mm, to achieve stable movement in the pipeline by adjusting the water flow resistance.

[0066] Petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism: Utilizes six high-strength plastic blades 43 with triangular reinforcement ribs 431 on the inner sides. The blade roots are hinged to the six articulated seats 52 of the center seat 5. Cylindrical cam: The cam groove 61 is designed as a sine curve to ensure smooth movement of the sliding column 41 and avoid impact on the robot body.

[0067] External system: A water flow measurement sensor is installed at the front end of the robot to monitor the water flow speed in the pipeline in real time; the wire-releasing mechanism 8 is integrated at the tail end of the robot, which can automatically retract and release the cable 2 to adapt to the length of the pipeline.

[0068] Working process: The water flow sensor detects a change in flow velocity within the pipe (e.g., a local blockage causing an increase in flow velocity). The controller rotates the servo 1, which in turn drives the sliding column 41 in linear motion via the cylindrical cam 6. The sliding column 41, via the connecting lug 42, causes the blades 43 to open and close, changing the device's resistance area. This change in resistance generates reverse thrust, adjusting the robot's forward speed. Simultaneously, the pay-off mechanism adjusts the cable length to maintain tension.

[0069] It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present application should be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A variable flow resistance device, characterized in that: It includes servo, cable, tail round cover, petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism, center seat and cylindrical cam; The tail end of the servo is connected to the external cable through the servo bonding plate; The tail of the servo is equipped with a tail round cover on the cable; A center seat is installed at the front end of the steering gear, and the opening and closing mechanism is hinged to the center seat; The output end of the servo is connected to the opening and closing mechanism through a cylindrical cam.

2. A variable flow resistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The petal-shaped opening and closing mechanism comprises a sliding post, a connecting ear and a plurality of blades, and each of the blades is hinged to the sliding post via the connecting ear.

3. The variable flow resistance device according to claim 1, wherein: One end of the sliding column is provided with a plurality of annularly distributed bonding ears, and the bonding ears are hinged to the connecting ears.

4. The variable flow resistance device according to claim 1, wherein: The other end side edge of the sliding column is connected with a roller, the cylindrical side of the cylindrical cam is provided with a cam groove, and the roller is matched with the cam groove and connected.

5. The variable flow resistance device according to claim 1, wherein: A circular hole for sliding connection of the sliding column is provided at the middle position of the upper part of the central seat.

6. The variable flow resistance device according to claim 1, wherein: The upper circumference of the central seat is provided with a plurality of annularly distributed hinge seats, and the roots of the blades are hinged to the hinge seats.

7. The variable flow resistance device according to claim 1, wherein: Reinforcement ribs are provided on the inner side of the blade.

8. The variable flow resistance device according to claim 1, wherein: The cable is externally connected to a controller, a wire-releasing mechanism and a water flow measuring sensor.