An eddy current detection line guide
By designing a line guide device for eddy current testing, and utilizing an arc-shaped plate and guide frame wheel structure, the problem of cumbersome operation in traditional internal eddy current testing was solved, achieving an efficient and reliable testing process and reducing the risk of line damage and signal instability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TIANJIN XINWEI EXAMINATION & TESTING TECH
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-30
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
Smart Images

Figure CN224366018U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of eddy current detection technology, specifically a line guide device for eddy current detection. Background Technology
[0002] Internal eddy current testing is an effective method for non-destructive testing of heat exchanger tubes during their service life. It has advantages such as fast testing speed, non-contact testing, no need for coupling agent, and high sensitivity.
[0003] In traditional internal eddy current testing, inspectors must manually insert the test head into each heat exchanger tube one by one for testing, and then pull it out one by one. This process is not only cumbersome but also extremely labor-intensive, especially when dealing with a large number of tube bundles. It is inefficient, easily leads to operator fatigue, and consequently affects the accuracy and reliability of the test. Furthermore, frequent insertion and withdrawal operations can cause wear and damage to the test head's connecting wires, increasing equipment maintenance costs and the risk of failure. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a line guiding device for eddy current detection, which guides the connecting line of the eddy current detection head so that it can maintain a straight and neat conveying state before entering the pipe opening.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model employs the following technical solution:
[0006] A circuit guide device for eddy current detection includes an arc-shaped plate, which is a downwardly arched circular arc-shaped plate with an arc of 100-180 degrees. A first guide frame and a second guide frame are alternately and equidistantly arranged along the axial direction above the arc-shaped plate. A first guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the first guide frame and arranged vertically and horizontally. A second guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the second guide frame and arranged in parallel. The second guide frame is circumferentially slidably connected to the arc-shaped plate. Based on the sliding of the second guide frame, the axial direction of the second guide wheel is switched between horizontal and vertical. When the axial direction of the second guide wheel is horizontal, the two second guide wheels are at the same height as the two first guide wheels.
[0007] The arc-shaped plate is provided with a first guide frame at each end.
[0008] The arc-shaped plate is a circular arc-shaped plate with an arc degree of 100-135 degrees.
[0009] An upright plate is fixed to the outer side of the arc-shaped plate, and a mounting platform is fixed to the bottom of the upright plate. A base is provided below the mounting platform, and a support column is fixed on the base. The mounting platform is fixed to the support column with adjustable height.
[0010] The base is equipped with self-locking casters at its bottom.
[0011] A sleeve is fixed through the mounting platform. The support column passes through the sleeve and is slidably connected to the sleeve. A threaded hole is provided on one side of the sleeve. A tightening bolt is threaded into the threaded hole. A knob is provided at the outer end of the tightening bolt. The inner end of the tightening bolt abuts against the support column.
[0012] The first guide frame includes a first strip plate and a first side plate. There are two first side plates, which are respectively fixed vertically at both ends of the first strip plate. The first strip plate and the first side plate form a groove structure. A first guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the end of the first side plate away from the first strip plate. The axis of the first guide wheel is perpendicular to the first strip plate. A fixing block is fixed on the side of the first strip plate away from the first side plate. The outer side of the fixing block has an arc-shaped curved surface that adapts to the inner circumferential surface of the arc plate. The fixing block has a through mounting hole. A row of multiple equidistant mounting bolts passes through the arc plate near the top edge. The mounting bolts pass through the mounting hole to fix the first guide frame to the arc plate.
[0013] and / or
[0014] The second guide frame includes a second strip plate and a second side plate. There are two second side plates, which are respectively fixed vertically at both ends of the second strip plate. The second strip plate and the second side plate form a groove structure. A second guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the end of the second side plate away from the second strip plate. The axis of the second guide wheel is perpendicular to the second strip plate. A slider is fixed on the side of the second strip plate away from the second side plate. The arc plate is provided with a groove corresponding to the position of the slider.
[0015] The bottom of the slider is provided with an inverted T-shaped boss structure, and the bottom of the slide groove has a stepped groove adapted to the boss structure. The outer end of the slide groove near the lower side of the arc plate is provided with a stop block. When the stop block contacts the slider in the corresponding slide groove, the second guide wheel is vertically arranged.
[0016] The slider is centered relative to the second plate, and the length of the slider is adapted to the length of the second plate.
[0017] It also includes a connecting rib, which is fixedly installed on all the second guide frames and is located on the side plate on the lower side when sliding.
[0018] One or more or all of the first guide frames are equipped with motors. The output shaft of the motor is coaxially driven and connected to the first guide wheel located on the upper side. A transmission wheel is provided between the two first guide wheels and is rotatably connected to the first guide frame. The upper first guide wheel and the transmission wheel are driven by belt, and the lower first guide wheel and the transmission wheel are driven by friction or meshing, so that the lower first guide wheel and the upper first guide wheel rotate in opposite directions at the same speed.
[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:
[0020] This tool can align with the pipeline behind the probe, ensuring it is straight and guided before entering the pipe opening, significantly improving testing efficiency and reducing the tediousness of manual operation. It avoids collisions and friction between the pipeline and the pipe opening or other obstacles, preventing bending or twisting of the pipeline during advancement. This not only reduces the risk of damage to the probe's connecting wires but also lightens the workload of testing personnel, making the testing process more efficient, safe, and reliable. It represents a revolutionary improvement in the non-destructive testing of heat exchanger tubes. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention (the second guide frame slides down).
[0022] Figure 2 This is a utility model Figure 1 Side view.
[0023] Figure 3 This is a utility model Figure 1 A structural diagram of the upper part of the mounting platform.
[0024] Figure 4 This is a utility model Figure 1 A structural diagram of the upper part of the mounting platform.
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention (guide frame lifted).
[0026] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention (guide frame lifted).
[0027] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the components of this utility model disassembled.
[0028] The labels shown in the attached diagram:
[0029] 1. Base; 2. Support column; 3. Mounting platform; 4. Sleeve; 5. Knob; 6. Tightening bolt; 7. Vertical plate; 8. Arc plate; 9. First strip plate; 10. First side plate; 11. First guide wheel; 12. Fixing block; 13. Mounting hole; 14. Second strip plate; 15. Second side plate; 16. Second guide wheel; 17. Slider; 18. Slide groove; 19. Boss structure; 20. Stop block; 21. Connecting rib; 22. Drive shaft; 23. Transmission wheel; 24. Driven wheel. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The present invention will be further illustrated below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to the present invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined in this application.
[0031] Example:
[0032] The piping in heat exchangers is densely distributed and numerous, with the tube openings typically arranged in a honeycomb pattern. Our testing personnel often need to operate in a squatting position, which is extremely tiring and makes it difficult to control the force applied to their hands. During manual operation, the testing head needs to be frequently inserted and pulled out of the heat exchanger tubes. Each operation causes mechanical friction between the testing head's connecting wires and the tube walls or other components. This repeated friction gradually wears down the outer sheath of the wires, leading to insulation damage and potentially exposing internal wires, thus increasing the risk of short circuits or open circuits.
[0033] Meanwhile, when the detection head is repeatedly inserted and withdrawn from the pipe opening, the instability of manual operation means that the detection head may be subjected to unexpected external impacts during insertion or withdrawal. For example, during insertion, the detection head may collide with the pipe opening or other obstacles, causing the connecting lines to be twisted or pulled. Such external forces can not only damage the lines but also loosen the connection points, affecting the stability of signal transmission.
[0034] This device is mainly used to guide and advance the connecting lines of the eddy current detection head, thereby freeing up manpower and providing reliable and stable guidance and pushing, greatly reducing damage to the lines.
[0035] The main structure mainly includes a base 1, which provides support for the entire guiding device.
[0036] Casters can be installed on the bottom of base 1. If casters are installed, casters with self-locking function should be selected. Given the small size of this device, a cast iron base 1 can also be used directly without casters. During operation, many pipe openings are distributed in a matrix or honeycomb pattern, with adjacent openings close together. Many openings can be located at different heights in the same position. Therefore, not installing casters saves costs and ensures the stability of the entire device, preventing it from being pulled or shaken during guiding operations. Adjustments can be made manually by lifting the device.
[0037] A support column 2 is fixed on the base 1. The support column 2 extends vertically and is made of round or square cylinder. It can be directly cut and processed from steel pipe or square steel. The support column 2 is mainly used to obtain the corresponding height conditions required for testing.
[0038] The top of the support column 2 is provided with a mounting platform 3 whose height is adjustable relative to it. A sleeve 4 is fixed through the mounting platform 3. The support column 2 passes through the sleeve 4 and is slidably connected to the sleeve 4. A threaded hole is provided on one side of the sleeve 4. A tightening bolt 6 is threadedly connected to the threaded hole. A knob 5 is provided on the outer end of the tightening bolt 6 for easy operation. By tightening the tightening bolt 6, the inner end of the tightening bolt 6 abuts against the side wall of the support column 2, thereby positioning the height of the mounting platform 3.
[0039] A vertical plate 7 is fixedly welded onto the mounting platform 3. An arc-shaped plate 8 is fixedly welded to the top of the vertical plate 7. The arc-shaped plate 8 is a circular arc plate with an arc of no more than 135 degrees. The arc-shaped plate 8 arches downward and is fixed to the top side of the vertical plate 7.
[0040] The top side of the arc-shaped plate 8 is located close to the vertical plate 7. The arc-shaped plate 8 has a downward arched arc-shaped surface from the top side to the bottom side, so that the arc-shaped plate 8 has an open structure on the side opposite to the vertical plate 7, which facilitates the installation of other components and the insertion and matching of the wiring.
[0041] Without the base 1, the curved plate 8 can also be used by hand, which is lighter and more flexible to use. However, relying on hand-holding inevitably causes wobbling and has poor stability in height and position.
[0042] The arc-shaped plate 8 is alternately provided with a first guide frame and a second guide frame.
[0043] The main structures of the first and second guide frames are similar, both adopting a grooved plate frame structure, with mounting positions for guide wheels at both ends. Specifically:
[0044] The first guide frame includes a first strip plate 9 and a first side plate 10. There are two first side plates 10, which are respectively fixed vertically at both ends of the first strip plate 9. The first strip plate 9 and the first side plate 10 form a groove structure. A first guide wheel 11 is rotatably mounted on the end of the first side plate 10 away from the first strip plate 9. The axis of the first guide wheel 11 is perpendicular to the first strip plate 9. A fixing block 12 is fixed on the side of the first strip plate 9 away from the first side plate 10. The outer side of the fixing block 12 has an arc-shaped curved surface that adapts to the inner circumferential surface of the arc plate 8. A mounting hole 13 is passed through the fixing block 12. A row of multiple equidistant mounting bolts passes through the top edge of the arc plate 8. The mounting bolts pass through the mounting hole 13 to fix the first guide frame on the arc plate 8. After fixing, the first strip plate 9 is vertically set and the axis of the first guide wheel 11 is horizontal, forming a clamping and guiding effect on the line on the upper and lower sides.
[0045] The second guide frame includes a second strip plate 14 and a second side plate 15. There are two second side plates 15, which are respectively fixed vertically at both ends of the second strip plate 14. The second strip plate 14 and the second side plate 15 form a groove structure. A second guide wheel 16 is rotatably mounted on the end of the second side plate 15 away from the second strip plate 14. The axis of the second guide wheel 16 is perpendicular to the second strip plate 14. A slider 17 is fixed on the side of the second strip plate 14 away from the second side plate 15, which is integrally formed or welded to it. The arc plate 8 is provided with a groove 18 corresponding to the position of the slider 17. The bottom of the slider 17 is provided with an inverted T-shaped boss structure 19. The bottom of the groove 18 has a stepped groove that adapts to the boss structure 19, thereby constraining and limiting the second guide frame to slide around the arc plate 8. The outer side of the slider 17 has an arc-shaped curved surface that adapts to the inner circumferential surface of the arc plate 8, so that the sliding is smooth.
[0046] The slider 17 can be set at one end of the second plate 14 to guide the sliding motion.
[0047] To increase the counterweight, the volume of slider 17 can be increased. By using higher quality materials, the length of slider 17 can be set to be close to the length of the second plate 14 and centered relative to the second plate 14. Thus, when there is no external force, the second guide frame will naturally slide to the bottom of the arc plate 8. In this state, the axes of the two second guide wheels 16 are vertical, which can clamp and guide the line stroke from the left and right to the middle.
[0048] The outer end of the slide groove 18 near the lower side of the arc plate 8 is provided with a stop block 20. When the stop block 20 contacts the slider 17 in the corresponding slide groove 18, the second guide wheel 16 is vertically set to stabilize the second guide frame and prevent slippage.
[0049] The first guide frame and the second guide frame are arranged alternately, and preferably at equal intervals. For ease of operation, the second side plate 15 of the second guide frame is connected by a connecting rib 21. The connecting rib 21 is fixed to one end of the second side plate 15 near the second guide wheel 16 by screws (the second side plate 15 located on the lower side when swinging). This allows all the second guide frames to be lifted at once.
[0050] When the line needs to be guided, the second guide frame is lifted upwards so that it overlaps with the first guide frame, meaning the second plate 14 is upright. In this state, the second guide wheels 16 are also arranged side-by-side, overlapping with the first guide wheels 11, making it easy to place the line between the side-by-side first guide wheels 11 and the side-by-side second guide wheels 16. After placement, the second guide frame is released, or it is gently pushed down along the arc plate 8 to clamp the line on both sides. Through the alternating guidance of the upper and lower, left and right guide wheels, the directional transport of the line can be effectively guided.
[0051] There is no limit to the number of the first and second guide frames, but it is best to have at least two sets of second guide frames and at least three sets of first guide frames. This is because the first guide wheels 11 on the first guide frame are arranged side-by-side, providing support for the wiring at the bottom. Near the pipe opening, the bottom support helps maintain a good height. At the end near the detection point, the wiring bends between horizontal and vertical sections; the bottom side support helps support and lift the bend and prevents the drooping wiring from scraping against the mounting platform 3. Therefore, it is best to install second guide frames at both ends.
[0052] Through multiple sets of alternating upper and lower clamping guides and left and right clamping guides, the line about to enter the pipe can be kept horizontally extended in the same direction as the pipe opening, thus allowing for smoother insertion and removal.
[0053] Pushing power can be added to one or more first guide frames. Specifically:
[0054] by Figure 1 Taking the design sample as an example, a motor is installed on the first guide frame at one end. The first guide frame is coaxially connected to the first guide wheel 11 on the upper side of the first guide frame, and the motor is fixed on the upper part of the first guide frame. The output shaft of the motor is connected to the drive shaft 22 to drive the rotation of the first guide wheel 11 on the upper side.
[0055] The first guide frame has a passive shaft connected to the first guide wheel 11 on the lower side. The passive shaft has a passive wheel 24 at one end near the first strip 9. Above the passive wheel 24 is a transmission wheel 23 that meshes with or rubs against it. The transmission wheel 23 is rotatably mounted on the first strip 9. The transmission wheel 23 and the drive shaft 22 are connected by a belt drive. The passive wheel 24 can be a gear or a friction wheel.
[0056] Specifically, in belt drive, a common structure in existing technology is adopted, that is, an upper pulley is provided on the drive shaft 22, and a lower pulley is provided on the drive wheel 23, which is coaxial with it, and a synchronous belt is wound between the upper pulley and the lower pulley.
[0057] By increasing power, automatic, uniform-speed pushing is achieved, which is more even and gentle compared to manual inward pushing. Manual pushing is intermittent and difficult to control in direction and force, potentially causing the line to bend with each push. In contrast, this pusher uses two symmetrical guide wheels to actively rotate and directionally push, ensuring horizontal, uniform-speed, and uniform-force pushing.
[0058] In terms of configuration, multiple sets of first guide wheels 11 can be configured to be powered, or only one set can be configured. If one set is configured, the powered first guide wheel should be positioned close to the pipe opening during use.
Claims
1. A line guiding device for eddy current detection, characterized in that, The system includes an arc-shaped plate, which is a downwardly arched arc-shaped plate with an arc of 100-180 degrees. A first guide frame and a second guide frame are alternately and equidistantly arranged along the axial direction above the arc-shaped plate. A first guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the first guide frame and arranged vertically and horizontally. A second guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the second guide frame and arranged horizontally and horizontally. The second guide frame is circumferentially slidably connected to the arc-shaped plate. Based on the sliding of the second guide frame, the axial direction of the second guide wheel is switched between horizontal and vertical. When the axial direction of the second guide wheel is horizontal, the two second guide wheels are at the same height as the two first guide wheels.
2. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped plate is provided with a first guide frame at each end.
3. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped plate is a circular arc-shaped plate with an arc degree of 100-135 degrees.
4. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, An upright plate is fixed to the outer side of the arc-shaped plate, and a mounting platform is fixed to the bottom of the upright plate. A base is provided below the mounting platform, and a support column is fixed on the base. The mounting platform is fixed to the support column with adjustable height.
5. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The base is equipped with self-locking casters at its bottom.
6. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sleeve is fixed through the mounting platform. The support column passes through the sleeve and is slidably connected to the sleeve. A threaded hole is provided on one side of the sleeve. A tightening bolt is threaded into the threaded hole. A knob is provided at the outer end of the tightening bolt. The inner end of the tightening bolt abuts against the support column.
7. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide frame includes a first strip plate and a first side plate. There are two first side plates, which are respectively fixed vertically at both ends of the first strip plate. The first strip plate and the first side plate form a groove structure. A first guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the end of the first side plate away from the first strip plate. The axis of the first guide wheel is perpendicular to the first strip plate. A fixing block is fixed on the side of the first strip plate away from the first side plate. The outer side of the fixing block has an arc-shaped curved surface that adapts to the inner circumferential surface of the arc plate. The fixing block has a through mounting hole. A row of multiple equidistant mounting bolts passes through the arc plate near the top edge. The mounting bolts pass through the mounting hole to fix the first guide frame to the arc plate. and / or The second guide frame includes a second strip plate and a second side plate. There are two second side plates, which are respectively fixed vertically at both ends of the second strip plate. The second strip plate and the second side plate form a groove structure. A second guide wheel is rotatably mounted on the end of the second side plate away from the second strip plate. The axis of the second guide wheel is perpendicular to the second strip plate. A slider is fixed on the side of the second strip plate away from the second side plate. The arc plate is provided with a groove corresponding to the position of the slider.
8. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting rib, which is fixedly installed on all the second guide frames and is located on the side plate on the lower side when sliding.
9. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The slider is centered relative to the second plate, and the length of the slider is adapted to the length of the second plate.
10. The eddy current detection line guiding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, One or more or all of the first guide frames are equipped with motors. The output shaft of the motor is coaxially driven and connected to the first guide wheel located on the upper side. A transmission wheel is provided between the two first guide wheels and is rotatably connected to the first guide frame. The upper first guide wheel and the transmission wheel are driven by belt, and the lower first guide wheel and the transmission wheel are driven by friction or meshing, so that the lower first guide wheel and the upper first guide wheel rotate in opposite directions at the same speed.