A drone inspection device for oil and gas pipelines

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of pipeline inspection technology, specifically to a drone inspection device for oil and gas pipelines. It includes an inspection instrument with an infrared camera fixedly mounted on one side. A removable battery is detachably mounted on the adjacent side via a clamping structure, and the removable battery has a charging slot for independent charging and maintenance. A sliding frame is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the inspection instrument, with hooks slidably embedded within it, allowing the device to be hung on the operator's clothing or mounted as a whole on a drone bracket. A display screen is embedded on the side of the inspection instrument opposite the removable battery. A microcontroller fixedly mounted inside connects to the removable battery via preset contacts to obtain power, and simultaneously connects to the infrared camera via flexible wires to transmit thermal signals and to the display screen to output detection results. This utility model solves the problems of shortened battery life due to reliance on drone power supply and the inconvenience of battery removal affecting continuous operation, achieving seamless switching between autonomous power supply and manual / drone dual-mode operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pipeline inspection technology, and in particular to a drone inspection device for oil and gas pipelines. Background Technology

[0002] ① In traditional oil pipeline inspection, drones typically employ a fixed, integrated inspection equipment design, where the detection module (such as an infrared camera unit) is permanently connected to the drone body via internal cables or is encapsulated as a whole. This design means that the drone cannot remove its detection load when performing non-inspection tasks, forcing the aircraft to become a single-function platform. Furthermore, the integrated design means that upgrading and maintaining the detection module requires handling the drone itself, significantly reducing equipment reuse efficiency and the flexibility of technological iteration.

[0003] ② To improve equipment applicability, the existing improvement solution adopts a split structure, with the inspection device externally mounted to the bottom bracket of the drone via mechanical interfaces such as snap-on rails. This structure allows the inspection device to quickly switch between manual handheld mode and drone-borne mode: when the drone lands, the operator can manually remove the inspection device for ground inspection, and then reinstall it on the drone after the operation is completed. The split physical structure solves the problem of specialized functions, enabling a single drone to alternately undertake diverse tasks such as logistics transportation, aerial surveying, and pipeline inspection.

[0004] ③ However, the aforementioned split structure creates new technical contradictions—although the external inspection device achieves physical separation, its power supply still relies on the drone battery; when the inspection device operates in drone load mode, it needs to be connected to the drone power interface through a dedicated cable, continuously consuming the main battery energy of the aircraft, resulting in a shortened effective inspection time per flight; although some inspection devices with built-in power supplies alleviate the power supply pressure, their battery compartments use a screw-fastened encapsulation design, and replacing the battery requires disassembling the outer shell and using tools, making it impossible to achieve second-level disassembly and resupply of the energy module at the field operation site, which seriously restricts the ability to operate continuously. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a drone inspection device for oil and gas pipelines, which solves the technical problems of poor inspection endurance caused by the reliance on drone power supply in existing split-type inspection devices, and the limitation of continuous operation of self-powered inspection devices due to low battery installation and removal efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection device for oil and gas pipelines, including an inspection instrument. An infrared camera is fixedly installed on one side of the inspection instrument. A removable battery is installed on the side of the inspection instrument adjacent to the infrared camera via a card plate. A charging slot is provided on one side of the removable battery. A sliding frame is fixedly installed on the side of the inspection instrument opposite to the infrared camera. A hook is slidably installed in the sliding frame. A display screen is fixedly installed on the side of the inspection instrument opposite to the removable battery. A microcontroller is fixedly installed inside the inspection instrument. The microcontroller is connected to the removable battery via physical contacts. The microcontroller is connected to the infrared camera and the display screen via flexible wires.

[0007] The inspection device is embedded in the frame and fixed by bolts, so that the sponge pad fits against the display screen. The sponge pad is fixedly installed inside the frame.

[0008] The clamping frame is fixedly installed at the extended end of the rotating column, the rotating column is fixedly installed on one side of the rotating block, the rotating block is located inside the rotating clamp and has a drive shaft at its center, which is fixed by bolts.

[0009] The drive shaft extends through the rotating clamp and is installed inside the counterweight block via a bearing. The counterweight block is installed on one end of the rotating clamp via bolts.

[0010] The other end of the drive shaft is connected to the output end of the drive motor, and the drive motor is mounted on the opposite end of the rotating clamp and the counterweight by bolts.

[0011] The rotating clamp has an assembly plate bolted to its top end. The assembly plate is fixedly mounted on the extension end of the rotating shaft, which is located at the output end of the rotating motor.

[0012] The rotating motor has a fixed plate fixedly installed at the end away from the rotating shaft. The fixed plate has a fixing hole for bolts to pass through and connect to the drone.

[0013] This utility model discloses a drone inspection device for oil and gas pipelines. The main structure of the inspection device integrates a multi-functional unit, enabling energy autonomy and flexible switching between operating modes. An infrared camera fixedly installed on one side of the inspection device directly collects pipeline thermal radiation signals. A detachable battery, locked to the adjacent side of the device via a locking plate, independently supplies power to the entire system. A charging slot on the side of the battery allows for independent charging and maintenance without the inspection device, fundamentally eliminating dependence on the drone's power supply. A sliding frame at the bottom of the inspection device has a built-in sliding rail, and the hook can be freely adjusted and locked along the frame, allowing the inspection device to be either suspended from the edge of a worker's pocket for mobile inspection or quickly switched to drone-mounted mode. A display screen embedded on the side of the inspection device opposite the battery displays infrared images in real time. An internal microcontroller establishes a circuit connection with the battery through preset contacts, and simultaneously connects to the infrared camera via flexible wires for data processing and transmission of analysis results to the display screen. This design, while maintaining a compact structure, resolves the dual contradiction between equipment endurance and disassembly efficiency, achieving the technical effects of independent drone inspection endurance and portable manual inspection. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the clamping frame in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inspection instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hook in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of the inspection instrument according to an embodiment of this utility model.

[0020] In the diagram: 101, Inspection instrument; 102, Infrared camera; 103, Removable battery; 104, Charging slot; 105, Sliding frame; 106, Hook; 107, Display screen; 108, Microcontroller; 109, Clamping frame; 110, Sponge pad; 111, Rotating column; 112, Rotating block; 113, Rotating clamp; 114, Drive shaft; 115, Counterweight; 116, Drive motor; 117, Assembly plate; 118, Rotating shaft; 119, Rotating motor; 120, Fixing plate; 121, Fixing hole. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, but should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0022] Please see Figures 1-5 .

[0023] This utility model provides a drone inspection device for oil and gas pipelines. The inspection device 101 has a clamping frame 109 fixedly mounted on one side by bolts. The clamping frame 109 is embedded within the inspection device 101 and tightened with bolts for stability. A sponge pad 110 is adhered inside the clamping frame 109, which closely adheres to the display screen 107 on the surface of the inspection device 101, forming a buffer protective layer to prevent damage to the display screen 107 due to drone flight vibrations. An infrared camera 102 is fixedly mounted on the end face of the inspection device 101 facing the clamping frame 109 for collecting infrared thermal imaging data of the pipeline. The outer casing of the inspection device 101 adjacent to the infrared camera 102 has a mounting slot for a removable battery 103. The board is locked in the slot to achieve physical isolation of the power supply module. The removable battery 103 has a charging slot 104 on its side to support independent charging. This design avoids consuming the power of the drone itself to maintain the autonomous endurance of the inspection device 101. The inspection device 101 and the removable battery 103 have an embedded display screen 107 as a local monitoring interface, which is convenient for real-time viewing of the pipeline status during manual inspection. The bottom of the inspection device 101 is equipped with a sliding frame 105 as a sliding rail. The hook 106 is installed at an adjustable height through the sliding groove embedded in the sliding frame 105, so that it can be hung on the edge of the work clothes pocket when carried by the personnel to ensure convenient mobile inspection. The microcontroller 108 is fixedly installed in the internal cavity of the inspection device 101 with screws. The microcontroller 108 and the removable battery 103 are connected to the removable battery 103. The battery 103 is connected to the battery via a pre-set contact to receive power. Flexible wires are used for data exchange between the microcontroller 108 and the infrared camera 102, and between the microcontroller 108 and the display screen 107. The bending resistance of the flexible wires ensures the reliability of the wiring connection during frequent rotation of the rotating mechanism. A rotating column 111 is welded to the outside of the clamping frame 109 to provide a supporting base. A rotating block 112 is welded to the end of the rotating column 111 to form a linkage node. The rotating block 112 is entirely placed inside the hollow cavity of the rotating clamp 113. Through holes are opened on both side walls of the rotating clamp 113. The drive shaft 114 passes through the through holes of the rotating clamp 113 and the center hole of the rotating block 112, and is locked with bolts to form a rigid transmission system. The extension end of the rotating block 112 passes through the rotating clamp 113 and is installed in the inner hole of the counterweight block 115 via a ball bearing. The counterweight block 115 is fixed to the outer wall of the rotating clamp 113 by bolts. The counterweight block 115 is used to compensate for the extra weight on the mounting side of the drive motor 116 to prevent the UAV from yawing and becoming unstable. The other extension end of the drive shaft 114 is directly connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 116 via a coupling. The drive motor 116 is vertically installed on the outer wall of the rotating clamp 113 by bolts and is symmetrically distributed with the counterweight block 115. When the drive motor 116 is running, it drives the rotating block 112 to rotate in the rotating clamp 113 via the drive shaft 114, thereby causing the rotating column 111 to push the clamp frame 109 and the inspection instrument 101 to achieve pitch angle adjustment.The top flange of the rotating clamp 113 is bolted to an assembly plate 117 to form a secondary mounting platform. A rotating shaft 118 is welded to the top surface of the assembly plate 117 as a rotating shaft. The rotating shaft 118 is coaxially connected to the output end of the rotating motor 119 to obtain horizontal rotational power. The bottom shell of the rotating motor 119 is bolted to the top flange of the rotating clamp 113. When the rotating motor 119 starts, it drives the rotating shaft 118 to rotate, which in turn drives the entire rotating clamp 113 and the inspection instrument 101 to adjust the horizontal azimuth angle through the assembly plate 117, realizing dual-degree-of-freedom spatial scanning. The bottom surface of the rotating motor 119 is bolted to a fixing plate 120 as a UAV interface base. Multiple fixing holes 121 are evenly distributed on the surface of the fixing plate 120. During operation, bolts are passed through the fixing holes 121 to rigidly connect the entire device to the UAV landing gear bracket, so that the inspection instrument 101 maintains a stable detection attitude during flight.

[0024] Working principle: The inspection device 101, as the core detection unit, slides the hook 106 on its bottom sliding frame 105, allowing the inspection personnel to hang the device on the edge of their work clothes pocket, so that the equipment works synchronously with the personnel during manual inspection. When drone operation is required, the fixing holes 121 on the fixing plate 120 are rigidly connected to the drone body with bolts to form a stable load platform. At this time, the rotating motor 119 carried by the fixing plate 120 drives the assembly plate 117 to rotate through the rotating shaft 118, so that the rotating clamp 113 fixed to the assembly plate 117 rotates horizontally, thereby allowing the rotating block 112 installed inside the rotating clamp 113 to obtain the freedom of horizontal adjustment. The rotating column 111 extending from the side of the rotating block 112 supports the clamp frame 109, and the inspection device 101 is embedded in the clamp frame 109 and pressed with bolts. The sponge pad 110 inside the clamp frame 109 fits tightly against the display screen 107 of the inspection device 101, providing buffer protection in the flight vibration environment and avoiding structural damage to the display screen 107.

[0025] During angle adjustment, while the rotating motor 119 drives horizontal rotation, the drive motor 116, through the drive shaft 114 passing through the rotating clamp 113, links with the rotating block 112, causing the rotating column 111 to drive the clamp frame 109 and the inspection instrument 101 to rotate vertically. The two motor systems work together to achieve precise multi-angle adjustment of the inspection instrument 101 in space. The counterweight block 115 configured on the side of the drive motor 116 balances the motor's own weight, effectively eliminating the risk of flight yaw caused by the drone's unilateral load. The removable battery 103 inside the inspection instrument 101 is fixed to the shell by a card plate, avoiding the use of the drone's own power to ensure flight endurance. Its side charging slot 104 supports quick removal and charging. The battery provides stable power to the microcontroller 108 inside the inspection instrument 101 through preset contacts. The microcontroller 108 processes the pipe thermal radiation data collected by the infrared camera 102 in real time, identifies abnormal pipe temperature points through infrared analysis algorithms, and outputs analysis results.

[0026] In manual inspection mode, the operator can directly view the pipeline status and analysis results through the display screen 107 on the side of the inspection instrument 101. In drone mode, the microcontroller 108 transmits data back to the control terminal in real time through the integrated wireless transmission module. The infrared camera 102 and the microcontroller 108, as well as the microcontroller 108 and the display screen 107, are connected by flexible wires to ensure that the lines will not break when the rotating mechanism swings at high frequency. The entire device, through the coordinated control of mechanical and electronic components, not only meets the spatial multi-dimensional detection requirements of drone inspection, but also retains the portability of manual mobile inspection, achieving the technical effect of all-weather multi-mode monitoring of oil and gas pipelines.

[0027] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely one or more preferred embodiments of this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Those skilled in the art can understand that all or part of the processes for implementing the above embodiments and equivalent changes made in accordance with the claims of this application still fall within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A drone inspection device for oil and gas pipelines, comprising an inspection instrument (101), characterized in that: An infrared camera (102) is fixedly installed on one side of the inspection instrument (101). A removable battery (103) is installed on the side of the inspection instrument (101) adjacent to the infrared camera (102) via a card plate. A charging slot (104) is provided on one side of the removable battery (103). A sliding frame (105) is fixedly installed on the side of the inspection instrument (101) opposite to the infrared camera (102). A hook (106) is slidably installed in the sliding frame (105). A display screen (107) is fixedly installed on the side of the inspection instrument (101) opposite to the removable battery (103). A microcontroller (108) is fixedly installed inside the inspection instrument (101). The microcontroller (108) is connected to the removable battery (103) via physical contacts. The microcontroller (108) is connected to the infrared camera (102) and the display screen (107) via flexible wires.

2. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection device for oil and gas pipelines as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inspection instrument (101) is embedded in the clamping frame (109) and fixed by bolts, so that the sponge pad (110) is attached to the display screen (107), and the sponge pad (110) is fixedly installed inside the clamping frame (109).

3. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection device for oil and gas pipelines as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping frame (109) is fixedly installed at the extended end of the rotating column (111), the rotating column (111) is fixedly installed on one side of the rotating block (112), the rotating block (112) is located in the rotating clamp (113) and has a drive shaft (114) at its center and is fixed by bolts.

4. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection device for oil and gas pipelines as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The drive shaft (114) extends through the rotating clamp (113) and is then installed in the counterweight (115) via a bearing. The counterweight (115) is installed on one end of the rotating clamp (113) via bolts.

5. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection device for oil and gas pipelines as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The other end of the drive shaft (114) is connected to the output end of the drive motor (116), which is mounted on the rotating clamp (113) at the opposite end of the counterweight (115) by bolts.

6. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection device for oil and gas pipelines as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The top of the rotating clamp (113) is bolted with an assembly plate (117), which is fixedly installed at the extension end of the rotating shaft (118), which is located at the output end of the rotating motor (119).

7. The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection device for oil and gas pipelines as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The rotating motor (119) has a fixed plate (120) fixedly installed at the end away from the rotating shaft (118). The fixed plate (120) has a fixing hole (121) for bolts to pass through and connect to the UAV.

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