A flaw detection device for wind turbine blades
By using a water-absorbing elastic element to store and evenly apply coupling agent in the flaw detection device, the problem of unstable coupling between the probe and the blade surface was solved, achieving stability and reliability in wind turbine blade inspection, reducing equipment load and maintenance costs, and adapting to complex surface morphologies.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUNAN INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
Smart Images

Figure CN224456678U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of wind turbine blade inspection, and particularly relates to a flaw detection device for wind turbine blades. Background Technology
[0002] Wind power generation is a crucial component of new energy sources, and the safe, reliable, and stable operation of wind power equipment is vital for national production. Wind turbine blades, as key components of wind turbine generators, operate under harsh environments such as alternating loads, wind and sand erosion, and lightning strikes, making them highly susceptible to internal defects such as cracks, delamination, and porosity. Failure to detect and address these defects promptly can lead to blade breakage or even complete turbine failure. Therefore, regular non-destructive testing of wind turbine blades is an important means of ensuring their structural integrity and operational safety.
[0003] Currently, non-destructive testing (NDT) of large composite material structural components such as wind turbine blades is gradually shifting from manual handheld probe inspection to automated, unmanned testing. In automated testing, a coupling agent needs to be filled between the probe and the workpiece surface to eliminate air and ensure effective transmission of ultrasonic signals. Existing probe fixtures for automated testing primarily function to fix the probe and provide a certain guiding or pre-tightening force, enabling the probe to follow the curvature changes of the blade surface to a certain extent, thereby facilitating blade flaw detection.
[0004] However, in actual automated unmanned flaw detection, in order to ensure that there is always a continuous and uniform coupling agent layer between the probe and the blade surface, it is usually necessary to configure an additional independent water spray device and continuously supply a large amount of water. This results in unstable coupling effect. Specifically, during rapid continuous scanning, the water spray device cannot guarantee that the water film will uniformly and continuously cover the area to be inspected. Especially when there are curvature changes or local contamination on the blade surface, the water film is very easy to be interrupted or uneven in thickness, which leads to attenuation or even loss of ultrasonic signal, seriously affecting the reliability of the detection results. Utility Model Content
[0005] This application provides a flaw detection device for wind turbine blades, which aims to solve, to some extent, the problem of how to ensure the formation of a stable and uniform coupling layer between the probe and the blade surface without relying on a large amount of water supply.
[0006] This application provides a flaw detection device for wind turbine blades, including a flaw detection fixture and a water-absorbing elastic element. The flaw detection fixture is equipped with a probe. The water-absorbing elastic element is fixed to the flaw detection fixture and forms a receiving cavity. The probe's detection end is located within the receiving cavity. The water-absorbing elastic element is used to absorb and store coupling agent. Driving the flaw detection fixture toward the blade to be tested causes the water-absorbing elastic element to press against the surface of the blade to be tested, squeezing out a portion of the coupling agent and forming a coupling agent layer on the surface of the blade to be tested corresponding to the receiving cavity. The probe end then contacts the coupling agent layer.
[0007] Furthermore, the flaw detection fixture includes a mounting base, a probe mounting base, and a guiding mechanism. The mounting base is used to connect to an actuator that controls the movement of the flaw detection fixture. The probe mounting base is used to mount the probe and the water-absorbing elastic element. The guiding mechanism is disposed between the mounting base and the probe mounting base to guide the probe mounting base to move in a straight line relative to the mounting base and to provide a preload force to the probe mounting base to move toward the blade surface.
[0008] Furthermore, the probe mounting base includes a base plate and a probe base. The probe base is fixed on the base plate, and the probe is disposed in the probe base. An opening is provided at the connection end between the probe base and the base plate. The water-absorbing elastic element is fixed on the base plate and surrounds a receiving cavity communicating with the opening. The probe's detection end extends into the receiving cavity through the opening.
[0009] Furthermore, both ends of the probe holder are provided with guide grooves, and both ends of the probe are provided with guide blocks. The guide blocks slide in conjunction with the guide grooves to fix the probe in the probe holder.
[0010] Furthermore, a first installation gap is formed between the first sidewall of the probe and the probe seat, and a second installation gap is formed between the second sidewall of the probe and the probe seat; a first lateral water-retaining component is provided in the first installation gap, and a second lateral water-retaining component is provided in the second installation gap.
[0011] Furthermore, the probe holder is provided with a first water inlet, a second water inlet, a first water outlet, and a second water outlet; the first water inlet and the first water outlet are respectively connected to both ends of the first installation gap, and the second water inlet and the second water outlet are respectively connected to both ends of the second installation gap.
[0012] Furthermore, the guiding mechanism includes a guide sleeve, a guide rod, and an elastic element. The guide sleeve is fixed on the mounting base. The first end of the guide rod is slidably connected to the guide sleeve. The second end of the guide rod is fixedly connected to the probe mounting seat. The elastic element is disposed between the mounting base and the probe mounting seat to provide a preload force that presses the probe and the water-absorbing elastic element against the blade surface.
[0013] Furthermore, the elastic element is sleeved on the guide rod, and a limiting ring is fixedly connected to the guide rod. The two ends of the elastic element abut against the guide sleeve and the limiting ring, respectively.
[0014] Furthermore, multiple guide rods are provided, and the multiple guide rods are spaced apart on the probe mounting base, and the second end of the guide rod is connected to the probe mounting base through a universal joint.
[0015] Furthermore, the mounting base is provided with a connector for connecting to the actuator.
[0016] The advantages of this application compared to the prior art are:
[0017] This application utilizes a water-absorbing elastic element to store couplant. The stored couplant is then uniformly applied to the inspection area by squeezing the elastic element, ensuring a stable and uniform coupling layer between the probe and the blade surface. In practice, the water-absorbing elastic element first absorbs and stores the couplant. Then, when the flaw detection fixture moves towards the blade surface, the water-absorbing elastic element contacts the blade surface before the probe. Next, under pre-tightening force, the water-absorbing elastic element is compressed, uniformly applying the stored couplant to the blade surface of the inspection area. Subsequently, the water-absorbing elastic element continues to be compressed, and the probe's detection end presses against the couplant-coated blade surface, forming a stable coupling layer filled with couplant between the probe and the blade surface. Finally, the probe emits and receives ultrasonic signals to complete the flaw detection at that location. After the detection is completed, the flaw detection fixture is lifted, the water-absorbing elastic element returns to its shape, and reabsorbs and stores the couplant, ready for the next detection.
[0018] Its beneficial effects are as follows: First, the coupling effect is stable and reliable. The water-absorbing elastic element is closely attached to the bottom perimeter of the probe. When it contacts the blade surface, it applies the coupling agent to the area to be inspected. When the probe is subsequently pressed, a continuous and uniform water film has already been formed on the surface to be tested, avoiding the problems of water film interruption or uneven thickness in traditional water spraying methods. Second, it reduces the amount of coupling agent used and lowers the equipment load. The water-absorbing elastic element stores the coupling agent itself, eliminating the need for a continuous large supply of water from an external water spraying device. Only a small amount of coupling agent is needed to complete multiple tests, eliminating the need for carrying a large-capacity water tank or connecting long-distance pipelines, thus improving the mobility and endurance of the automated actuator. Third, it has a simple structure and low cost. It only requires adding the water-absorbing elastic element to the original flaw detection fixture, eliminating the need for a complex water spraying system or electronic control device. The water-absorbing elastic element is inexpensive and easy to replace and maintain. Fourth, it can adapt to microscopic unevenness. The water-absorbing elastic element has elastic deformation capability and can adapt to the microscopic concavity and convexity of the blade surface under the action of pre-tightening force. Even if there are local unevennesses on the blade surface, it can ensure the uniformity of the coupling agent application. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a flaw detection device for wind turbine blades provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the arrangement of the water-absorbing elastic element provided in one embodiment of this application;
[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a probe mounting base provided in one embodiment of this application;
[0023] Figure 4 This is an installation diagram of the flaw detection device and actuator for wind turbine blades provided in an embodiment of this application.
[0024] Figure label:
[0025] 100. Probe; 101. Guide block;
[0026] 200. Water-absorbing elastic element; 201. Receiving cavity;
[0027] 300. Mounting base; 301. Connecting parts;
[0028] 400. Probe mounting base; 401. Base plate; 402. Probe holder; 403. Opening; 404. Guide groove; 405. First mounting gap; 406. Second mounting gap; 407. First water inlet; 408. Second water inlet; 409. First water outlet; 410. Second water outlet;
[0029] 500. Guiding mechanism; 501. Guide sleeve; 502. Guide rod; 503. Elastic element; 504. Limiting ring
[0030] 600. First lateral water-retaining component; 601. Second lateral water-retaining component;
[0031] 700. Implementing agency. Detailed Implementation
[0032] To make the technical problems, technical solutions, and beneficial effects of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.
[0033] In this application, the term "and / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.
[0034] In this application, "at least one" means one or more, and "more than one" means two or more. "At least one of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or multiple items. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c", or "at least one of a, b, and c", can both mean: a, b, c, a~b (i.e., a and b), a~c, b~c, or a~b~c, where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.
[0035] The terms "first" and "second" are used only to describe the purpose and to distinguish objects, such as substances, from one another, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. For example, without departing from the scope of the provisions of this application, "first XX" may also be referred to as "second XX," and similarly, "second XX" may also be referred to as "first XX." Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature.
[0036] The terminology used in the embodiments of this application is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of this application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in the implementations of this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0037] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this application, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. Some or all steps may be executed in parallel or sequentially. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the implementation regulations of this application.
[0038] The weights of the relevant components mentioned in the embodiments of this application can refer not only to the specific content of each component, but also to the proportional relationship between the weights of the components. Therefore, any scaling up or down of the content of the relevant components according to the embodiments of this application is within the scope disclosed in the embodiments of this application. Specifically, the mass described in the embodiments of this application can be a mass unit known in the chemical industry, such as μg, mg, g, or kg.
[0039] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. The technical terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0040] Reference Figures 1-4 This application provides a flaw detection device for wind turbine blades, including a flaw detection fixture and a water-absorbing elastic element 200. A probe 100 is mounted on the flaw detection fixture. The water-absorbing elastic element 200 is fixed on the flaw detection fixture and forms a receiving cavity 201. The detection end of the probe 100 is located inside the receiving cavity 201. The water-absorbing elastic element 200 is used to absorb and store coupling agent. The flaw detection fixture is driven to move towards the blade to be tested, so that the water-absorbing elastic element 200 is squeezed against the surface of the blade to be tested, squeezing out part of the coupling agent and forming a coupling agent layer on the surface of the blade to be tested corresponding to the receiving cavity 201, and the detection end comes into contact with the coupling agent layer.
[0041] In this embodiment, the probe 100 is an ultrasonic probe 100, and the water-absorbing elastic element 200 is made of polyvinyl alcohol sponge material. It is fixed to the lower end face of the flaw detection fixture using waterproof adhesive or clips, forming a downward-facing receiving cavity 201 with an opening 403. The probe end of the probe 100 is located within this receiving cavity 201, and a height difference of 0.5mm to 2mm is maintained between the probe end face and the lower end face of the water-absorbing elastic element 200 to ensure that the water-absorbing elastic element 200 contacts the blade surface before the probe 100. In other embodiments, the absorbent elastic element can also be made of polyurethane sponge, which has better wear resistance and is suitable for long-term continuous operation. A composite structure of highly absorbent resin and sponge can also be used to significantly increase the water storage capacity.
[0042] In practice, firstly, the water-absorbing elastic element 200 pre-absorbs and stores the coupling agent; then, when the flaw detection fixture moves towards the blade surface, the water-absorbing elastic element 200 contacts the blade surface before the probe 100; next, under the action of pre-tightening force, the water-absorbing elastic element 200 is compressed and the stored coupling agent is evenly applied to the blade surface of the area to be inspected; subsequently, the water-absorbing elastic element 200 continues to be compressed, and the probe end of the probe 100 presses against the blade surface coated with coupling agent, forming a stable coupling layer filled with coupling agent between the probe 100 and the blade surface; finally, the probe 100 emits and receives ultrasonic signals to complete the flaw detection at that location. After the detection is completed, the flaw detection fixture is lifted, the water-absorbing elastic element 200 returns to its shape and reabsorbs and stores the coupling agent, ready for the next detection.
[0043] The above structure has the following advantages: the water-absorbing elastic element 200 is closely attached to the bottom periphery of the probe 100, and applies the coupling agent to the area to be inspected when it contacts the blade surface. When the probe 100 is subsequently pressed, a continuous and uniform water film has been pre-formed on the surface to be tested, avoiding the problems of water film interruption or uneven thickness in traditional water spraying methods, thus making the coupling effect stable and reliable; the water-absorbing elastic element 200 stores the coupling agent itself, eliminating the need for an external water spraying device to continuously supply a large amount of water, and only a small amount of coupling agent is needed to complete multiple tests, eliminating the need to carry a large-capacity water tank or connect long-distance pipelines, thus improving the mobility and endurance of the automated actuator 700; only the water-absorbing elastic element 200 needs to be added to the original flaw detection fixture, eliminating the need for a complex water spraying system or electronic control device, and the water-absorbing elastic element 200 is inexpensive and easy to replace and maintain; it can adapt to micro-surface unevenness. The water-absorbing elastic element 200 has elastic deformation capability, and under the action of pre-tightening force, it can adapt to the micro-concavity and convexity of the blade surface, ensuring the uniformity of coupling agent application even if there is local unevenness on the blade surface.
[0044] Furthermore, the flaw detection fixture includes a mounting base 300, a probe mounting seat 400, and a guide mechanism 500. The mounting base 300 is used to connect to the actuator 700 that controls the movement of the flaw detection fixture. The probe mounting seat 400 is used to mount the probe 100 and the water-absorbing elastic element 200. The guide mechanism 500 is disposed between the mounting base 300 and the probe mounting seat 400, and is used to guide the probe mounting seat 400 to move linearly relative to the mounting base 300, and to provide a preload force to the probe mounting seat 400 to move toward the blade surface.
[0045] In this embodiment, the mounting base 300 is made of aluminum alloy and has a standard flange interface on its upper surface for connection with the actuator 700. The actuator 700 can be a multi-joint robotic arm, a wall-climbing robot, an unmanned flaw detection vehicle, etc., selected according to the actual situation.
[0046] In practice, firstly, the entire flaw detection device is fixed to the end of the actuator 700 via the mounting base 300. Then, the actuator 700 drives the flaw detection device to the position of the blade to be inspected. Next, the guide mechanism 500 guides the probe mounting seat 400 to move linearly relative to the mounting base 300, and provides a preload force to the probe mounting seat 400 to move towards the blade surface, ensuring that the probe 100 and the water-absorbing elastic element 200 can press against the blade surface. During the inspection process, the guide mechanism 500 ensures the movement accuracy of the probe mounting seat 400, preventing skewness or jamming. After the inspection is completed, the actuator 700 lifts the flaw detection device, and the guide mechanism 500 guides the probe mounting seat 400 back to its original position. The guide mechanism 500 ensures the movement accuracy and linearity of the probe mounting seat 400, preventing skewness of the probe 100 during the pressing process and improving the consistency of the inspection.
[0047] Reference Figure 3 The probe mounting base 400 includes a base plate 401 and a probe base 402. The probe base 402 is fixed on the base plate 401, and the probe 100 is disposed in the probe base 402. An opening 403 is provided at the connection end between the probe base 402 and the base plate 401. A water-absorbing elastic member 200 is fixed on the base plate 401 and surrounds a receiving cavity 201 that communicates with the opening 403. The detection end of the probe 100 passes through the opening 403 and extends into the receiving cavity 201.
[0048] In this embodiment, the base plate 401 is a rectangular metal plate, and the probe holder 402 has a rectangular shell structure, which is fixedly connected to the lower surface of the base plate 401 by screws. The opening 403 is square, allowing the probe 100 to pass through so that the detection end of the probe 100 extends into the receiving cavity 201. In other embodiments, the base plate 401 and the probe holder 402 can be integrally molded. Specifically, the probe holder 402 is fixed on the base plate 401, the probe 100 is installed in the probe holder 402, and the detection end of the probe 100 extends into the receiving cavity 201 through the opening 403 on the probe holder 402, and is surrounded by the water-absorbing elastic element 200. When the flaw detection device presses against the blade surface, the water-absorbing elastic element 200 contacts the blade surface first, and the detection end of the probe 100 then extends out through the opening 403 and presses against the blade surface coated with coupling agent. Specifically, the opening 403 connects with the receiving cavity 201, ensuring that the probe 100 can smoothly enter the receiving cavity 201, so that the water-absorbing elastic element 200 can form a tight fit with it, thereby providing a guarantee for the probe 100 to perform detection on a stable coupling layer.
[0049] Furthermore, both ends of the probe holder 402 are provided with guide grooves 404, and both ends of the probe 100 are provided with guide blocks 101. The guide blocks 101 slide with the guide grooves 404 to fix the probe 100 in the probe holder 402.
[0050] In this embodiment, a vertical guide groove 404 is formed on the inner wall of each end of the probe holder 402, and the cross-section of the guide groove 404 is rectangular. Guide blocks 101 are machined at corresponding positions on the outer wall of each end of the probe 100. The cross-sectional shape of the guide blocks 101 matches the guide groove 404, and the dimensions are fitted with a clearance fit. When the probe 100 is inserted into the probe holder 402 from top to bottom, the guide blocks 101 align with the guide groove 404 and slide along the groove until the probe 100 is in place, at which point the probe 100 is fixed inside the probe holder 402. In other embodiments, the positions of the guide groove 404 and the guide block 101 can be interchanged; that is, the probe holder 402 has the guide block 101, and the probe 100 has the guide groove 404. The cross-section of the guide groove 404 can be a dovetail groove, a T-groove, or a V-groove. Specifically, the cooperation between the guide groove 404 and the guide block 101 ensures the installation and positioning of the probe 100, ensuring that the detection end is concentric with the receiving cavity 201, and improving the consistency of application and detection. Furthermore, the guide block 101 and the guide groove 404 are in a sliding fit, which is simple in structure, and makes it convenient and quick to install and remove the probe 100, facilitating the replacement and maintenance of the probe 100.
[0051] Furthermore, a first installation gap 405 is formed between the first sidewall of the probe 100 and the probe seat 402, and a second installation gap 406 is formed between the second sidewall of the probe 100 and the probe seat 402; a first lateral water-retaining component 600 is provided in the first installation gap 405, and a second lateral water-retaining component 601 is provided in the second installation gap 406.
[0052] In this embodiment, the lateral water-retaining component is a strip-shaped PVA sponge, the thickness of which is slightly larger than the width of the installation gap, so that both the first lateral water-retaining component 600 and the second lateral water-retaining component 601 are fixed within the installation gap by an interference fit. The portion of the lateral water-retaining component extending into the receiving groove has its sidewall in contact with the water-absorbing elastic component 200, forming a channel for the transmission of the coupling agent. In other embodiments, the lateral water-retaining component may be made of materials such as polyurethane sponge, water-retaining fiber felt, hydrogel, or microporous ceramics. Specifically, the first lateral water-retaining component 600 and the second lateral water-retaining component 601 are provided. Firstly, they fill the gap between the probe 100 and the probe seat 402, thus fixing the probe 100 and preventing it from shaking. Secondly, the lateral water-retaining components have a water storage function and can serve as an auxiliary water source for the water-absorbing elastic component 200, extending the working time after a single water replenishment. Thirdly, both the first lateral water-retaining component 600 and the second lateral water-retaining component 601 are elastic and can absorb vibration, reducing the impact on the probe 100 during the detection process. Fourthly, the separate lateral water-retaining components are easy to replace individually, reducing maintenance costs.
[0053] Furthermore, the probe holder 402 is provided with a first water inlet 407, a second water inlet 408, a first water outlet 409 and a second water outlet 410; the first water inlet 407 and the first water outlet 409 are respectively connected to both ends of the first installation gap 405, and the second water inlet 408 and the second water outlet 410 are respectively connected to both ends of the second installation gap 406.
[0054] In this embodiment, the outer wall of the first end of the probe 100 is provided with a first water inlet 407 and a first water outlet 409, and the outer wall of the second end is provided with a second water inlet 408 and a second water outlet 410. Each interface is a threaded hole for connecting an external water pipe connector. The first water inlet 407 extends to the upper part of the first mounting gap 405, and the first water outlet 409 extends to the lower part of the first mounting gap 405. Similarly, the second water inlet 408 and the second water outlet 410 extend to the upper and lower parts of the second mounting gap 406, respectively. Furthermore, a water storage tank can be provided on the actuator 700, with its bottom connected to the first water inlet 407 and the second water inlet 408, and its top connected to the first water outlet 409 and the second water outlet 410, respectively, to form a cycle for the use and replenishment of the coupling agent.
[0055] In practice, firstly, coupling agent is injected into the first installation gap 405 and the second installation gap 406 through the first inlet 407 and the second inlet 408. The lateral water-retaining component absorbs and stores the coupling agent. Excess coupling agent can be discharged through the first outlet 409 and the second outlet 410. During long-term operation, coupling agent is continuously replenished to the lateral water-retaining component through the inlets to maintain its saturation. The coupling agent in the lateral water-retaining component replenishes moisture to the water-absorbing elastic component 200 through capillary action or pressure transmission, ensuring that the water-absorbing elastic component 200 remains moist at all times. When a water tank circulation loop is set up, the coupling agent circulates between the water tank and the installation gap, continuously replenishing the moisture in the lateral water-retaining component on the one hand, and carrying away the heat generated during the detection process on the other hand, thus cooling the probe 100.
[0056] Furthermore, the guiding mechanism 500 includes a guide sleeve 501, a guide rod 502, and an elastic element 503. The guide sleeve 501 is fixed on the mounting base 300. The first end of the guide rod 502 is slidably connected to the guide sleeve 501, and the second end of the guide rod 502 is fixedly connected to the probe mounting seat 400. The elastic element 503 is disposed between the mounting base 300 and the probe mounting seat 400 and is used to provide a preload force that presses the probe 100 and the water-absorbing elastic element 200 against the blade surface.
[0057] In this embodiment, the guide sleeve 501 is fixed on the mounting base 300, and the guide rod 502 slides freely within the guide sleeve 501. The lower end of the guide rod 502 is connected to the probe mounting seat 400. The elastic element 503 is a helical compression spring, positioned between the mounting base 300 and the probe mounting seat 400, and is in a compressed state, continuously providing a downward preload. When the flaw detection device moves towards the blade surface, the water-absorbing elastic element 200 first contacts the blade surface. The preload of the elastic element 503 pushes the probe mounting seat 400 downward, causing the water-absorbing elastic element 200 and the probe 100 to press sequentially against the blade surface. After the inspection is completed, the flaw detection device is lifted, and the elastic element 503 pushes the probe mounting seat 400 back to its original position. Specifically, the sliding fit between the guide sleeve 501 and the guide rod 502 ensures the movement accuracy and straightness of the probe mounting seat 400, avoiding skewness. The elastic element 503 provides a stable preload, ensuring that the probe 100 and the water-absorbing elastic element 200 remain in contact with the blade surface at all times, automatically adapting even to undulations on the blade surface. The magnitude of the preload can be designed according to the weight of the probe 100 and the detection requirements, avoiding excessive pressure that could damage the blade surface or insufficient pressure that could lead to poor coupling. The guide mechanism 500 is integrated with the elastic element 503, resulting in a compact structure and high reliability.
[0058] Furthermore, the elastic element 503 is sleeved on the guide rod 502, and the guide rod 502 is fixedly connected to the limiting ring 504. The two ends of the elastic element 503 abut against the guide sleeve 501 and the limiting ring 504 respectively.
[0059] In this embodiment, the elastic element 503 is sleeved on the guide rod 502, which is compact and saves space. The limiting ring 504 provides a precise abutment point for the elastic element 503, ensuring the stable transmission of preload. The position of the limiting ring 504 can be adjusted as needed, thereby adjusting the precompression of the elastic element 503 and realizing the adjustment of the preload. The elastic element 503 and the guide rod 502 are arranged coaxially, and the force is uniform, avoiding friction jamming caused by off-center loading.
[0060] Furthermore, multiple guide rods 502 are provided, and the multiple guide rods 502 are arranged at intervals on the probe mounting base 400, and the second end of the guide rod 502 is connected to the probe mounting base 400 through a universal joint.
[0061] In this embodiment, four guide rods 502 are arranged in a rectangular quadrant on the probe mounting base 400. The universal joint adopts a ball joint structure, including a ball head and a ball socket. The ball head is fixed to the second end of the guide rod 502, and the ball socket is embedded in the upper surface of the probe mounting base 400. The ball head can be rotatably fitted into the ball socket, allowing the probe mounting base 400 to swing freely within a 20° range relative to the guide rod 502. In other embodiments, the universal joint may be a cross-axis universal joint, an elastic rubber joint, or a flexible hinge.
[0062] Specifically, the multiple guide rods 502 are arranged at intervals, which improves the stability and anti-eccentric load capacity of the guide mechanism 500, prevents the probe mounting base 400 from rotating, and the universal joint allows the probe mounting base 400 to swing freely within a certain angle range, realizing passive self-adaptation to the complex curvature of the blade.
[0063] Furthermore, a connector 301 is provided on the mounting base 300, which is used to connect with the actuator 700.
[0064] In this embodiment, the connector 301 can be a standard mechanical interface flange or a connecting arm that is easy to connect to the actuator 700 by bolts. The connector 301 makes the flaw detection device have good versatility and interchangeability, and can be quickly integrated into different automation platforms such as robotic arms, wall-climbing robots, and unmanned flaw detection vehicles; the connector 301 facilitates quick assembly and disassembly, improving the efficiency of on-site maintenance and replacement.
[0065] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.
[0066] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.
Claims
1. A flaw detection device for wind turbine blades, characterized in that, include: A flaw detection fixture, wherein a probe (100) is provided on the flaw detection fixture. A water-absorbing elastic element (200) is fixed on the flaw detection fixture and forms a receiving cavity (201). The detection end of the probe (100) is located in the receiving cavity (201). The water-absorbing elastic element (200) is used to absorb and store coupling agent. The flaw detection fixture is driven to move toward the blade to be tested, so that the water-absorbing elastic element (200) is squeezed against the surface of the blade to be tested, squeezing out part of the coupling agent, and forming a coupling agent layer on the surface of the blade to be tested corresponding to the receiving cavity (201), and the detection end is brought into contact with the coupling agent layer.
2. The apparatus for inspecting a wind turbine blade according to claim 1, wherein, The flaw detection fixture includes a mounting base (300), a probe mounting base (400), and a guide mechanism (500). The mounting base (300) is used to connect to an actuator (700) that controls the movement of the flaw detection fixture. The probe mounting base (400) is used to mount the probe (100) and the water-absorbing elastic element (200). The guide mechanism (500) is disposed between the mounting base (300) and the probe mounting base (400) to guide the probe mounting base (400) to move in a straight line relative to the mounting base (300) and to provide a preload force to the probe mounting base (400) to move toward the blade surface.
3. A wind turbine blade inspection apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein, The probe mounting base (400) includes a base plate (401) and a probe base (402). The probe base (402) is fixed on the base plate (401). The probe (100) is disposed in the probe base (402). An opening (403) is provided at the connection end between the probe base (402) and the base plate (401). The water-absorbing elastic element (200) is fixed on the base plate (401) and surrounds a receiving cavity (201) communicating with the opening (403). The detection end of the probe (100) extends into the receiving cavity (201) through the opening (403).
4. The flaw detection device for wind turbine blades as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The probe holder (402) has guide grooves (404) at both ends, and the probe (100) has guide blocks (101) at both ends. The guide blocks (101) slide with the guide grooves (404) to fix the probe (100) in the probe holder (402).
5. The apparatus for inspecting a wind power blade according to claim 3, wherein, A first installation gap (405) is formed between the first sidewall of the probe (100) and the probe seat (402), and a second installation gap (406) is formed between the second sidewall of the probe (100) and the probe seat (402); a first lateral water-retaining component (600) is provided in the first installation gap (405), and a second lateral water-retaining component (601) is provided in the second installation gap (406).
6. The apparatus for inspecting a wind turbine blade according to claim 5, wherein The probe holder (402) is provided with a first water inlet (407), a second water inlet (408), a first water outlet (409) and a second water outlet (410); the first water inlet (407) and the first water outlet (409) are respectively connected to the two ends of the first installation gap (405), and the second water inlet (408) and the second water outlet (410) are respectively connected to the two ends of the second installation gap (406).
7. The apparatus for inspecting a wind power blade according to claim 2, wherein, The guiding mechanism (500) includes a guide sleeve (501), a guide rod (502), and an elastic element (503). The guide sleeve (501) is fixed on the mounting base (300). The first end of the guide rod (502) is slidably connected to the guide sleeve (501), and the second end of the guide rod (502) is fixedly connected to the probe mounting seat (400). The elastic element (503) is disposed between the mounting base (300) and the probe mounting seat (400) to provide a preload force that presses the probe (100) and the water-absorbing elastic element (200) against the blade surface.
8. A wind turbine blade inspection apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein, The elastic element (503) is sleeved on the guide rod (502), and a limiting ring (504) is fixedly connected to the guide rod (502). The two ends of the elastic element (503) abut against the guide sleeve (501) and the limiting ring (504) respectively.
9. The apparatus for inspecting a wind power blade according to claim 7, wherein, Multiple guide rods (502) are provided, and the multiple guide rods (502) are arranged at intervals on the probe mounting base (400), and the second end of the guide rod (502) is connected to the probe mounting base (400) through a universal joint.
10. A wind turbine blade inspection apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 9, wherein, The mounting base (300) is provided with a connector (301) for connecting to the actuator (700).