Electromagnetic ultrasonic probe and flaw detection robot

By designing lifting components and rolling elements, the problem of inconvenient movement of electromagnetic ultrasonic probes in complex surface inspections has been solved, achieving efficient and reliable inspection results.

CN224019756UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-20GUANGDONG INST OF SPECIAL EQUIP INSPECTION
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-28
Publication Date
2026-03-20

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing electromagnetic ultrasonic probes are difficult to adapt to complex surfaces during the testing process, are prone to collisions or scratches with the surface of the object being tested, and are complex to operate with high resistance to movement, which increases the workload.

Method used

An electromagnetic ultrasonic probe comprising a lifting assembly and a rolling element was designed. The lifting assembly controls the probe height, and the rolling element reduces friction, enabling the probe to move flexibly on complex surfaces.

Benefits of technology

It improves the detection accuracy of the probe on complex surfaces and the reliability of the equipment, reduces the complexity of operation and workload, and improves detection efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of nondestructive testing equipment, and particularly provides an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe which comprises a shell, a lifting assembly, a probe body and a rolling part, a hollow containing cavity is formed in the shell, the lifting assembly is fixed in the containing cavity, the probe body is connected with the lifting assembly, and the rolling part is fixed to the shell. The rolling part is rotationally arranged at the bottom of the shell, the lifting assembly drives the probe to penetrate through the through hole when acting, and the rolling part is used for reducing the friction force between the shell and the contact surface. The utility model provides an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe and a flaw detection robot. The problems that in the prior art, a probe is inconvenient to move and is difficult to adapt to different complex detection surfaces are solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of nondestructive testing equipment technology, and in particular to an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe and a flaw detection robot. Background Technology

[0002] Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) is a new technology in the field of nondestructive testing. This technology uses electromagnetic coupling to excite and receive ultrasonic waves. Compared with traditional ultrasonic testing techniques, it has advantages such as high precision, no need for coupling agents, non-contact operation, suitability for high-temperature testing, and ease of exciting various ultrasonic wave patterns.

[0003] Currently, in electromagnetic ultrasonic testing, the probe needs to be close to the surface of the object being tested. Since the surface of the object may be uneven, bumpy, or have other irregularities, the probe is prone to collisions or scratches, leading to inaccurate test results or even damage to the probe. When the surface height of the object is inconsistent, the probe needs frequent height adjustments, increasing the complexity and difficulty of the operation. Furthermore, the strong magnetic force present during electromagnetic ultrasonic testing creates significant resistance when the probe is moved, requiring operators to frequently lift the probe to adjust its position, further increasing their workload.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe with adjustable probe height that can be easily moved and used for detection on complex surfaces. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe and a flaw detection robot, which aims to solve the problems of inconvenient probe movement and difficulty in adapting to different complex detection surfaces in the prior art.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this application to solve the technical problem is as follows: an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe, the electromagnetic ultrasonic probe including a shell, a lifting assembly, a probe and a rolling element, the interior of the shell forming a hollow receiving cavity, the lifting assembly being fixed in the receiving cavity, the probe being connected to the lifting assembly, the rolling element being rotatably disposed at the bottom of the shell, the lifting assembly driving the probe through the through hole when it moves, and the rolling element being used to reduce the friction between the shell and the contact surface.

[0007] Optionally, the lifting assembly includes a motor, a lead screw, and a slider connected to the probe. The motor is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the output shaft of the motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to the lead screw. The slider is threadedly engaged with the lead screw and moves linearly along the axial direction of the lead screw.

[0008] It also includes a limiting block, which is sleeved on the lead screw to limit the lifting range of the probe.

[0009] It also includes a clamping member, which is disposed on the slider, and the probe is disposed on the clamping member.

[0010] Optionally, the housing includes an upper housing and a bottom plate, the upper housing and the bottom plate being fixedly connected to form the receiving cavity, and the through hole being provided on the bottom plate, the shape of the through hole matching the contour of the probe, for allowing the probe to pass through the housing via the through hole.

[0011] Optionally, the system also includes a bracket, one end of which is connected to and parallel to the base plate, and the other end of which extends toward the side away from the outer casing. The rolling element is embedded in the bracket.

[0012] Optionally, the rolling element is configured as a universal ball bearing, which is mounted on the bracket via a bearing.

[0013] Optionally, the distance between the lowest point of the probe and the lowest point of the universal ball is 0.5mm to 5mm.

[0014] Optionally, the top of the housing is provided with a mounting groove.

[0015] Another technical solution adopted by this application to solve the technical problem is as follows: a flaw detection robot, including an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe as described in any of the preceding claims.

[0016] Compared to existing technologies, this application, by connecting a lifting assembly to the probe, enables control of the probe's height through the lifting assembly. This allows for adjustment based on the surface condition of the object being measured, thus adapting to the inspection needs of complex surfaces. By incorporating a rolling element at the bottom of the housing, friction between the housing and the surface being measured is reduced during probe operation, resulting in smoother movement. This increases the ease of probe movement during inspection and effectively improves work efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe provided in this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is another three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe provided in this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a top view of an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe provided in this application;

[0020] Figure 4This is a bottom view of an electromagnetic ultrasonic probe provided in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view along CC in the top view.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] 10. Outer shell; 11. Upper shell; 12. Base plate; 13. Bracket; 14. Through hole; 20. Lifting assembly; 21. Motor; 22. Lead screw; 23. Slider; 30. Probe; 40. Rolling element; 50. Clamping element. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0026] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] like Figures 1 to 5As shown in the embodiment of this application, an electromagnetic ultrasound probe 30 lifting control mechanism is proposed. The electromagnetic ultrasound probe 30 lifting control mechanism includes a housing 10, a lifting assembly 20, a probe 30, and a rolling element 40. The interior of the housing 10 forms a hollow receiving cavity. The housing 10 is provided with a through hole 14 corresponding to the probe 30. The lifting assembly 20 is fixed in the receiving cavity. The probe 30 is connected to the lifting assembly 20. The rolling element 40 is rotatably disposed at the bottom of the housing 10. When the lifting assembly 20 moves, it drives the probe 30 to pass through the through hole. The rolling element 40 is used to reduce the friction between the housing 10 and the contact surface. The height of the probe 30 is dynamically adjusted by the lifting assembly 20, making the distance between the lowest point of the probe 30 and the surface being inspected controllable. Adjustments are made according to the uneven structure or complex contour of the surface being inspected. For example, when inspecting a metal plate with several protrusions, the height of the probe 30 can be pre-adjusted. When the probe 30 contacts the surface being inspected, the flatter parts first contact the rolling element 40 at the bottom of the housing 10. When the protrusions are located between the rolling elements 40, due to the higher height of the probe 30, there is still a certain distance between it and the protrusions, ensuring that the probe 30 will not contact the surface being inspected and cause damage. When the probe 30 moves to a flatter area on the metal plate, the height of the probe 30 is lowered, bringing the probe 30 closer to the workpiece being inspected, thus improving inspection accuracy and equipment reliability.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lifting assembly 20 includes a motor 21, a lead screw 22, and a slider 23 connected to the probe 30. The motor 21 is disposed within the receiving cavity, and its output shaft is coaxially and fixedly connected to the lead screw 22. The slider 23 is threadedly engaged with the lead screw 22 and moves linearly along the axis of the lead screw 22. A limiting block is also included, which is fitted onto the lead screw 22 to limit the lifting range of the probe 30. Driving the slider 23 with the motor 21 significantly improves the operator's adjustment speed. The structure of the lead screw 22 and motor 21 provides higher adjustment accuracy and response speed, ensuring that the slider 23 stops stably at any height, thus stabilizing the height of the probe 30 on the slider 23. The limiting block fitted onto the lead screw 22 to limit the lifting range of the probe 30 prevents mechanical damage or detection failure caused by excessive lifting of the probe 30, while also avoiding the risk of equipment damage due to misoperation.

[0029] In some embodiments, a clamping member 50 is also included, which is disposed on the slider 23, and the probe 30 is disposed on the clamping member 50. Specifically, in this embodiment, the clamping member 50 adopts a split elastic clamping structure, including a pair of symmetrically arranged arc-shaped clamping arms and adjusting screws extending through both sides. The inner side of the clamping arms is provided with anti-slip texture, and the clamping force of the clamping arms on the probe 30 can be controlled by adjusting the screw depth. This structure can accommodate probes 30 of different diameters, and the anti-slip texture increases the contact friction, preventing the probe 30 from shifting due to vibration or movement during the detection process. At the same time, it facilitates quick disassembly and replacement of the probe 30, improving the modularity of the detection equipment.

[0030] In some embodiments, the outer casing 10 includes an upper casing 11 and a base plate 12. The upper casing 11 is fixedly connected to the base plate 12 to form the receiving cavity. A through hole 14 is disposed on the base plate 12, and the shape of the through hole 14 matches the contour of the probe 30, allowing the probe 30 to pass through the outer casing via the through hole 14. The probe 30 can pass through the through hole 14 at an angle or perpendicularly. The limiting effect of the through hole can reduce the lateral displacement of the probe 30, ensuring the verticality and stability of the detection path.

[0031] In some embodiments, a bracket 13 is also included. One end of the bracket 13 is connected to and parallel to the base plate 12, and the other end extends away from the outer casing 10. The rolling element 40 is embedded in the bracket 13. The outward protrusion of the bracket 13 facilitates the operator's observation of the distance between the probe 30 and the surface of the object being tested, ensuring that the probe 30 maintains an appropriate height during the testing process. It is understood that the function of the rolling element 40 is to reduce the friction between the outer casing 10 and the surface being tested; therefore, the rolling element 40 can be a ball bearing, roller, etc., and this application does not impose any limitations on this.

[0032] In this embodiment, four supports 13 are configured, symmetrically arranged in pairs at the bottom of the housing 10. Each support 13 is provided with a rolling element 40, which is configured as a universal ball bearing. The universal ball bearing is mounted on the support 13 via bearings. This facilitates the movement of the probe 30 on the surface of the object being inspected, while preventing the probe 30 from protruding and colliding.

[0033] In some embodiments, the distance between the lowest point of the probe 30 and the lowest point of the universal ball is 0.5mm to 5mm. When the probe 30 is lowered to its lowest point, the distance between the probe 30 and the universal ball does not exceed 0.5mm to prevent the probe 30 from protruding and colliding with the surface being measured.

[0034] In some embodiments, the top of the housing 10 is provided with a mounting groove. The inner wall of the groove is provided with anti-slip serrations, and magnetic adsorption plates are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the groove. It is compatible with various installation methods such as bolt fixing, slider 23 embedding, or magnetic connection. It can be quickly locked with the T-shaped guide rod of the robotic arm, or it can be magnetically adsorbed onto the metal handheld frame for easy manual use by the operator, which significantly improves the convenience of the equipment in non-destructive testing.

[0035] In summary, this application, by connecting the lifting assembly 20 to the probe 30, enables the height of the probe 30 to be controlled via the lifting assembly 20, thereby allowing adjustment according to the surface condition of the object being measured and adapting to the inspection needs of complex surfaces. By providing a rolling element 40 at the bottom of the housing 10, the friction between the housing 10 and the surface being measured is reduced during probe 30 inspection, resulting in smoother movement. This increases the ease of probe movement during inspection and effectively improves work efficiency.

[0036] This application also proposes a flaw detection robot, including the electromagnetic ultrasonic probe described above. The flaw detection robot possesses all the beneficial effects of the electromagnetic ultrasonic probe, which have been specifically described above in the discussion of the electromagnetic ultrasonic probe and will not be repeated here.

[0037] It should be understood that the application of this application is not limited to the examples above. Those skilled in the art can make improvements or modifications based on the above description, and all such improvements and modifications should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic ultrasonic probe, characterized in that, include: The device comprises a housing, a lifting assembly, a probe, and a rolling element. The housing has a hollow cavity inside and a through hole corresponding to the probe. The lifting assembly is fixed inside the cavity, and the probe is connected to the lifting assembly. The rolling element is rotatably mounted on the bottom of the housing to reduce the friction between the housing and the contact surface. When the lifting assembly moves, it drives the probe through the through hole.

2. The electromagnetic ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lifting assembly includes a motor, a lead screw, and a slider connected to the probe. The motor is disposed in the receiving cavity, and the output shaft of the motor is coaxially and fixedly connected to the lead screw. The slider is threadedly engaged with the lead screw and moves linearly along the axis of the lead screw.

3. The electromagnetic ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a limiting block, which is sleeved on the lead screw to limit the lifting range of the probe.

4. The electromagnetic ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a clamping member disposed on the slider, and the probe disposed on the clamping member.

5. The electromagnetic ultrasonic probe according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer casing includes an upper casing and a bottom plate. The upper casing is fixedly connected to the bottom plate to form the receiving cavity. The through hole is provided on the bottom plate, and the shape of the through hole matches the outline of the probe, so that the probe can pass through the outer casing through the through hole.

6. The electromagnetic ultrasonic probe according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a bracket, one end of which is connected to and parallel to the base plate, and the other end extends toward the side away from the outer shell, and the rolling element is embedded on the bracket.

7. The electromagnetic ultrasonic probe according to claim 6, characterized in that, The rolling element is configured as a universal ball bearing, which is mounted on the bracket via a bearing.

8. The electromagnetic ultrasonic probe according to claim 7, characterized in that, The distance between the lowest point of the probe and the lowest point of the universal ball bearing is 0.5mm to 5mm.

9. The electromagnetic ultrasonic probe according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the housing is provided with a mounting groove for connection.

10. A flaw detection robot, characterized in that, Including the electromagnetic ultrasonic probe as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.