A steel structure weld nondestructive testing probe

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of steel structure weld nondestructive testing probe, it includes probe shell, flexible coupling assembly and angle adjusting mechanism. Flexible coupling assembly includes coupling bottom plate, multiple contact sliding blocks, wafer pedestal and elastic piece, each sliding block is assembled in bottom plate with wafer pedestal by guide column and has independent telescopic stroke;Angle adjusting mechanism connects probe shell and flexible coupling assembly, for adjusting its inclination angle. The present application can adapt to different geometric shape weld surface and improve acoustic coupling stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of non-destructive testing technology, and in particular to a non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds. Background Technology

[0002] Steel structures are widely used in construction, bridges, ships, and power equipment. The quality of welds at their joints directly affects the safety and durability of the overall structure. To ensure the reliability of steel structures, non-destructive testing techniques are typically used to identify and assess weld defects. Common testing methods include ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, and magnetic particle testing. Among these, ultrasonic testing is widely used due to its advantages such as strong penetration, high sensitivity, and ability to locate internal defects.

[0003] In ultrasonic testing, the probe, as a core component, is responsible for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic signals. Its coupling state with the surface of the weld being tested directly affects the stability of the test signal and the accuracy of the data. Currently, commonly used probes achieve contact with the steel structure surface through manual handheld operation or simple clamping. The degree of probe contact is significantly affected by factors such as operator experience, testing angle, and surface curvature. In practical applications, existing probes have limitations in adaptability and acoustic coupling stability for weld structures of different thicknesses and geometries, which may lead to signal attenuation or abnormal reflection during testing, affecting the consistency of defect interpretation. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] This utility model is implemented as follows: a non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds includes a probe housing, a flexible coupling assembly, and an angle adjustment mechanism, wherein:

[0006] The flexible coupling assembly is mounted on the bottom of the probe housing. The flexible coupling assembly includes a coupling base plate, multiple surrounding contact sliders, a centrally located wafer base, and multiple elastic elements. The top of the coupling base plate is connected to the probe housing. The bottom surface of the coupling base plate has multiple slider receiving cavities and a base receiving cavity. Each contact slider has a guide post at its top, and the contact slider is slidably mounted in the corresponding slider receiving cavity via the guide post. The top of the wafer base also has a guide post, and the wafer base is slidably mounted in the base receiving cavity via the guide post. An acoustic wafer is fixed at the bottom of the wafer base. The two ends of the elastic elements abut against the inner top wall of the receiving cavity and the top surface of the contact slider or the wafer base, respectively. The elastic elements provide independent extension and buffer strokes for the contact slider and the wafer base.

[0007] The angle adjustment mechanism is connected between the probe housing and the flexible coupling assembly, and is used to adjust the tilt angle of the flexible coupling assembly relative to the probe housing.

[0008] Optionally, the angle adjustment mechanism includes a universal joint bracket, a connecting shaft, an arc-shaped guide rail, and a positioning locking component. The universal joint bracket is pivotally connected to both sides of the bottom opening of the probe housing via the connecting shaft. The top of the coupling base plate of the flexible coupling assembly is fixed to the inner ring of the universal joint bracket. The arc-shaped guide rail is fixed to the outer wall of the probe housing. One end of the positioning locking component is fixedly connected to the outer ring of the universal joint bracket, and the other end of the positioning locking component passes through the arc-shaped guide rail and can be screwed on to fix the universal joint bracket at any position on the arc-shaped guide rail.

[0009] Optionally, an angle scale is engraved on the outer wall of the probe housing at the edge of the arc-shaped guide rail, and an indicator is provided on the positioning locking component to align with the angle scale, so as to intuitively display and set the tilt angle of the flexible coupling assembly.

[0010] Optionally, the present invention also includes a constant pressure application mechanism, which includes a grip handle, a telescopic guide post, and a built-in pressure spring. The telescopic guide post includes an outer tube fixed to the top of the probe housing and an inner rod slidably sleeved inside the outer tube. The grip handle is fixed to the end of the inner rod away from the probe housing. The built-in pressure spring is housed inside the telescopic guide post, with its two ends abutting against the inner end wall of the outer tube and the inner end wall of the inner rod, respectively.

[0011] Optionally, an observation window is provided on the side wall of the probe housing. The constant pressure application mechanism also includes an indicator rod that moves synchronously with the inner rod of the telescopic guide post. One end of the indicator rod is connected to the inner rod, and the other end extends to the rear of the observation window. A pressure scale is fixed on the inner wall of the probe housing near the observation window. The end of the indicator rod moves on the pressure scale as the inner rod extends and retracts.

[0012] Optionally, each of the contact sliders of the flexible coupling assembly is embedded with a permanent magnet, and the magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet helps the flexible coupling assembly to adhere to the surface of the steel structure.

[0013] Optionally, the present invention also includes a coupling agent supply system, which includes a reservoir inside the grip handle, a delivery hose, and multiple dispensing nozzles. One end of the delivery hose is connected to the outlet of the reservoir, and the delivery hose extends through the telescopic guide post and the probe housing to the coupling base plate of the flexible coupling assembly. The other end of the delivery hose is connected to a diverter fixed on the coupling base plate. The multiple dispensing nozzles are opened on the bottom surface of the coupling base plate and are connected to the diverter, with their outlets located between adjacent contact sliders.

[0014] Optionally, a press valve is provided on the outer wall of the grip handle. The press valve is linked to the outlet structure of the reservoir. When the press valve is pressed, the coupling agent in the reservoir is squeezed out through the delivery hose and the dispensing nozzle.

[0015] Optionally, the bottom surface of the contact slider and the bottom surface of the wafer base are both covered with a wear-resistant coating made of a polymer material to reduce sliding friction and extend service life.

[0016] This utility model provides a non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds, which has the following advantages:

[0017] This non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds features a flexible coupling assembly. Multiple contact sliders and a central crystal base within the probe possess independent, elastically supported telescopic capabilities. When the probe contacts an irregular or curved weld surface, each contact slider and crystal base can independently adjust its height to closely conform to the local surface contour, significantly improving the overall fit of the probe's bottom surface and establishing a stable and comprehensive acoustic coupling interface. The independent floating structure of the crystal base ensures that the internal acoustic crystal maintains good contact pressure and perpendicularity with the tested surface, improving the transmission and reception quality of acoustic signals. The angle adjustment mechanism allows users to pre-set and lock a precise detection angle based on the weld bevel type, eliminating detection errors caused by angle sway during manual handling. The constant pressure application mechanism applies a relatively constant downward pressure during testing using the mechanical properties of a built-in pressure spring. The pressure value can be monitored via an indicator rod at the observation window, eliminating differences in test results caused by varying operator force and improving the repeatability and consistency of the testing work. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds according to this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the flexible coupling assembly of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the angle adjustment mechanism and the constant pressure application mechanism of this utility model; Explanation of reference numerals:

[0021] 1. Probe housing; 2. Flexible coupling assembly; 3. Angle adjustment mechanism; 4. Coupling base plate; 5. Contact slider; 6. Crystal base; 7. Acoustic crystal; 8. Elastic element; 9. Slider receiving cavity; 10. Base receiving cavity; 11. Guide post; 12. Universal joint bracket; 13. Connecting shaft; 14. Arc-shaped guide rail; 15. Positioning locking element; 16. Angle scale; 17. Indicator needle; 18. Constant pressure application mechanism; 19. Handle; 20. Telescopic guide post; 21. Built-in pressure spring; 22. Outer tube; 23. Inner rod; 24. Observation window; 25. Indicator rod; 26. Pressure scale; 27. Coupling agent supply system; 28. Wear-resistant coating. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0023] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides a non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds. The probe includes a probe housing 1 as the main structure, a flexible coupling assembly 2 assembled at the bottom of the probe housing 1, an angle adjustment mechanism 3 connected between the probe housing 1 and the flexible coupling assembly 2, and a constant pressure application mechanism 18 installed at the top of the probe housing 1.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 The probe housing 1 is a hollow structure that houses and supports other components. A portion of the angle adjustment mechanism 3, specifically an arc-shaped guide rail 14, is fixed to the outer wall of the probe housing 1. An observation window 24 is provided on the side wall of the probe housing 1, and a pressure scale 26 is fixed to the inner wall of the probe housing 1 near the observation window 24. The top of the probe housing 1 is connected to the constant pressure application mechanism 18, and its bottom is connected to the flexible coupling assembly 2 via the angle adjustment mechanism 3.

[0025] Please refer to this carefully. Figure 2This figure shows in detail the internal structure of the flexible coupling assembly 2. The flexible coupling assembly 2 is the core component for achieving tight contact with irregular weld surfaces. The flexible coupling assembly 2 includes a coupling base plate 4, multiple contact sliders 5 distributed around the center, a centrally located wafer base 6, and multiple elastic elements 8. The top of the coupling base plate 4 is fixedly connected to the universal joint bracket 12 of the angle adjustment mechanism 3. The bottom surface of the coupling base plate 4 is machined with multiple slider receiving cavities 9 and a centrally located base receiving cavity 10. The number and layout of the slider receiving cavities 9 correspond to the contact sliders 5, while the base receiving cavity 10 corresponds to the wafer base 6.

[0026] Each contact slider 5 has a guide post 11 integrally formed or fixedly connected to its top. Each contact slider 5, together with its top guide post 11, is assembled into a corresponding slider receiving cavity 9. The guide post 11 slides against the inner wall of the slider receiving cavity 9. This structure limits the contact slider 5 to reciprocating motion only in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the coupling base plate 4. Similarly, the top of the wafer base 6 is also provided with a guide post 11. The wafer base 6 and its guide post 11 are assembled into the central base receiving cavity 10 and slide against the inner wall of the base receiving cavity 10. A sound wave wafer 7 is firmly fixed to the bottom of the wafer base 6. The sound wave wafer 7 is the element that performs ultrasonic wave transmission and reception.

[0027] Inside each slider receiving cavity 9 and base receiving cavity 10, an elastic element 8 is placed. In this embodiment, the elastic element 8 is specifically a helical compression spring. The elastic element 8 is positioned between the inner top wall of the receiving cavity and the top surface of the contact slider 5 or wafer base 6. In its natural state, the elastic element 8 is in a slightly pre-compressed state, pushing the contact slider 5 and wafer base 6 downwards so that their bottom surfaces are lower than the bottom surface of the coupling base plate 4. When the probe contacts the surface of the workpiece being measured, the contact slider 5 and wafer base 6 are subjected to an upward reaction force, which independently compresses their corresponding elastic elements 8 and retracts into their respective receiving cavities along the direction of the guide post 11. Each contact slider 5 and wafer base 6 has an independent extension stroke, so that the bottom profile of the entire flexible coupling assembly 2 can dynamically adapt to the geometry of the weld surface.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, each contact slider 5 is embedded with a permanent magnet. The magnetic force generated by these permanent magnets creates an attraction force when the probe contacts the steel workpiece, helping the probe to adhere stably to the workpiece surface, especially when performing inspection operations on vertical or inclined surfaces.

[0029] Furthermore, to enhance durability, the bottom surfaces of all contact sliders 5 and wafer bases 6—that is, the surfaces that directly contact the workpiece being tested—are covered with a wear-resistant coating 28. This wear-resistant coating 28 is made of a high-molecular polymer material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Its surface is smooth and has a low coefficient of friction, which reduces sliding resistance when the probe moves along the weld seam and effectively extends the service life of the contact sliders 5 and wafer bases 6.

[0030] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 3 The angle adjustment mechanism 3 is described in detail below. The angle adjustment mechanism 3 enables precise setting and locking of the tilt angle of the flexible coupling assembly 2 relative to the probe housing 1. This mechanism includes a universal joint bracket 12, two connecting shafts 13, an arc-shaped guide rail 14, and a positioning locking element 15. The universal joint bracket 12 has an inner and outer ring structure, and the coupling base plate 4 of the flexible coupling assembly 2 is fixed to the inner ring of the universal joint bracket 12. The outer ring of the universal joint bracket 12 is pivotally connected to both sides of the bottom opening of the probe housing 1 via two symmetrically arranged connecting shafts 13. This pivotal structure defines that the universal joint bracket 12 can rotate around the axis of the connecting shafts 13.

[0031] The arc-shaped guide rail 14 is fixed to the outer wall of the probe housing 1, with its center coinciding with the axis of the connecting shaft 13. A continuous arc-shaped groove is formed on the arc-shaped guide rail 14. One end of the positioning locking member 15 is fixedly connected to the outer ring of the universal joint bracket 12, and the other end, typically a screw, passes through the arc-shaped groove on the arc-shaped guide rail 14. The positioning locking member 15 also has a tightenable nut or handle. When the positioning locking member 15 is loosened, the universal joint bracket 12 can rotate around the connecting shaft 13, while the screw portion of the positioning locking member 15 slides within the groove of the arc-shaped guide rail 14, thereby changing the tilt angle of the flexible coupling assembly 2. After adjusting to the desired angle, tightening the positioning locking member 15 securely locks the universal joint bracket 12 in its current position on the arc-shaped guide rail 14.

[0032] To visually display and set the tilt angle, an angle scale 16 is engraved on the outer wall of the probe housing 1 at the edge of the arc-shaped guide rail 14. Simultaneously, an indicator needle 17 is positioned at a fixed location on the positioning locking member 15. When adjusting the angle, the indicator needle 17 moves with the rotation of the universal joint bracket 12, and the scale value on the angle scale 16 pointed to by its tip is the current tilt angle.

[0033] Please continue reading. Figure 1 and Figure 3A constant pressure application mechanism 18 is mounted on the top of the probe housing 1. This mechanism includes a grip handle 19 for the operator to hold, a telescopic guide post 20, and a built-in pressure spring 21. The telescopic guide post 20 consists of an outer tube 22 and an inner rod 23. The lower end of the outer tube 22 is fixedly connected to the top of the probe housing 1, and the inner rod 23 is slidably fitted inside the outer tube 22. The grip handle 19 is fixed to the end of the inner rod 23 away from the probe housing 1. The built-in pressure spring 21, as a compression spring, is housed in the internal cavity of the telescopic guide post 20. Its two ends abut against the inner top wall of the outer tube 22 and the inner bottom wall of the inner rod 23, respectively. When the operator presses down on the grip handle 19, the inner rod 23 slides downward, compressing the built-in pressure spring 21. The spring force is transmitted through the outer tube 22 and the probe housing 1 to the flexible coupling assembly 2, thereby applying a downward pressure to the surface of the workpiece being measured.

[0034] To quantify and monitor the applied pressure, the constant pressure application mechanism 18 also includes an indicator rod 25. One end of the indicator rod 25 moves synchronously with the inner rod 23 of the telescopic guide post 20, for example, by being directly fixed to the lower end of the inner rod 23. The other end of the indicator rod 25 extends into the probe housing 1, with its end positioned just behind the observation window 24 on the side wall. A pressure scale 26 fixed next to the observation window 24 engages with the end of the indicator rod 25. When the inner rod 23 moves up and down, the end of the indicator rod 25 moves synchronously on the pressure scale 26, and the indicated value reflects the compression of the built-in pressure spring 21, that is, the magnitude of the pressure currently applied to the probe.

[0035] In another preferred embodiment of this invention, a coupling agent supply system 27 is also integrated. This system includes a reservoir bladder inside the grip handle 19, a delivery hose, and multiple dispensing nozzles. The reservoir bladder contains the coupling agent required for ultrasonic testing. A press valve is provided on the outer wall of the grip handle 19, which is linked to the outlet structure of the reservoir bladder. One end of the delivery hose is connected to the outlet of the reservoir bladder, and the hose passes sequentially through the hollow inner rod 23, the outer tube 22, and the internal space of the probe housing 1, finally extending to the coupling base plate 4 of the flexible coupling assembly 2. The other end of the delivery hose is connected to a distribution head fixed on the coupling base plate 4. Multiple dispensing nozzles are located on the bottom surface of the coupling base plate 4, distributed between adjacent contact sliders 5, and all of these nozzles are connected to the interior of the distribution head. When the operator presses the press valve on the grip handle 19, the coupling agent in the reservoir bladder is squeezed and, via the delivery hose and the distribution head, is evenly sprayed from each dispensing nozzle onto the contact area between the probe and the workpiece.

[0036] The working process of the non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds of this utility model is described as follows: Before testing, the operator first loosens the positioning locking part 15 according to the bevel angle requirement of the weld to be tested, rotates the flexible coupling assembly 2, observes the reading of the indicator needle 17 on the angle scale 16, and after the preset angle is reached, tightens the positioning locking part 15.

[0037] During testing, the operator holds the handle 19 and places the flexible coupling assembly 2 of the probe on the surface of the weld seam of the steel structure to be tested. The permanent magnet inside the contact slider 5 generates an attraction force, initially fixing the probe to the workpiece. Due to the unevenness or curvature of the weld seam surface, each contact slider 5 and the central wafer base 6 will be subjected to unequal reaction forces when in contact with the surface, and each will independently compress the elastic element 8 above it, floating up and down along the guide post 11 in their respective receiving cavities 9 and 10 until the bottom surface of each slider and base is in close contact with the local surface.

[0038] The operator then applies downward pressure by gripping handle 19. This pressure acts on the inner rod 23, compressing the built-in pressure spring 21. The operator observes the position of the indicator rod 25 on the pressure scale 26 through the observation window 24 on the side of the probe housing 1, adjusting the downward pressure until the indicator rod 25 points to a standard pressure value. At this point, the built-in pressure spring 21 applies a continuous and constant downward pressure to the probe housing 1, which is transmitted to the weld surface through the angle adjustment mechanism 3 and the flexible coupling assembly 2.

[0039] During the testing process, if additional coupling agent is needed, the operator can press the valve on the handle 19. The coupling agent in the reservoir is then squeezed out and supplied directly to the interface between the acoustic wave crystal 7, the contact slider 5, and the workpiece through the delivery hose and dispensing nozzle. The acoustic wave crystal 7 transmits and receives ultrasonic signals while maintaining good acoustic coupling with the workpiece surface. As the operator moves the probe along the weld seam path, the various floating components of the flexible coupling assembly 2 continuously and dynamically adjust to maintain close contact with the changing weld seam surface.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds, characterized in that, It includes a probe housing (1), a flexible coupling assembly (2), and an angle adjustment mechanism (3), wherein: The flexible coupling assembly (2) is mounted on the bottom of the probe housing (1). The flexible coupling assembly (2) includes a coupling base plate (4), multiple contact sliders (5), a wafer base (6), and multiple elastic elements (8). The top of the coupling base plate (4) is connected to the probe housing (1). The bottom surface of the coupling base plate (4) has multiple slider receiving cavities (9) and a base receiving cavity (10). Each contact slider (5) has a guide post (11) on its top. The contact slider (5) is connected to the probe housing (10) via the guide post (11). The guide post (11) is slidably mounted in the corresponding slider receiving cavity (9). The top of the wafer base (6) is provided with the guide post (11). The wafer base (6) is slidably mounted in the base receiving cavity (10) via the guide post (11). The bottom of the wafer base (6) is fixed with an acoustic wafer (7). The two ends of the elastic member (8) respectively abut against the inner top wall of the slider receiving cavity (9) or the base receiving cavity (10) and the top surface of the contact slider (5) or the wafer base (6). The angle adjustment mechanism (3) is connected between the probe housing (1) and the flexible coupling assembly (2) to adjust the tilt angle of the flexible coupling assembly (2) relative to the probe housing (1).

2. The non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle adjustment mechanism (3) includes a universal joint bracket (12), a connecting shaft (13), an arc-shaped guide rail (14), and a positioning locking member (15). The universal joint bracket (12) is pivotally connected to the bottom of the probe housing (1) via the connecting shaft (13). The coupling base plate (4) of the flexible coupling assembly (2) is fixed to the universal joint bracket (12). The arc-shaped guide rail (14) is fixed to the outer side wall of the probe housing (1). One end of the positioning locking member (15) is connected to the universal joint bracket (12), and the other end of the positioning locking member (15) passes through the arc-shaped guide rail (14).

3. The non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds according to claim 2, characterized in that: An angle scale (16) is provided on the outer wall of the probe housing (1) at the edge of the arc-shaped guide rail (14), and an indicator needle (17) is provided on the positioning locking member (15), with the indicator needle (17) aligned with the angle scale (16).

4. The non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a constant pressure application mechanism (18), which includes a grip handle (19), a telescopic guide post (20), and a built-in pressure spring (21). The telescopic guide post (20) includes an outer tube (22) fixed to the top of the probe housing (1) and an inner rod (23) slidably sleeved inside the outer tube (22). The grip handle (19) is fixed to the end of the inner rod (23) away from the probe housing (1). The built-in pressure spring (21) is housed inside the telescopic guide post (20), and its two ends abut against the outer tube (22) and the inner rod (23), respectively.

5. The non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds according to claim 4, characterized in that: An observation window (24) is provided on the side wall of the probe housing (1). The constant pressure application mechanism (18) also includes an indicator rod (25) that moves synchronously with the inner rod (23) of the telescopic guide post (20). One end of the indicator rod (25) is connected to the inner rod (23), and the other end extends to the rear of the observation window (24). A pressure scale (26) is fixed on the inner wall of the probe housing (1) near the observation window (24).

6. The non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes a coupling agent supply system (27), which includes a reservoir, a delivery hose and multiple dispensing nozzles disposed inside the grip handle (19). A press valve that is linked to the reservoir is disposed on the outer wall of the grip handle (19). One end of the delivery hose is connected to the reservoir. The delivery hose passes through the telescopic guide post (20) and the probe housing (1) and extends to the coupling base plate (4) of the flexible coupling assembly (2). Multiple dispensing nozzles are opened on the bottom surface of the coupling base plate (4) and located between adjacent contact sliders (5).

7. The non-destructive testing probe for steel structure welds according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each of the contact sliders (5) of the flexible coupling assembly (2) is embedded with a permanent magnet; the bottom surface of the contact slider (5) and the bottom surface of the wafer base (6) are covered with a wear-resistant coating (28).

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