A semi-automatic eddy current testing device

CN224840051UActive Publication Date: 2026-10-09WUHAN WUCHUAN MEASUREMENT & TEST
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202522346189.6
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-11-05
Publication Date
2026-10-09
Estimated Expiration
2035-11-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

[0006]本实用新型提供了一种用于船舶管路的半自动涡流检测装置及方法,以解决现有人工扫描效率低、稳定性差及全自动设备成本高,适应性不足的问题

Benefits of technology

[0013]本实用新型的一种半自动涡流检测装置,采用扫查架上装设滚轮托设的承载架,方便待检测管件相对涡流检测探头的运动,结合弹性体的设计,以有效确保涡流检测探头与待检测管件有效接触,从而实现半自动化快速对待检测管件的检测,使用方便快捷,且由于机械扫查效率更高,重复性号,有效避免漏检,从而可推动检测工艺标准化,并显著降低操作人员的劳动强度。

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of semi-automatic eddy current testing devices, including electric cabinet, scanning frame and the bearing frame for carrying workpiece, scanning frame is annular hoop and is installed on electric cabinet, two symmetrical settings of roller are installed in scanning frame inside bottom to lift bearing frame, the inside of scanning frame is connected with detection frame by elastomer, detection frame and bearing frame form annular accommodating cavity, the inner edge surface of detection frame is installed with eddy current testing probe.The utility model discloses a kind of semi-automatic eddy current testing devices, adopt the bearing frame of the roller of scanning frame upper installation, facilitate the movement of the pipe to be detected relative to eddy current testing probe, in combination with the design of elastomer, to effectively ensure that eddy current testing probe and the effective contact of the pipe to be detected, to realize the detection of semi-automatic fast to the pipe to be detected, it is convenient and fast to use, and since mechanical scanning efficiency is higher, repeatability is good, effectively avoid missed detection, so as to promote detection process standardization, and significantly reduce the labor intensity of operator.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of non-destructive testing technology for ship pipelines, and more specifically, to a semi-automatic eddy current testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Ship pipelines operate under harsh conditions such as high temperature, high pressure, and corrosiveness for extended periods, making them prone to defects such as fatigue cracks and corrosion. Eddy current testing is currently one of the mainstream in-service testing methods.

[0003] However, existing eddy current testing of ship pipelines mainly relies on technicians manually scanning the pipe wall with a handheld probe. This method has many drawbacks: uneven scanning speed leads to a low signal-to-noise ratio and significant interference, severely affecting the accuracy of defect location and quantification; for areas with complex geometries such as elbows and welds, it is difficult to maintain stable coupling between the probe and the pipe wall, easily leading to missed detections; in addition, the entire manual operation is labor-intensive and poses safety risks in confined spaces.

[0004] To address these issues, fully automated inspection robots have emerged in the existing technology. However, they are typically complex in structure, expensive to manufacture, poorly adaptable to the complex and confined spaces inside ships, and lack maneuverability, making it difficult to promote and apply them on a large scale.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a new type of detection device that combines reliable detection, high operational efficiency, good adaptability, and reasonable cost to overcome the limitations of manual operation and avoid the shortcomings of fully automated solutions. Utility Model Content

[0006] This invention provides a semi-automatic eddy current detection device and method for ship pipelines, which solves the problems of low efficiency and poor stability of existing manual scanning and high cost and insufficient adaptability of fully automatic equipment.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a semi-automatic eddy current detection device is provided, characterized in that it includes an electrical control box, a scanning frame, and a support frame for carrying a workpiece. The scanning frame is in the shape of an annular clamp and is mounted on the electrical control box. Two symmetrically arranged rollers are installed on the bottom inner side of the scanning frame to support the support frame. A probe frame is connected to the inner side of the scanning frame through an elastic body. The probe frame and the support frame form an annular receiving cavity. An eddy current detection probe is installed on the inner edge surface of the probe frame. The eddy current detection probe forms a 120° angle with the two rollers.

[0008] Based on the above scheme, preferably, the inner side of the scanning frame is provided with spaced upright plates, the middle part of the detection frame is provided with two spaced connecting plates, the upright plates are provided with elongated holes, the connecting plates are inserted between the two upright plates, and the connecting plates are provided with bolts, which are slidably inserted into the elongated holes.

[0009] Preferably, based on the above scheme, the roller is equipped with an encoder for recording the scanning distance, and the encoder is a photoelectric encoder.

[0010] Based on the above scheme, preferably, the scanning frame is an aluminum alloy frame, and the aluminum alloy frame includes two semi-circular frame bodies, which are arranged opposite to each other and connected by bolts.

[0011] Based on the above scheme, preferably, the detection frame is provided with motor-driven tracks at both ends, the workpiece surface is in contact with the track surface, and the workpiece moves when the track moves.

[0012] Preferably, based on the above scheme, the end of the scanning rack is equipped with an LED-integrated camera.

[0013] This utility model discloses a semi-automatic eddy current testing device. It adopts a carrier frame with rollers mounted on the scanning frame to facilitate the movement of the pipe to be tested relative to the eddy current testing probe. Combined with the design of the elastic body, it effectively ensures that the eddy current testing probe and the pipe to be tested are in effective contact, thereby realizing semi-automatic and rapid testing of the pipe to be tested. It is convenient and quick to use. Moreover, due to the higher efficiency and repeatability of mechanical scanning, it effectively avoids missed detections, thereby promoting the standardization of testing processes and significantly reducing the labor intensity of operators. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the semi-automatic eddy current detection device of this utility model.

[0015] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The side view of the embodiment shown primarily illustrates the relative positions of the probe and the roller.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged view of the connection mechanism between the scanning frame and the detection frame in this utility model.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Electrical control box; 2. Scanning rack; 21. Frame; 22. Upright plate; 23. Long hole; 3. Support frame; 4. Roller; 5. Encoder; 6. Elastomer; 7. Detector frame; 71. Connecting plate; 72. Bolt; 8. Eddy current detection probe; 9. Annular cavity; 10. Workpiece; 11. Track. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit its scope.

[0019] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of a descriptive feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or sets.

[0020] To keep the drawings concise, only the parts relevant to this invention are shown schematically in each figure, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, in some figures, only one of the components with the same structure or function is schematically depicted, or only one is labeled. In this document, "one" not only means "only one," but can also mean "more than one."

[0021] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0022] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, the directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, and back) used to explain the structure and movement of the various components of this invention are relative rather than absolute. These descriptions are appropriate when these components are in the positions shown in the drawings. If the descriptions of the positions of these components change, these directional indications also change accordingly.

[0023] Furthermore, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the specific implementation methods of this utility model will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings and other implementation methods can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0025] Please see Figure 1 and combined Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, a semi-automatic eddy current detection device of this utility model includes an electrical control box 1, a scanning frame 2, and a support frame 3.

[0026] The electrical control box 1 houses the circuit board, power supply, and control unit (not shown) required for the eddy current detector, providing power and control for the device. The scanning frame 2 of this invention is annular and is fixedly installed on the top of the electrical control box 1. In this embodiment, the scanning frame 2 is made of aluminum alloy, possessing excellent lightweight and high strength characteristics. The scanning frame 2 includes two symmetrical semi-circular frames 21, with both ends of the semi-circular frames 21 extending outwards to form mounting edges. These mounting edges are provided with through holes, into which bolts are inserted to connect them into a single unit. This split design greatly facilitates installation on the outside of pipelines in narrow spaces.

[0027] The scanning frame 2 of this invention has two symmetrically arranged rollers 4 installed on its inner bottom. A support frame 3 is used to place the tubular workpiece 10 to be inspected, and its two ends are supported by the two rollers 4, allowing the support frame 3 to roll along the axis of the rollers 4. An encoder 5 (such as a photoelectric encoder) is integrated on the rollers 4 to accurately record the moving distance of the support frame 3, thereby achieving the encoding of the scanning path and precise location of defects. An arc-shaped detection frame 7 is connected to the inner side of the scanning frame 2 via an elastic body 6 (such as a compression spring or rubber block).

[0028] Specifically, two opposing plates 22 are welded to the inner side of the top center of the scanning frame 2, and vertical elongated holes 23 are opened on the opposing plates 22. A connecting plate 71 is correspondingly provided on the outer side of the detection frame 7. The connecting plate 71 is inserted between the upright plates 22 to form a receiving space, and the elastic body 6 is installed in the receiving space. Bolts 72 are provided on the connecting plate 71, and the bolts 72 pass through the elongated holes 23 to achieve connection.

[0029] The elastic body 6 of this invention is installed between the connecting plate 71 and the upright plate 22. This design allows the detector frame 7 to float within a certain range relative to the scanning frame 2 under the action of the elastic body 6, and can automatically press the workpiece 10 below to ensure the accuracy of the detection.

[0030] The detector frame 7 and the support frame 3 together form an annular cavity 9, in which the workpiece 10 is placed. Multiple eddy current detection probes 8 are evenly mounted on the inner edge of the detector frame 7. These probes 8 are connected to the detection circuit inside the electrical control box 1 via cables. Crucially, the mounting position of the eddy current detection probes 8 forms an angle of approximately 120° with the line connecting the axes of the two rollers 4.

[0031] This angle has proven to be an optimal position for detecting circumferential defects in pipe fittings, effectively capturing crack signals from different directions. As another driving method, motor-driven tracks 11 can be installed at both ends of the detection frame 7, with the workpiece surface contacting the surface of the tracks 11. When the tracks 11 move, friction occurs between the tracks 11 and the surface of the workpiece 10, thereby driving a more precise control over the feed speed of the workpiece 10.

[0032] On the other hand, this utility model can also install a camera (not shown) with integrated LED lights at the end of the scanning rack 2 to monitor the situation of the detection area in real time and ensure that the detection process proceeds normally.

[0033] Working principle: The ship pipeline to be inspected (workpiece 10) is placed on the support frame 3 and pushed into the annular receiving cavity 9. Under the action of the elastic body 6, the detection frame 7 drives the eddy current probe 8 to fit tightly against the surface of the workpiece 10. After starting the device, the operator gently pushes the support frame 3 (or starts the track drive), and the workpiece 10 passes through the detection frame 7 at a uniform speed.

[0034] During this process, the eddy current probe 8 continuously scans the surface of the workpiece 10, and the detection signal is transmitted to the electrical control box 1 for processing and display. Simultaneously, the encoder 5 records the position information. Once a defect is detected, the system can immediately sound an alarm and record its precise location. The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0035] Compared with the prior art, the semi-automatic eddy current detection device provided by this utility model has the following significant advantages: Semi-automation and high efficiency: The relative movement of the carrier and the workpiece is driven by rollers or tracks, realizing the semi-automation of the inspection process. The scanning speed is uniform and stable, which significantly improves the inspection efficiency and avoids the instability of manual operation.

[0036] Stable coupling and high precision: The use of an elastomer to connect the scanning frame and the probe frame can automatically adapt to the minute morphological changes of the pipe fitting, ensuring that the eddy current probe and the workpiece surface always maintain a good and constant coupling state, thereby improving the accuracy and quantification precision of the defect signal.

[0037] Flexible structure and low cost: The device has a relatively simple structure and its manufacturing cost is far lower than that of fully automated robots. The scanning frame adopts a split design, which facilitates installation and adjustment in the confined space of a ship, making it more adaptable.

[0038] Precise positioning and recordability: Through the integrated encoder, the scanning path and distance can be recorded in real time, enabling precise positioning of defects, facilitating subsequent re-inspection and data analysis, and promoting the standardization of inspection processes.

[0039] Finally, the method described in this application is merely a preferred embodiment and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A semi-automatic eddy current detection device, characterized in that, The device includes an electrical control box, a scanning frame, and a support frame for carrying the workpiece. The scanning frame is in the shape of an annular clamp and is mounted on the electrical control box. Two symmetrically arranged rollers are installed on the bottom inner side of the scanning frame to support the support frame. A detection frame is connected to the inner side of the scanning frame through an elastic body. The detection frame and the support frame form an annular receiving cavity. An eddy current detection probe is installed on the inner edge of the detection frame. The eddy current detection probe forms a 120° angle with the two rollers.

2. The semi-automatic eddy current detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning frame has spaced upright plates on its inner side, and the detection frame has two spaced connecting plates in the middle. The upright plates have elongated holes, and the connecting plates are inserted between the two upright plates. The connecting plates have bolts that slide through the elongated holes.

3. The semi-automatic eddy current detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The roller is equipped with an encoder for recording the scanning distance; the encoder is a photoelectric encoder.

4. The semi-automatic eddy current detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning frame is an aluminum alloy frame, and the aluminum alloy frame includes two semi-circular frame bodies, which are arranged opposite each other and connected by bolts.

5. The semi-automatic eddy current detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The detection frame is equipped with motor-driven tracks at both ends. The surface of the workpiece contacts the surface of the track, and the movement of the track causes the workpiece to move.

6. The semi-automatic eddy current detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The scanning rack is equipped with an LED-integrated camera at its end.