Adaptive pipe diameter scanning rack based on phased array ultrasonic testing
By designing a chain link assembly and cantilever support that adapt to pipe diameter, the problem of existing scanning racks being unable to adapt to weld inspection of steel pipes of different diameters has been solved, realizing an adaptive pipe diameter scanning rack that is simple in structure, easy to use, and accurate in inspection.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUNAN KEXIN TESTING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-16
AI Technical Summary
The existing chain-type inspection racks cannot meet the inspection needs of weld seams on steel pipes of different diameters, and their structure is complex and inconvenient to use.
An adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame based on phased array ultrasonic testing was designed. It adopts a telescopic chain link assembly and a cantilever support. The chain link assembly consists of a small shaft, a sliding sleeve, rollers, springs and connecting rods, which can adapt to changes in the diameter of the steel pipe. The cantilever support is equipped with magnetic wheels to prevent deformation.
A fixed-specification scanning rack has been developed to adapt to a certain range of steel pipe weld inspections, improving applicability and ease of use while ensuring inspection accuracy.
Smart Images

Figure CN224366028U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of weld inspection, and in particular to an adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame based on phased array ultrasonic testing. Background Technology
[0002] Phased array testing technology, compared to conventional ultrasonic testing, offers advantages such as imaging, intuitive results, and recordability. In recent years, it has been widely used in industrial testing, particularly for inspecting butt welds in steel pipes. Currently, when inspecting butt welds in steel pipes, the phased array probe is typically mounted on a chain-type scanning frame, which is then fixed to the steel pipe (near the weld). The inspection of the circumferential weld is achieved by rotating the scanning frame.
[0003] Existing chain-type scanning frames mainly consist of chain link assemblies, locking assemblies, and brackets for mounting probes, such as the manual phased array scanning device for bidirectional scanning of angled pipe fillet welds disclosed in application number CN201910414383.X. This type of scanning device requires adding / removing chain links to match different steel pipes; a fixed-specification scanning frame cannot meet the inspection needs of welds on steel pipes of different diameters.
[0004] The applicant's patent application, filed on March 13, 2024, for a phased array probe chain scanning frame for weld inspection, can be finely adjusted through an adjustment component to meet the requirements of a fixed specification for weld inspection of steel pipes with a certain diameter. However, the applicant believes that the structure is relatively complex and troublesome to use.
[0005] Therefore, the applicant further improved and upgraded the chain-type scanning rack, proposing a scanning rack with a simple structure, easier use, and adaptability to pipe diameter to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] The present invention aims to solve the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention provides a scanning frame that is simple in structure, easier to use, and adaptable to pipe diameter.
[0007] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:
[0008] An adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame based on phased array ultrasonic testing is provided, including a probe fixing unit and a chain unit. The first and last ends of the chain unit are connected to the two ends of the fixing unit to form a ring structure. The chain unit is composed of multiple chain link assemblies connected in series. Each chain link assembly includes a small shaft, a sliding sleeve, rollers, a spring, a connecting rod, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. The small shaft is fitted with a spring and two sliding sleeves, with the spring located between the two sliding sleeves. Two rollers are installed at both ends of the small shaft. One end of each of the four connecting rods is hinged to the hinge lugs on both sides of the two sliding sleeves. The two connecting rods on the same side of the sliding sleeves are hinged to the first connecting member and the second connecting member, respectively. The first connecting member and the second connecting member of adjacent chain link assemblies are rotatably connected by a pin.
[0009] In some alternative embodiments, the two ends of the small shaft are provided with limiting shoulders located on opposite inner sides of the roller.
[0010] In some alternative implementations, the roller is a ball bearing roller.
[0011] In some optional embodiments, the probe fixing unit includes a four-wheeled trolley and a cantilever bracket mounted on the four-wheeled trolley for fixing the phased array probe. The two ends of the four-wheeled trolley are also provided with a first connector and a second connector, respectively.
[0012] In some alternative implementations, the four-wheeled vehicle is a self-driving four-wheeled vehicle.
[0013] In some alternative embodiments, the cantilever bracket is provided with a slider, and the phased array probe is fixedly mounted on the slider and locked in position by a set screw.
[0014] In some alternative embodiments, the end of the cantilever bracket away from the four-wheeled vehicle is also provided with an adjustable support wheel in the radial direction of the steel pipe.
[0015] In some alternative implementations, the support wheel is a magnetic wheel.
[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0017] 1. The chain link assembly designed in this utility model can extend under the action of tension on its connecting rod, and return to its original position under the action of spring after the tension is removed. The chain unit composed of this telescopic chain link assembly can adapt to the diameter of the steel pipe, so that a fixed specification scanning frame can meet the inspection of steel pipe welds with a certain diameter range, which greatly improves the applicability of the product and makes it more convenient to use.
[0018] 2. The magnetic support wheel at the end of the cantilever bracket can effectively prevent deformation of the cantilever and ensure the detection accuracy of the probe. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort, wherein:
[0020] Figure 1 This is a partial top view of the adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame provided by this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified structural diagram of the provided link assembly.
[0022] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:
[0023] 1—Four-wheel trolley, 2—Chain link assembly, 2.1—Small axle, 2.1.1—Limiting shoulder, 2.2—Sliding sleeve, 2.3—Roller, 2.4—Spring, 2.5—Connecting rod, 2.6—First connecting piece, 2.7—Second connecting piece, 3—Cantilever bracket, 3.1—Slider, 4—Support wheel, 4.1—Connecting shaft, 4.2—Sleeve, 4.3—Connecting block. Detailed Implementation
[0024] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.
[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this utility model are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. The terms "installed," "connected," and "joined" should be interpreted broadly; for example, they may refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they may refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they may refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they may refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0028] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.
[0029] Example 1
[0030] This embodiment provides an adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame based on phased array ultrasonic detection, as shown in the attached figure. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a probe fixing unit and a chain unit, wherein: the probe fixing unit includes a four-wheeled trolley 1 and a cantilever bracket 3 mounted on the four-wheeled trolley for fixing the phased array probe; the first and last ends of the chain unit are respectively connected to the two ends of the four-wheeled trolley 1 to form a ring structure; the chain unit is composed of multiple chain link assemblies 2 connected in series.
[0031] As attached Figure 2 As shown, the link assembly 2 includes a small shaft 2.1, a sliding sleeve 2.2, a roller 2.3, a spring 2.4, a connecting rod 2.5, a first connecting member 2.6, and a second connecting member 2.7. The small shaft 2.1 is fitted with a spring 2.4 and two sliding sleeves 2.2, with the spring 2.4 located between the two sliding sleeves 2.2 to apply a rightward elastic force to one of the two sliding sleeves. The two rollers 2.3 are installed at both ends of the small shaft 2.1 as support wheels for the scanning frame to travel on the steel pipe, preferably ball bearing rollers. One end of each of the four connecting rods 2.5 is hinged to the hinge lugs on both sides of the two sliding sleeves 2.2. The two connecting rods 2.5 on the same side of the sliding sleeves 2.2 are respectively hinged to the first connecting member 2.6 and the second connecting member 2.7. In this embodiment, the chain link assembly is designed such that when the connecting rod is subjected to tension, the two sliding sleeves move inward relative to each other against the spring force, causing the chain link assembly to extend. When the tension disappears, the two sliding sleeves return to their original position under the spring force, and the chain link assembly returns to its initial length. Therefore, the chain link assembly designed in this embodiment has extensibility.
[0032] Preferably, in this embodiment, the first connector 2.6 and the second connector 2.7 of two adjacent link assemblies 2 are rotatably connected by a pin. The pin connection method can realize the rapid addition / reduction of link assemblies to adapt to steel pipes with large diameter changes.
[0033] The connection method between the four-wheeled trolley and the chain unit is the same as the connection method between two adjacent chain link assemblies. That is, a first connecting member 2.6 and a second connecting member 2.7 are respectively provided at both ends of the four-wheeled trolley 1, and are rotatably connected to the second connecting member 2.7 and the first connecting member 2.6 at both ends of the chain unit through pins. In this embodiment, the four-wheeled trolley 1 is preferably a self-driven four-wheeled trolley, that is, the power device is integrated in the trolley. This type of trolley is a direct application of the prior art, and its structure will not be described in detail here. The self-driven four-wheeled trolley does not require manual pushing and is more convenient to use.
[0034] Preferably, in this embodiment, the two ends of the small shaft 2.1 are provided with limiting shoulders 2.1.1 on the opposite inner side of the roller 2.3 to prevent the sliding sleeve 2.2 from contacting the roller 2.3.
[0035] Preferably, in this embodiment, a slider 3.1 is provided on the cantilever bracket 3, and the phased array probe is fixedly installed on the slider and locked in position by a set screw. This design facilitates the adjustment of the probe position.
[0036] In practice, first check whether the diameter of the steel pipe is within the applicable diameter range of the scanning frame mentioned above. If it is not applicable, adjust the length of the chain unit by adding / removing chain links (the overall length of the scanning frame is generally less than or equal to the circumference of the steel pipe); if it is within the applicable range, installation can proceed.
[0037] During installation, place the four-wheeled trolley on the steel pipe with one hand and hold the end of the chain unit with the other hand to connect the chain unit to the four-wheeled trolley. Because the chain unit is flexible, it can adapt to the diameter of the steel pipe.
[0038] Example 2
[0039] Based on Example 1, as shown in the appendix Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, an adjustable support wheel 4 is provided in the radial direction of the steel pipe at the end of the cantilever bracket 3 away from the four-wheeled trolley 1. This support wheel 4 is preferably a magnetic wheel. This design effectively prevents deformation of the cantilever and ensures the detection accuracy of the probe.
[0040] The adjustable structure can be configured as follows: the top of the support wheel 4 is provided with a connecting shaft 4.1, a sleeve 4.2 is slidably provided on the connecting shaft 4.1, the outer wall of the sleeve 4.2 is provided with a connecting block 4.3 connected to the cantilever bracket 3, and the sleeve is also provided with a set screw for locking the connecting shaft.
[0041] The above description is merely an embodiment of this utility model and does not limit the patent scope of this utility model. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of this utility model specification, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. An adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame based on phased array ultrasonic testing, comprising a probe fixing unit and a chain unit, wherein the first and last ends of the chain unit are respectively connected to the two ends of the probe fixing unit to form a ring structure, and the chain unit is composed of multiple chain link assemblies connected in series; characterized in that: The chain link assembly includes a small shaft, a sliding sleeve, rollers, a spring, connecting rods, a first connecting member, and a second connecting member. The small shaft is fitted with a spring and two sliding sleeves, with the spring located between the two sliding sleeves. The two rollers are installed at both ends of the small shaft. One end of each of the four connecting rods is hinged to the hinge lugs on both sides of the two sliding sleeves. The two connecting rods on the same side of the sliding sleeves are respectively hinged to the first connecting member and the second connecting member. The first and second connectors of two adjacent chain links are rotatably connected by a pin.
2. The adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the small shaft are provided with limiting shoulders on the opposite inner side of the roller.
3. The adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rollers are ball bearing rollers.
4. The adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The probe fixing unit includes a four-wheeled trolley and a cantilever bracket mounted on the four-wheeled trolley for fixing the phased array probe. The two ends of the four-wheeled trolley are also provided with a first connector and a second connector, respectively.
5. The adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame according to claim 4, characterized in that: The four-wheeled vehicle is a self-driving four-wheeled vehicle.
6. The adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cantilever bracket is equipped with a slider, and the phased array probe is fixedly installed on the slider and locked in position by a set screw.
7. The adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the cantilever bracket away from the four-wheeled vehicle is also equipped with an adjustable support wheel in the radial direction of the steel pipe.
8. The adaptive pipe diameter scanning frame according to claim 7, characterized in that: The support wheel is a magnetic chuck.