An ultrasonic sensor fixing support for in-pipe inspection
By introducing guide wheels and an elastic adjustment mechanism into the mounting bracket of the ultrasonic sensor used for pipeline inspection, the problem of probe collision with foreign objects in the pipeline is solved, thus ensuring the accuracy of the detection data and protecting the probe.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HAINAN BRANCH OF CHINA NATIONAL OFFSHORE OIL (CHINA) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
Smart Images
Figure CN224456682U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of ultrasonic probe auxiliary technology, and in particular to a fixing bracket for an ultrasonic sensor used in pipeline inspection. Background Technology
[0002] Ultrasonic detectors used for quality inspection inside pipelines for liquid transportation employ a method where the probe of the ultrasonic detector is inserted into one end of the pipeline (the ultrasonic detector and the ultrasonic probe are connected by a wire). Then, a traction rope pulls the ultrasonic probe head from the other end, moving it from front to back within the pipeline for seamless, multi-angle inspection. The working principle of the ultrasonic probe in conjunction with the ultrasonic detector in pipeline quality inspection primarily relies on the piezoelectric crystal inside. When voltage is applied to the piezoelectric crystal, it is excited and generates ultrasonic signals. These signals are emitted into the pipeline by the transmitting head of the ultrasonic probe. Simultaneously, the receiving head of the ultrasonic probe receives the reflected ultrasonic signals and converts them into electrical signals. These electrical signals are then analyzed and processed by the main control system of the ultrasonic detector located outside the pipeline. By calculating the time difference between the transmitted and echo signals, the location of defects in the pipeline (such as cracks or dents at a specific location on the inner wall of the pipeline) can be accurately determined.
[0003] To ensure simultaneous detection of various angles along the circumference of the pipe, existing ultrasonic detectors for pipelines typically employ multiple ultrasonic probes, arranged in a ring around a fixed cylinder (usually with staggered placement of probes on the outer surface of the cylinder). In practice, for optimal detection, the detection and receiving surfaces of the multiple ultrasonic probes should be perpendicular to the pipe's inner wall. This prevents signal discrepancies caused by insufficient perpendicularity of a single probe. To achieve this, current technology generally strives to make the outer diameter formed by the outer surfaces of the multiple ultrasonic probes as close as possible to the pipe's inner diameter. In other words, once the equipment is installed inside the pipe, the distance between the outer diameter formed by the detection (transmitter head) and receiving (receiver head) surfaces of the multiple ultrasonic probes mounted on the probe holder and the pipe's inner diameter should be approximately equal. The above method has the following problems. Specifically, when the pipeline is deformed due to various reasons, or when other objects (such as dried concrete blocks) are adhered to the inner wall of the pipeline, the weld extension is located inside the pipeline, or the inner diameter of the flange interface is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipeline, the ultrasonic probe is prone to collision with other objects. This will not only have an adverse effect on the final test data, but also pose a chance of damage to the ultrasonic probe due to the collision. Utility Model Content
[0004] To overcome the drawbacks of existing ultrasonic probe mounting brackets for pipelines, which are limited by their structure and described in the background section, this invention provides a mounting bracket for ultrasonic sensors used in pipeline inspection. Under the combined action of relevant mechanisms, after the device enters the pipeline, it is guided by multiple support wheels, allowing the device to operate easily within the pipeline and reducing resistance when moving it. This provides convenience for workers. Furthermore, when there is concave deformation at a corresponding location within the pipeline, or when other objects adhere to the inner wall of the pipeline, the weld extension is located inside the pipeline, or the inner diameter of the flange interface is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipeline, a corresponding ultrasonic probe can automatically adjust its height to a lower position. This not only ensures the accuracy of the final detection data but also reduces the probability of collision damage with other objects.
[0005] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is:
[0006] A mounting bracket for an ultrasonic sensor used in pipeline inspection includes a mounting cylinder, a guide wheel mechanism, flange plates, and an elastic adjustment mechanism. There are at least two flange plates, with their inner sides fixedly mounted on the front outer side and rear end of the mounting cylinder, respectively. A traction hook is fixedly mounted on the front end of one flange plate. Multiple sets of guide wheel mechanisms and elastic adjustment mechanisms are included. Each guide wheel mechanism includes a support frame, a bearing, and a rubber ring. The inner ring of the bearing is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the support frame, and the rubber ring is fixedly mounted on the outer side of the outer ring of the bearing. The lower ends of the support frames of the multiple guide wheel mechanisms are fixedly mounted on the front outer side and rear end of the mounting cylinder at circumferential intervals. Each elastic adjustment mechanism includes a mounting frame, a mounting base, and a torsion spring. A connecting seat is fixedly installed at the lower end of the frame. Both ends of the connecting seat and the fixed seat have shaft holes. A shaft is rotatably installed in the shaft holes of the connecting seat and the fixed seat of the fixed frame. A torsion spring is rotatably sleeved on the outer end of the shaft. One end of the torsion spring is located at the lower end of the front inner side of the fixed seat, and the upper end of the torsion spring is located at the upper end of the connecting seat. A wear-resistant strip is fixedly installed at the upper end of the fixed frame. An ultrasonic probe is horizontally fixedly installed on the lower side of the upper end of each set of elastic adjustment mechanisms. Multiple sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms are divided into two groups and fixedly installed at equal intervals in a ring at the front and rear ends of the middle part of the fixed cylinder.
[0007] Furthermore, the wear-resistant strip and rubber ring are made of polyurethane material.
[0008] Furthermore, after the multiple sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms are installed at the front and rear ends of the middle of the fixed cylinder, the number of elastic adjustment mechanisms at the front and rear ends is the same, and the two sets of multiple sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms distributed longitudinally at the front and rear ends are installed in a staggered manner.
[0009] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the rubber rings of the multiple sets of wheel mechanisms is larger than the outer diameter of the flange plate, and the outer diameter of the wear-resistant strips of the multiple sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms is larger than the outer diameter of the rubber rings of the multiple sets of wheel mechanisms.
[0010] Furthermore, there is an opening in the middle of the fixed cylinder, through which wires connected to multiple ultrasonic probes are introduced into the fixed cylinder and fitted into a protective rubber tube.
[0011] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this utility model are as follows: Because one of the flange plates has a traction hook at its front end and multiple sets of guide wheel mechanisms, it facilitates pulling the equipment into and out of the pipe for flaw detection. This reduces resistance when moving the equipment, providing convenience for workers. Since the fixing frame of each elastic adjustment mechanism can rotate axially along the fixing seat and be reset by a spring, during testing, if there is concave deformation at a corresponding position inside the pipe, or if other objects adhere to the inner wall of the pipe, or if the weld extension is located inside the pipe, or if the inner diameter of the flange interface is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe, the corresponding elastic adjustment mechanism allows the ultrasonic probe to automatically adjust to a lower height. This not only ensures the accuracy of the final test data but also reduces the probability of collision damage to the ultrasonic probe and other objects. In summary, this utility model has good application prospects. Attached Figure Description
[0012] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.
[0014] Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of one of the mounting bracket mechanisms of this utility model.
[0015] Figure 3 This is a side view of the three-dimensional structure of one of the mounting bracket mechanisms of this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0016] Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figure 3, a mounting bracket for an ultrasonic sensor used in pipeline inspection includes a fixed cylinder 1, a guide wheel mechanism 2, a flange plate 3, and an elastic adjustment mechanism 4. There are two flange plates 3, with their inner sides fixedly installed on the front outer side and rear end of the fixed cylinder 1, respectively. A traction hook 31 is fixedly installed at the middle of the front side of one flange plate 3. There are 16 sets of guide wheel mechanisms 2 and 16 sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms 4. Each guide wheel mechanism 2 includes a support frame 21, a bearing 22, and a rubber ring 23. The inner ring of the bearing 23 is rotatably mounted on the upper end of the support frame 21, and the rubber ring 23 is fixedly installed on the outer side of the outer ring of the bearing 22. The lower ends of the support frames 21 of the 16 sets of guide wheel mechanisms are fixedly installed at circumferential intervals on the front outer side and rear end of the fixed cylinder 1. Each elastic adjustment mechanism includes a fixed frame 41, a fixed seat 42, and a torsion spring 43. A traction hook 31 is fixedly installed at the lower end of the fixed frame 41. An "n"-shaped connecting seat 411 is provided. Each end of the connecting seat 411 and the fixed seat 42 has a shaft hole 44 in the middle. A shaft 45 is rotatably installed in the shaft hole of the connecting seat 411 and the fixed seat 42 of the fixed frame. A torsion spring 43 is rotatably sleeved on the outer end of the shaft 45. One end of the torsion spring 43 is located at the lower front inner side of the fixed seat 42, and the upper end of the torsion spring 43 is located in the middle of the upper inner side of the connecting seat 411. A wear-resistant strip 46 is fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed frame. An ultrasonic probe 5 is horizontally fixedly installed on the lower side of the upper end of each set of elastic adjustment mechanisms. The 16 sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms are divided into two groups and are fixedly installed at equal intervals in a ring at certain intervals on the front and rear sides of the outer middle of the fixed cylinder 1.
[0017] Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, the wear-resistant strip 46 and the rubber ring 33 are made of polyurethane. Sixteen sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms 4 are installed at the front and rear ends of the middle section of the fixed cylinder 1. The number of elastic adjustment mechanisms 4 at the front and rear ends is the same, and the eight sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms distributed longitudinally at each end are staggered. The outer diameter formed by the outer sides of the rubber rings 33 of the eight sets of guide wheel mechanisms is larger than the outer diameter of the flange plate 3, and the outer diameter formed by the wear-resistant strips 44 of the eight sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms is larger than the outer diameter formed by the outer sides of the rubber rings 23 of the eight sets of guide wheel mechanisms. There is an opening in the upper middle section of the fixed cylinder 1. The wires connected to the 16 ultrasonic probes are introduced into the fixed cylinder 1 through the opening and inserted into a protective rubber tube, which extends outwards from the rear end of the fixed cylinder 1.
[0018] Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figure 3, this new type of device has a traction hook 31 (with a steel wire rope fixedly installed on the front end of one of the flange plates) and 16 sets of guide wheel mechanisms 2 (with the bearing rings of multiple sets of guide wheel mechanisms 2 always in contact with the inner bottom of the pipe). This facilitates pulling the equipment in from one end of the pipe and out from the other end for flaw detection. It reduces the resistance when moving the equipment, providing convenience for the staff. Since the fixing frame 41 of each set of elastic adjustment mechanisms can rotate axially along the fixing seat and be reset by the spring 43, during the inspection, if there is concave deformation at the corresponding position in the pipe, or if other objects are adhered to the inner wall of the pipe, the weld extension is located inside the pipe, or the inner diameter of the flange interface is smaller than the inner diameter of the pipe, the corresponding set of elastic adjustment mechanisms can automatically adjust the ultrasonic probe to a lower height, which not only ensures the accuracy of the final test data but also reduces the risk of ultrasonic failure. The probability of the ultrasonic probe being damaged by collision with other objects is reduced. Specifically, when encountering foreign objects in the pipe, the fixing frame of one or more sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms will move forward along the fixing seat 42 via the connecting seat 411, overcoming the elastic force of the spring 43. In this way, the height of the fixing frame of one or more sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms will decrease, while maintaining the position of the upper end of the wear-resistant strip 46 in contact with the foreign object in the pipe, the distance between the ultrasonic probe and the foreign object, and the distance between the ultrasonic probe 5 and the pipe. This not only ensures the accuracy of the final detection data but also reduces the probability of the ultrasonic probe being damaged by collision with other objects. After the wear-resistant strip at the upper end of the fixing frame of one or more sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms moves forward and leaves the foreign object, under the elastic force of the spring 43, the fixing frame will move backward along the fixing seat 42 via the connecting seat 411, increasing its height, and can then perform normal flaw detection in the pipe.
[0019] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model is limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this utility model.
[0020] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes the embodiments, the embodiments do not necessarily contain only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole. The technical solutions in the embodiments can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic sensor fixing support for in-pipe inspection, comprising a fixing cylinder, a guide wheel mechanism, a flange plate, and an elastic adjusting mechanism; characterized in that, There are at least two flange plates, with their inner sides fixedly installed on the front outer side and rear end of the fixed cylinder, respectively; a traction hook is fixedly installed on the front end of one flange plate; there are multiple sets of guide wheel mechanisms and elastic adjustment mechanisms, each set of guide wheel mechanisms including a support frame, a bearing, and a rubber ring, with the inner ring of the bearing rotatably mounted on the upper end of the support frame, and the rubber ring fixedly mounted on the outer side of the outer ring of the bearing; the lower ends of the support frames of the multiple sets of guide wheel mechanisms are fixedly installed on the front outer side and rear end of the fixed cylinder at an annular interval, respectively; each set of elastic adjustment mechanisms includes a fixed frame, a fixed seat, and a torsion spring. The lower end of the fixed frame is fixedly installed with a connecting seat. Both ends of the connecting seat and the fixed seat have shaft holes. A shaft is rotatably installed in the shaft holes of the connecting seat and the fixed seat. A torsion spring is rotatably sleeved on the outer end of the shaft. One end of the torsion spring is located at the lower end of the front inner side of the fixed seat, and the upper end of the torsion spring is located at the upper end of the inner side of the connecting seat. A wear-resistant strip is fixedly installed on the upper end of the fixed frame. An ultrasonic probe is horizontally fixedly installed on the lower side of the upper end of each set of elastic adjustment mechanisms. Multiple sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms are divided into two groups and fixedly installed at equal intervals in a ring at the front and rear ends of the middle part of the fixed cylinder.
2. The ultrasonic sensor mounting bracket for in-pipe inspection according to claim 1, wherein The wear-resistant strips and rubber rings are made of polyurethane.
3. The ultrasonic sensor mounting bracket for in-pipe inspection according to claim 1, wherein After multiple sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms are installed at the front and rear ends of the middle of the fixed cylinder, the number of elastic adjustment mechanisms at the front and rear ends is the same, and the two sets of multiple elastic adjustment mechanisms distributed longitudinally at the front and rear ends are installed in a staggered manner.
4. The ultrasonic sensor mounting bracket for in-pipe inspection according to claim 1, wherein The outer diameter of the rubber rings of multiple sets of wheel mechanisms is larger than the outer diameter of the flange plate, and the outer diameter of the wear-resistant strips of multiple sets of elastic adjustment mechanisms is larger than the outer diameter of the rubber rings of multiple sets of wheel mechanisms.
5. The ultrasonic sensor mounting bracket for in-pipe inspection according to claim 1, wherein There is an opening in the middle of the fixed cylinder. The wires connected to multiple ultrasonic probes are introduced into the fixed cylinder through the opening and then inserted into a protective rubber tube.