Flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of a pressure equipment

Abstract

This utility model relates to a flexible telescopic rod for inspecting the inner wall of pressure equipment in the field of equipment testing technology. It includes several adjusting rods. This application mimics the principle of aerospace flexible joints, employing a hinged segmented structure that allows the adjusting rods to adaptively bend along curved surfaces, covering blind spots of traditional tools. An elastic damping structure is introduced to eliminate gaps between adjacent adjusting rods. Drawing on the anti-sway technology of industrial linear slides, it ensures the testing mechanism maintains micron-level positioning accuracy during extension and retraction. Furthermore, the embedded metal joint enhances tensile strength and avoids the risk of disengagement. The reduced outer diameter of the testing mechanism adapts to narrow spaces. Simultaneously, this application supports wireless data transmission, transmitting inner wall images to external systems in real time. Therefore, through structural flexibility, dynamic stability control, and highly integrated design, this application solves the pain points of "inaccessible, inaccurate, and easily damaged" in pressure equipment testing, making it particularly suitable for safety assessment of in-service equipment in the energy and chemical industries.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of pressure equipment, and particularly to a flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of pressure equipment used in the field of equipment testing. Background Technology

[0002] There are many types of pressure equipment. During the use of pressure equipment, the internal wall inspection of pressure equipment (such as pressure vessels, pipelines, storage tanks, etc.) is a core part of industrial safety operation and maintenance. It is necessary to use non-destructive testing technology (such as vision, ultrasound or eddy current probes) to identify defects such as corrosion and cracks.

[0003] When inspecting equipment, due to the complex internal structure of large equipment, there are narrow areas such as curved pipes and weld dead corners, making it difficult for rigid inspection tools to reach them flexibly. Moreover, the equipment often operates under high pressure, high temperature or corrosive media, requiring inspection tools to have both mechanical strength and insulation / corrosion resistance. The current mainstream solutions rely on rigid telescopic rods or fixed robots, but they lack flexibility and are prone to shaking due to gaps between the pipes, affecting the inspection accuracy. Traditional telescopic rods are composed of multiple nested metal pipes, which cannot fit the curved inner wall, resulting in blind spots in the inspection and shaking caused by gaps between the multiple pipe sections. This reduces the sensor positioning accuracy, especially when extending or retracting over long distances. Utility Model Content

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model in view of the above-mentioned prior art is that the detection effect of existing pressure equipment inner wall detection mechanisms is not ideal during detection.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of pressure equipment, comprising several adjusting rods:

[0006] Except for the bottommost adjusting rod, all other adjusting rods have metal connectors hinged to their bottom ends, and the outside of the metal connectors is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the adjusting rod.

[0007] A detection mechanism is fixedly connected to the top of the uppermost adjusting rod. Except for the uppermost adjusting rod, all other adjusting rods have elastic damping structures fixedly connected to their inner walls. The inner wall of the elastic damping structure abuts against the outside of the adjusting rod.

[0008] As a further improvement of this application, the adjusting rod is made of epoxy glass, and the surface of the adjusting rod is provided with a silicone rubber rainproof skirt.

[0009] As a further improvement to this application, the detection mechanism may be, but is not limited to, any one of a high-definition camera or an ultrasonic probe.

[0010] As a further improvement of this application, the top of the uppermost adjusting rod is provided with a mounting groove, and a protective cover is movably inserted into the mounting groove, which covers the outside of the detection mechanism.

[0011] As a further improvement of this application, the inner bottom wall of the mounting groove is coated with a magnetic coating, and the bottom of the protective cover is provided with an annular groove, and a metal ring that is magnetically attracted to the magnetic coating is fixedly connected inside the annular groove.

[0012] As another improvement of this application, all of the aforementioned adjusting rods are interconnected. The metal connector has an air inlet that communicates with the adjusting rod. A rubber block is slidably connected inside the lowermost adjusting rod, and a pull rod is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the rubber block. A telescopic groove is provided at the top of the uppermost adjusting rod, and a lifting tube is movably inserted inside the telescopic groove. An air jet is provided on the side of the lifting tube near the detection mechanism, and a switch valve is provided on the lifting tube. Both the telescopic groove and the lifting tube communicate with the adjusting rod.

[0013] As a further improvement to this application, a pair of symmetrically distributed sliding grooves are provided on the inner wall of the telescopic groove, and a pair of sliders that are slidably connected to the sliding grooves are fixedly connected to the surface of the lifting pipe.

[0014] This application has the following beneficial effects when used:

[0015] 1. This application mimics the principle of flexible joints in aviation, adopting a hinged segmented structure that allows the adjusting rod to adaptively bend along curved surfaces, covering the blind spots of traditional tools. It introduces an elastic damping structure to eliminate gaps between adjacent adjusting rods and borrows anti-sway technology from industrial linear slides to ensure the testing mechanism maintains micron-level positioning accuracy during extension and retraction. Furthermore, the embedded metal joint enhances tensile strength and avoids the risk of disengagement. The reduced outer diameter of the testing mechanism adapts to narrow spaces. Simultaneously, this application supports wireless data transmission, transmitting internal wall images to external systems in real time. Therefore, through structural flexibility, dynamic stability control, and highly integrated design, this application solves the pain points of "inaccessible, inaccurate, and easily damaged" in the testing of pressure equipment, making it particularly suitable for safety assessment of in-service equipment in the energy and chemical industries.

[0016] 2. Push the pull rod to push the rubber block further into the adjusting rod. Under the action of gas thrust, the lifting tube will move outward of the telescopic groove until the position of the air jet hole on the lifting tube is aligned with the top and surface of the detection mechanism. Then, open the switch valve to allow gas to blow onto the detection mechanism from the air jet hole, thereby removing foreign objects and dust from the detection mechanism and cleaning it to prevent foreign objects and dust from affecting the accuracy of its detection. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the present application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the metal connector of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the protective shield in this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of section A in this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the rubber block in this application.

[0022] Explanation of the labels in the diagram:

[0023] 1. Adjusting rod; 2. Metal joint; 3. Detection mechanism; 4. Elastic damping structure; 5. Mounting groove; 6. Protective cover; 7. Magnetic coating; 8. Metal ring; 9. Rubber block; 10. Pull-out rod; 11. Telescopic groove; 12. Lifting pipe; 13. Slide groove; 14. Sliding block. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The two embodiments of this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] First implementation method:

[0026] Figure 1-3 This invention illustrates a flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of a pressure vessel, comprising several adjusting rods 1:

[0027] Except for the bottommost adjusting rod 1, all other adjusting rods 1 have a metal connector 2 hinged to their bottom ends, and the outside of the metal connector 2 is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the adjusting rod 1.

[0028] The top of the uppermost adjusting rod 1 is fixedly connected to a detection mechanism 3. Except for the uppermost adjusting rod 1, all the other adjusting rods 1 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of an elastic damping structure 4. The inner wall of the elastic damping structure 4 abuts against the outside of the adjusting rod 1.

[0029] The adjusting rod 1 is made of epoxy glass, and the surface of the adjusting rod 1 is provided with a silicone rubber rainproof skirt (which has the function of insulation and moisture protection).

[0030] The detection mechanism 3 may be, but is not limited to, any one of a high-definition camera or an ultrasonic probe.

[0031] The top of the uppermost adjusting rod 1 has a mounting groove 5, and a protective cover 6 is movably inserted into the mounting groove 5. The protective cover 6 covers the outside of the detection mechanism 3, and the protective cover 6 can protect the detection mechanism 3.

[0032] The inner bottom wall of the mounting groove 5 is coated with a magnetic coating 7, and the bottom of the protective cover 6 is provided with an annular groove. A metal ring 8 is fixedly connected inside the annular groove and magnetically attracted to the magnetic coating 7. After the metal ring 8 and the magnetic coating 7 are attracted together, the stability of the protective cover 6 on the adjusting rod 1 can be improved.

[0033] This solution is feasible. This application mimics the principle of flexible aerospace joints, employing a hinged segmented structure that allows the adjusting rod 1 to adaptively bend along curved surfaces, covering blind spots in traditional tools (such as the curvature area of ​​container heads). An elastic damping structure 4 (such as a pre-compressed silicone rubber layer) eliminates gaps between adjacent adjusting rods 1. Drawing inspiration from the anti-sway technology of industrial linear slides, it ensures that the detection mechanism 3 maintains micron-level positioning accuracy during extension and retraction. Furthermore, the embedded metal joint 2 enhances tensile strength, preventing the risk of disengagement. The detection mechanism 3 has a reduced outer diameter to below 50mm, adapting to narrow spaces. Simultaneously, this application supports wireless data transmission, transmitting internal wall images to external systems in real time. Therefore, through structural flexibility, dynamic stability control, and highly integrated design, this application solves the pain points of "inaccessible, inaccurate, and easily damaged" in pressure equipment testing, making it particularly suitable for safety assessment of in-service equipment in the energy and chemical industries.

[0034] Second implementation method:

[0035] This embodiment adds the following structure based on the first embodiment, while the rest remains the same as the first embodiment, as detailed below:

[0036] Figure 4-5 The diagram shows that all the adjusting rods 1 are interconnected. The metal connector 2 has an air inlet that communicates with the adjusting rod 1. The adjusting rod 1 at the bottom is slidably connected to a rubber block 9. The adjusting rod 1 is in a vacuum state, and its principle is similar to that of an injection syringe. The bottom end of the rubber block 9 is fixedly connected to a pull rod 10. The top end of the adjusting rod 1 at the top has a telescopic groove 11. A lifting tube 12 is movably inserted into the telescopic groove 11. The lifting tube 12 has an air jet hole on the side near the detection mechanism 3. A switch valve is provided on the lifting tube 12. Both the telescopic groove 11 and the lifting tube 12 communicate with the adjusting rod 1.

[0037] The inner wall of the telescopic groove 11 is provided with a pair of symmetrically distributed sliding grooves 13, and the surface of the lifting tube 12 is fixedly connected with a pair of sliders 14 that are slidably connected to the sliding grooves 13. The sliders 14 can prevent the lifting tube 12 from separating from the telescopic groove 11.

[0038] This solution can be implemented by pushing the pull rod 10, which pushes the rubber block 9 further into the adjusting rod 1. Under the action of gas thrust, the lifting tube 12 will move outward of the telescopic groove 11 until the position of the air jet on the lifting tube 12 is aligned with the top and surface of the detection mechanism 3. Then, the switch valve is opened, allowing gas to blow onto the detection mechanism 3 from the air jet to remove foreign objects and dust from the detection mechanism 3, thereby cleaning the detection mechanism 3 and preventing the impact of foreign objects and dust adhering to it on the accuracy of its detection.

[0039] The terms "front," "back," "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" all refer to the figures in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 Based on the perspective of the observer, the side of the device facing the observer is defined as the front, the left side of the observer is defined as the left, and so on.

[0040] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "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 application 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 limiting the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this application as claimed. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of a pressure-bearing device, comprising a plurality of adjusting rods (1), characterized in that: Except for the bottommost adjusting rod (1), all the other adjusting rods (1) are hinged to a metal connector (2) at their bottom ends, and the outside of the metal connector (2) is fixedly connected to the inner wall of the adjusting rod (1). A detection mechanism (3) is fixedly connected to the top of the uppermost adjusting rod (1). Except for the uppermost adjusting rod (1), all the other adjusting rods (1) are fixedly connected to the inner wall of an elastic damping structure (4). The inner wall of the elastic damping structure (4) abuts against the outside of the adjusting rod (1).

2. The flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of pressure equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The adjusting rod (1) is made of epoxy glass, and the surface of the adjusting rod (1) is provided with a silicone rubber rainproof skirt.

3. The flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of pressure equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection device (3) may be, but is not limited to, any one of a high-definition camera or an ultrasonic probe.

4. The flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of pressure equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the uppermost adjusting rod (1) has a mounting groove (5), and a protective cover (6) is movably inserted into the mounting groove (5). The protective cover (6) covers the outside of the detection mechanism (3).

5. A flexible telescopic rod for use in the detection of the internal wall of a pressure equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner bottom wall of the mounting groove (5) is coated with a magnetic coating (7), and the bottom of the protective cover (6) is provided with an annular groove. A metal ring (8) is fixedly connected inside the annular groove and magnetically attracted to the magnetic coating (7).

6. The flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of pressure equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: All of the aforementioned adjusting rods (1) are interconnected. The metal connector (2) has an air inlet that communicates with the adjusting rod (1). The adjusting rod (1) at the bottom is slidably connected to a rubber block (9). The bottom end of the rubber block (9) is fixedly connected to a pull rod (10). The top end of the adjusting rod (1) at the top is provided with a telescopic groove (11). A lifting tube (12) is movably inserted into the telescopic groove (11). The lifting tube (12) has an air jet hole on the side near the detection mechanism (3). A switch valve is provided on the lifting tube (12). Both the telescopic groove (11) and the lifting tube (12) are connected to the adjusting rod (1).

7. A flexible telescopic rod for detecting the inner wall of a pressure-bearing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The inner wall of the telescopic groove (11) is provided with a pair of symmetrically distributed sliding grooves (13), and the surface of the lifting pipe (12) is fixedly connected with a pair of sliders (14) that are slidably connected to the sliding grooves (13).

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