Flight-type nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves

Abstract

The invention provides a flight-type nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves, and belongs to the technical field of quality safety detection of civil engineering, buildings, roads and bridges and hydraulic engineering, and the flight-type nondestructive testing system comprises an unmanned aerial vehicle, a control host, a steering holder, a telescopic device, a buffer device, a signal triggering and collecting tool and a remote control host. According to the invention, the unmanned aerial vehicle is adopted to carry elastic wave detection equipment, so that remote control detection can be realized; and compared with a traditional mode of checking a detected object by manual operation equipment, remote control detection is realized. While the test efficiency and the detectable range are effectively improved, the personal safety of operators can be better guaranteed for test objects such as high altitude, personnel climbing dead corners, high-temperature surfaces and the like which are inconvenient for personnel to reach or contact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of quality safety detection of civil engineering, construction, roads and bridges, tunnels and water conservancy projects, and in particular to a flying non-destructive detection system based on impact elastic waves. Background Art

[0002] Non-destructive testing technology is an emerging engineering science that has developed rapidly in modern times. Its definition is that it uses the phenomenon that the physical quantities of certain physical properties of a substance will change due to defects or differences in its organizational structure without destroying the original state and chemical properties of the substance to be tested. On the premise of not damaging the performance and morphology of the inspected object, certain testing methods are used to test, display and evaluate these changes, so as to understand and evaluate the properties, state or internal structure of the materials, products, equipment components and other objects to be tested. The impact elastic wave detection method is an important detection method in non-destructive testing technology.

[0003] Impact elastic wave testing is widely used in nondestructive testing of various civil engineering projects. Whether it's roadbed filling and pavement construction for highways and railways, or the construction and maintenance of bridges, tunnels, and other important structures, impact elastic wave testing can be found everywhere.

[0004] Based on the principle of impact elastic wave detection, a hard object is typically used to directly or indirectly impact the surface of the test object, causing vibrations that trigger impact elastic waves. Accelerometers are then used to collect the vibration signals. Through processing and analysis of these signals, physical parameters such as the test object's volume, thickness, strength, and defects can be determined. During testing, the tester typically carries their own elastic wave detection equipment to the test area.

[0005] However, for structures like tunnel vaults, bridge bottoms, and dam facades, inspectors often require large transport machinery or climbing equipment to reach the test area. This results in low inspection efficiency and significant safety risks, significantly limiting the efficiency and application scope of impact elastic wave testing. Improving both efficiency and coverage is a pressing issue.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a technical solution that can effectively improve detection efficiency and detection range.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background technology section is only intended to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be regarded as an admission or any form of suggestion that the information constitutes the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technical solution that can effectively improve detection efficiency and detection range.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0010] A flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves is characterized by combining an unmanned aerial vehicle with elastic wave testing equipment. The system consists of the unmanned aerial vehicle, a control host, a steering gimbal, a telescopic device, a buffer device, a signal triggering and acquisition tooling, and a remote control host. The test object is only used to assist in illustrating the principles of the present invention and is not subject to any specific limitation.

[0011] The control host can control the flight status of the unmanned aerial vehicle, control the steering angle of the steering gimbal, control the telescopic distance of the telescopic device, control the triggering of the signal and collection tooling and collect vibration signals, and can exchange data with the remote control host through wired or wireless transmission.

[0012] Optionally, the unmanned aerial vehicle is a remote-controlled small rotor-type drone that can be remotely operated wirelessly by a remote controller or automatically controlled by a program. It can also communicate and be powered by a wired connection with the ground to increase endurance and communication stability.

[0013] Optionally, the telescopic device, buffer device, signal triggering and acquisition tooling are installed on a steering platform, which controls the working angles of the above components to detect test objects in different directions.

[0014] Optionally, during the test, the unmanned aerial vehicle is first controlled to fly close to the test object and then hover, and then the test angle is adjusted by controlling the steering gimbal. Then, the signal triggering and acquisition tooling with the buffer device is brought into contact with the surface to be tested through the telescopic device. The control host controls the signal triggering and acquisition tooling to trigger and acquire vibration signals. Finally, the vibration signal is analyzed and processed by the remote control host to obtain the volume, thickness, strength, and defect data of the test object.

[0015] Optionally, the signal triggering and acquisition tooling consists of a vibration signal triggering device and a vibration signal acquisition device, both of which can be integrated into a set of unmanned aerial vehicles, or can be installed on the unmanned aerial vehicles as separate devices; the number of the two in a single system can be increased, but a detection system must have at least one vibration signal triggering device and one vibration signal acquisition device.

[0016] Optionally, the telescopic device uses an electric push rod for telescopic motion. Alternatively, it can be a pneumatic cylinder, oil cylinder, rack, screw, or any other common reciprocating mechanical structure, as long as it can achieve telescopic motion. The telescopic device can push out or retract the buffer device, signal trigger, and collection tooling.

[0017] Optionally, the steering platform is used to adjust the working direction of the elastic wave detection equipment carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle. By combining with the control posture of the unmanned aerial vehicle, it can realize the detection of the measured surfaces at different angles.

[0018] Optionally, the buffer device is used to slow down or eliminate the impact of the UAV's own vibration and hovering shaking on the signal triggering and collection tooling, thereby improving detection stability.

[0019] Optionally, the buffer device is formed of a spring material to form a buffer structure to reduce interference caused by the vibration of the drone during operation and the swaying during hovering. Other elastic materials can also be used instead of springs. As long as they perform the same function, they can be considered to be substantially the same.

[0020] Optionally, the signal triggering and collecting tooling includes a triggering device that can generate a vibration signal and a sensor that can collect a vibration signal.

[0021] Optionally, the signal triggering and signal acquisition tooling is achieved by driving an iron core to collide with the surface of the test object through an electromagnetic coil. Other devices capable of generating vibration, such as magnetostrictive materials and vibration generators, may also be used.

[0022] Optionally, the acquisition tool in the signal triggering and acquisition tool uses an acceleration sensor, which can also be replaced by a sensor for detecting vibration, such as a microphone, a laser vibrometer, etc.

[0023] Optionally, the present invention uses a battery to power the device and conducts long-distance wireless remote control detection through remote control. Cable power supply and communication can also be used to increase the device's battery life and signal transmission stability.

[0024] Optionally, the system has the function of networking. A single system can trigger and collect vibration signals by itself, or it can be networked by multiple systems, with one system triggering another one or more systems to synchronously collect vibration signals in the networking state.

[0025] Optionally, the steering platform is a two-axis steering platform, and the steering axis located between the steering platform and the control host can perform 360° steering without dead angles; the steering range of the steering axis located between the steering platform and the telescopic device is 0-180°.

[0026] Optionally, the UAV aircraft has four rotors, or other numbers of rotors. There is no specific limit on the number of rotors, as long as it can load other components in the system.

[0027] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0028] Compared to existing technologies, this invention allows for nondestructive testing of difficult-to-climb structures, such as tunnel vaults, bridge bases, and dam facades, without the need for climbing personnel or large lifting equipment. This significantly improves testing efficiency, reduces testing costs, and significantly enhances operator safety. In some testing scenarios, the invention even eliminates the need for on-site personnel; instead, the invention allows for remote control flight to the test area to conduct the corresponding nondestructive testing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the detection system structure provided in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the detection system structure provided in Example 2 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the detection system structure provided in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the detection system structure provided in Example 4 of the present invention.

[0034] 1- Unmanned aerial vehicle, 2- Control host, 3- Steering platform, 4- Telescopic device, 5- Buffer device, 6- Signal triggering and acquisition tooling, 7- Remote control host, 8- Test object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0036] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technical solution that can effectively improve detection efficiency and detection range.

[0037] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] This embodiment provides a flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves, such as Figure 1 As shown, when the test object 8 is located above the UAV 1, such as the bottom of a bridge, the arch of a tunnel, etc., the UAV 1 is remotely controlled to fly to the bottom of the test object 8, and then the telescopic device 4, the buffer device 5, and the signal triggering and collecting tooling 6 carried on it are turned 90 degrees by the steering gimbal 3, so that the above-mentioned devices are upright and perpendicular to the fuselage of the UAV 1. Then, the UAV 1 is controlled to rise so that the 6-signal triggering and collecting tooling contacts the test object. When the UAV 1 is blocked by structures or objects and cannot rise to approach the test object 8 by itself, the buffer device 5 and the signal triggering and collecting tooling 6 can be lifted to the test object 8 by the telescopic device 4 carried by the vehicle. Finally, the test signal of the test object 8 is triggered and collected by the signal triggering and collecting tooling 6, and the collected detection data is analyzed and processed by the control host 2 to complete a detection.

[0040] Example 2:

[0041] This embodiment provides a flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves, such as Figure 2 As shown, when the test object 8 is a vertical surface, such as a dam, bridge pier, or blast furnace, the UAV 1 is remotely controlled to fly in front of the test object 8. Depending on the site conditions, the UAV 1 can be oriented toward the test object from the front, side, or back. The steering platform 3 then controls the angles of the telescopic device 4, buffer device 5, and signal trigger and acquisition tooling 6 mounted on top of the UAV 1, so that these devices face the test object 8. The UAV 1 is then controlled to move so that the 6-signal trigger and acquisition tooling contacts the test object 8. If the UAV 1 is blocked by structures or objects and cannot fly close to the test object 8 on its own, the telescopic device 4 can be used to extend the buffer device 5 and the signal trigger and acquisition tooling 6 toward the test object 8. Finally, the 6-signal trigger and acquisition tooling triggers and acquires test signals from the test object 8, and the collected test data is analyzed and processed by the control host 2, completing a test.

[0042] Example 3:

[0043] This embodiment provides a flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves, such as Figure 3As shown, the UAV 1 is used as a vehicle, and other components can be installed on the bottom of the UAV 1. In some special scenarios, such as inspecting the top of a building where it is inconvenient for various inspectors to reach, other components can be installed on the bottom of the UAV 1, and the UAV can be remotely controlled to fly over the test object and conduct inspections from top to bottom.

[0044] Example 4:

[0045] This embodiment provides a flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves, such as Figure 4 As shown, one system can be used independently or in a network of multiple systems. For large structures, multiple systems can be networked and synchronized for long-span or multi-channel testing. Each system's included signal triggering and acquisition tool 6 controls the triggering and acquisition of vibration signals from each system in a networked state, achieving cross-system triggering and synchronization for single transmission, single reception, or single transmission and multiple reception.

[0046] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. Reference can be made to the common and similar parts between the various embodiments. For the systems disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the method description.

[0047] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only intended to help understand the method and core concept of the present invention. At the same time, those skilled in the art will find that the specific implementation methods and application scopes may vary based on the concept of the present invention. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. A flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves, characterized in that: An unmanned aerial vehicle (1) is combined with elastic wave detection equipment. The system consists of an unmanned aerial vehicle (1), a control host (2), a steering platform (3), a telescopic device (4), a buffer device (5), a signal triggering and collecting tool (6), and a remote control host (7). The control host (2) can control the flight state of the unmanned aerial vehicle (1), the steering angle of the steering platform (3), the telescopic distance of the telescopic device (4), the triggering and collecting vibration signals of the signal triggering and collecting tool (6), and can exchange data with the remote control host (7) through wired or wireless transmission.

2. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that: During the test, the unmanned aerial vehicle (1) is first controlled to fly close to the test object and then hover, and then the test angle is adjusted by controlling the steering platform (3). Then, the signal triggering and collecting tooling (6) with the buffer device (5) is brought into contact with the surface to be tested through the telescopic device (4). Then, the control host (2) controls the signal triggering and collecting tooling (6) to trigger and collect vibration signals. Finally, the vibration signals are analyzed and processed by the remote control host (7) to obtain the volume, thickness, strength, and defect data of the test object.

3. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal triggering and collecting tooling (6) consists of a vibration signal triggering device and a vibration signal collecting device, both of which can be integrated into a set of unmanned aerial vehicles, or can be installed on the unmanned aerial vehicles as separate devices. The number of the two in a single system can be increased, but a detection system has at least one vibration signal triggering device and one vibration signal collecting device.

4. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 3, characterized in that: The vibration signal acquisition device has an acceleration sensor therein, and the vibration signal is acquired through the acceleration sensor.

5. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic device adopts an electric push rod to perform telescopic movement.

6. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering platform is used to adjust the working direction of the elastic wave detection equipment carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle. By combining with the control posture of the unmanned aerial vehicle, it can realize the detection of the measured surfaces at different angles.

7. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer device is used to slow down or eliminate the effects of the unmanned aerial vehicle's own vibration and hovering shaking on the signal triggering and collection tooling (6), thereby improving detection stability.

8. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that: The system has the function of networking. A single system can trigger and collect vibration signals by itself, and it can also be networked by multiple systems, with one system triggering another or multiple systems to synchronously collect vibration signals in the networking state.

9. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that: All devices in the same network collect and process signals synchronously, or each system can be controlled independently, recording the triggering and collection time of the vibration signal through GPS timing or clock synchronization. Later, the data from different systems are integrated into the same set of data through software for analysis and processing.

10. The flying nondestructive testing system based on impact elastic waves according to claim 1, characterized in that: The steering platform (3) is a two-axis steering platform. The steering axis located between the steering platform (3) and the control host (2) can perform 360-degree steering without dead angles. The steering axis located between the steering platform (3) and the telescopic device (4) has a steering range of 0-180 degrees.

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