Mounting structure for non-metallic elastic probe for inspection in pipe, and probe

Abstract

A mounting structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for inspection in a pipe, said structure comprising: a measurement housing (1) and a probe arm (2) having one end fixedly connected to the measurement housing (1). The measurement housing (1) is provided with a holding recess (11), the holding recess (11) being used to fix an electronic measurement part of a probe. The measurement housing (1) and the probe arm (2) are both non-metallic elastic rods, and the end of the probe arm (2) connected to the measurement housing (1) is provided with an elastic bending recess (3), and the elastic bending recess (3) passes through all three adjacent side surfaces of the probe arm (2). Further disclosed is a probe comprising a mounting structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for inspection in a pipe.

Description

Installation structure and probe of non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection

[0001] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202411215113.3, filed on September 2, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of pipeline inspection equipment technology, and in particular to an installation structure and probe for a non-metallic elastic probe used for pipeline inspection. Background Technology

[0003] Pipeline inspection technology can be divided into internal pipeline inspection and external pipeline inspection. Internal pipeline inspection utilizes detectors that operate inside the pipeline and can collect and record pipeline information in real time. Through internal pipeline inspection, information such as pipeline wall thickness, diameter, shape, pipeline route, and corrosion status can be detected and recorded. Because internal pipeline inspection has advantages over external inspection, including accuracy, efficiency, low false negative rate, and high degree of automation, it has become the dominant method in pipeline inspection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] On one hand, this disclosure provides an installation structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection. The installation structure includes a measuring housing and a probe arm fixedly connected at one end to the measuring housing. The measuring housing has a storage slot for fixing the electronic measuring part of the probe. Both the measuring housing and the probe arm are non-metallic elastic rods, and the end of the probe arm connected to the measuring housing has an elastic bending groove that extends through three adjacent sides of the probe arm.

[0005] In some embodiments, the probe arm is a non-metallic elastic rod made of polyurethane or rubber.

[0006] In some embodiments, the depth of the elastic bending groove is half the thickness of the probe arm.

[0007] In some embodiments, the inner walls of the elastic bending groove near and away from the measuring housing are both inclined surfaces with their bottoms close to each other.

[0008] In some embodiments, the storage compartment is potted with a pressure-resistant sealing layer for sealing the electronic measurement portion of the probe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the side wall of the measuring housing is provided with a plurality of circuit board fixing holes, which are connected to the storage slot.

[0010] In some embodiments, the side wall of the measuring housing is provided with a plurality of circuit board fixing holes, which are connected to the storage slot.

[0011] In some embodiments, the measuring housing has a through-hole on the side wall near the probe arm, the through-hole connecting the storage slot and the elastic bending slot.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outlet hole and the probe arm are arranged alternately.

[0013] In some embodiments, the other end of the probe arm has a plurality of fixing holes.

[0014] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a probe, including a mounting structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for in-pipe detection. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in some embodiments of this disclosure will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely drawings of some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 is an isometric view of the mounting structure of a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline detection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 2 is a side view of the mounting structure of the non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection as shown in Figure 1;

[0018] Figure 3 is a partial structural diagram of the mounting structure of a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline detection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the installation structure of the non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection shown in Figure 3;

[0020] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part A shown in Figure 4.

[0021] The components represented by each number in the attached diagram are listed below: 1-Measuring housing; 11-Placement slot; 12-Circuit board fixing hole; 13-Cable outlet; 2-Probe arm; 21-Fixing hole; 3-Elastic bending groove; 31-Bevel; 4-Cover plate; 5-Insertion rod; 51-Elastic block; 6-Slot; 61-Arc groove; 7-Elastic clamping plate; 71-Arc block. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In the description of this disclosure, unless otherwise stated, the symbol " / " represents an "or" relationship; for example, A / B can mean A or B. "And / or" in this document merely represents a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can mean: only A, only B, and A and B. Furthermore, "at least one" and "more than one" mean that the number of objects being defined is two or more. The terms "first," "second," etc., do not limit the number of objects being defined or the order of execution, and the terms "first," "second," etc., do not necessarily imply that the corresponding objects are different.

[0024] It should be understood that the terms “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “rear,” “inner,” and “outer,” etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are only for the convenience of describing this disclosure 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 limitations on this disclosure.

[0025] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and its variations, "connection" and its variations, and "linking" and their variations should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; "linking" can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the actual situation.

[0026] In the description of this specification, features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0027] The principles and features of this disclosure are described below. The examples given are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0028] In scenarios where pipeline inspection technology needs to be introduced (e.g., petrochemical pipeline storage and transportation), internal pipeline inspection has become dominant in pipeline inspection due to its advantages over external inspection, such as accuracy, efficiency, low false negative rate, and high degree of automation.

[0029] Currently, the probes of pipe detectors generally adopt a segmented metal chain structure, which, together with springs, keeps the probes in contact with the inner wall of the pipe. This metal structure suffers from a high rate of damage to its metal components in situations involving high detector speeds and strong vibrations, severely impacting detection quality.

[0030] Therefore, this disclosure provides an installation structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection. The installation structure includes a measuring housing and a probe arm fixedly connected at one end to the measuring housing. The measuring housing has a storage slot for fixing the electronic measuring part of the probe. Both the measuring housing and the probe arm are non-metallic elastic rods, and the end of the probe arm connected to the measuring housing has an elastic bending groove that extends through three adjacent sides of the probe arm.

[0031] Because the probe is installed inside the pipe detector, it can fit well against the inner wall of the pipe at points where the inner diameter decreases and at bends, thus completing the detection function. When the probe is running at high speed, even if it is affected by pipe defects, weld misalignment, or other foreign objects, the elastic bending groove allows the probe to undergo elastic deformation, thereby forming impact buffering and circumferential displacement capability, which fully protects the sensing and measurement parts. Therefore, it can effectively protect the sensing circuit and increase the reliability of operation.

[0032] In some embodiments, the mounting structure of a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline detection, as described in the present disclosure, can be found below.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] Figure 1 is an isometric view of an installation structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 2 is a side view of the installation structure for the non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the installation structure for the non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection includes a measuring housing 1 and a probe arm 2 fixedly connected to the measuring housing 1 at one end. The measuring housing 1 has a storage slot 11 for fixing the electronic measuring part of the probe. Both the measuring housing 1 and the probe arm 2 are non-metallic elastic rods, and the end of the probe arm 2 connected to the measuring housing 1 has an elastic bending groove 3, which simultaneously penetrates three adjacent sides of the probe arm 2.

[0035] In some embodiments, the electronic measurement part of the probe can be fixed in the storage slot 11 by snap-fit. In some embodiments, the electronic measurement part of the probe can also be fixed in the storage slot 11 by welding or screw clamping, and the fixing method disclosed herein is not limited.

[0036] In some embodiments, the electronic measurement section of the probe can be a sensor for detecting conditions inside the pipeline. For example, the electronic measurement section can detect and record pipeline wall thickness, diameter, shape, pipeline route, pipeline corrosion status, etc. In some embodiments, the electronic detection section can be a piezoresistive sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or a combination thereof, and this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0037] It is understandable that, through the arrangement of the non-metallic elastic probe installation structure described above, the probe is installed in the pipe detector. Therefore, at points where the inner diameter decreases and bends occur, the probe can fit well against the inner wall of the pipe to complete the detection function. When operating at high speed, even if the probe is affected by pipe defects, weld misalignment, or impacts from other foreign objects, the elastic bending groove 3 allows the measuring housing 1 to fit tightly against the pipe wall, achieving the optimal state for measuring the inside of the pipe. At the same time, it allows the probe to undergo elastic deformation, thereby forming impact buffering and circumferential displacement capabilities to fully protect the electronic measurement components and provide internal detection reliability and data integrity.

[0038] In some embodiments, the probe arm 2 is fixed to the body of the pipe detector. In some embodiments, the probe arm 2 can be fixed to the body of the pipe detector by welding; this disclosure does not limit the fixing method.

[0039] Example 2

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, based on Example 1 and referring to Figure 1, the probe arm 2 is a non-metallic elastic rod made of polyurethane or rubber.

[0041] Understandably, the probe arm 2, made of non-metallic elastic materials (e.g., polyurethane or rubber), has good strength and elasticity, giving the entire probe excellent elastic deformation capability. This provides impact buffering and circumferential displacement capability, effectively protecting the electronic circuitry and improving the probe's operational reliability.

[0042] Example 3

[0043] Based on Examples 1 and 2, the depth of the elastic bending groove 3 can be set to half the thickness of the probe arm 2.

[0044] The beneficial effect of using Example 3 is that it ensures that when the measuring housing 1 is subjected to force, the probe undergoes a certain angle deformation at the elastic bending groove 3.

[0045] It is understandable that, in order to adapt to actual application scenarios, the depth of the elastic bending groove 3 can also be set to other values, such as 1 / 3 of the probe arm thickness, and this application does not limit this.

[0046] Example 4

[0047] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, based on embodiments 1-3, the inner walls of the elastic bending groove 3, both near and away from the measuring housing 1, are inclined surfaces 31 with their bottoms close to each other.

[0048] The beneficial effect of using Example 4 is that it can ensure that the probe can deform at a relatively large angle in the elastic bending groove 3, which meets the deformation requirements, so as to adapt to more varied internal pipe conditions and improve the probe's throughput.

[0049] In some embodiments, the two inclined surfaces 31 may form an angle with each other. For example, the extensions of the two inclined surfaces 31 may form an angle of 60°. In some embodiments, the two inclined surfaces 31 may form different angles with the plane of the elastic bending groove 3. For example, one inclined surface 31 may form an angle of 120° with the plane of the elastic bending groove 3, while the other inclined surface 31 may form an angle of 135° with the plane of the elastic bending groove 3.

[0050] Example 5

[0051] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, based on Examples 1-4, the storage tank 11 is filled with a pressure-resistant sealing layer for sealing the electronic measurement part of the probe.

[0052] The advantage of the preferred solution in the above embodiments is that the electronic measurement part of the probe is firmly encapsulated in the storage slot 11 by the pressure-resistant sealing layer, so that the probe or the electronic measurement part of the probe can remain stable after installation.

[0053] In some embodiments, the pressure-resistant sealing layer may be made of materials such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyurethane.

[0054] Example 6

[0055] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, based on embodiments 1-5, the side wall of the measuring housing 1 is provided with multiple circuit board fixing holes 12, which are connected to the storage slot 11.

[0056] It is understood that the number of circuit board mounting holes 12 is not limited in this disclosure. For example, the number of circuit board mounting holes 12 can be 2, or it can be set according to actual needs.

[0057] The beneficial effect of using Embodiment 6 is that the circuit board can be clamped through the circuit board fixing hole 12 to achieve a tight installation, thereby ensuring the stability of the probe installation.

[0058] Example 7

[0059] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, based on embodiments 1-6, a wire outlet hole 13 is provided through the side wall of the measuring housing 1 near the probe arm 2. The wire outlet hole 13 connects the storage slot 11 and the elastic bending slot 3. It is understood that in this disclosure, the number of wire outlet holes 13 is not limited. For example, the number of wire outlet holes 13 can be 1, or it can be set according to actual needs.

[0060] The advantage of using Embodiment 7 is that the power and / or signal lines can be led out through the cable outlet 13, which improves the utilization of space and makes the application scenarios more flexible.

[0061] In some embodiments, the outlet hole 13 is a circular hole. In some embodiments, the outlet hole 13 can be a square hole or a rectangular hole to allow multiple lines to pass through simultaneously. It is understood that the shape of the outlet hole 13 is not limited to the contents of this disclosure, and other shapes may exist in actual use to better adapt to the circuit or usage scenario.

[0062] Referring to Figures 3-5, as a parallel arrangement, the circuit board fixing hole 12 and the wire outlet hole 13 are both through structures that penetrate the measuring housing 1 in the direction of the opening of the storage slot 11, so as to form a slot-shaped structure. When the pressure-resistant sealing layer is potted, the pressure-resistant sealing layer can enter the circuit board fixing hole 12 and the wire outlet hole 13, thereby improving the sealing degree of the electronic measurement part of the probe.

[0063] Based on the above embodiment, the measuring housing 1 is further configured with a cover plate 4. Multiple insertion rods 5 are fixedly connected to the cover plate 4, with one end of each insertion rod 5 fixedly connected to the cover plate 4. Each insertion rod 5 is adapted to and inserted into the circuit board fixing hole 12 and the wire outlet hole 13 respectively, so as to cover the pressure-resistant sealing layer or only the electronic measurement part of the probe through the cover plate 4.

[0064] Other insertion rods 5 extend into the storage slot 11 to form a pressure-resistant sealing layer, or simply to press against the electronic measurement part of the probe to achieve fixed installation.

[0065] It is understood that the connection method between the cover plate 4 and the main body of the measuring housing 1 is not limited in this disclosure. In some embodiments, the cover plate 4 is detachably fixed to the main body of the measuring housing 1 by means of a snap-fit ​​using a plug 5. In some embodiments, the cover plate 4 is directly fixed to the main body of the measuring housing 1 by welding or integral manufacturing, while the plug 5 only serves some auxiliary functions (e.g., pressing the electronic measuring part of the probe to enhance the stability of the installation).

[0066] The other end of the insertion rod 5 is fixedly connected to an elastic block 51. The elastic block is made of an elastic material. In some embodiments, the elastic block 51 may be made of rubber to form a flexible contact and prevent damage to the components.

[0067] Multiple slots 6 are provided on the measuring housing 1. Each slot 6 is connected to the cable outlet 13 and multiple circuit board fixing holes 12. Each slot 6 has an arc-shaped groove 61 on its groove wall.

[0068] Multiple elastic clamping plates 7 are fixedly connected to the cover plate 4. In some embodiments, the elastic clamping plates 7 may be made of elastic metal material. One end of the elastic clamping plate 7 is fixedly connected to the cover plate 4, and the other end is formed with an arc-shaped block 71 that fits and engages with the arc-shaped groove 61, so that the cover plate 4 is fixedly installed by the arc-shaped block 71 engaging with the arc-shaped groove 61.

[0069] When the two opposite slot walls of the slot 6 are provided with arc-shaped slots 61, the elastic plate 7 is in the shape of "∩", and the arc-shaped blocks 71 are arranged opposite each other at the two cantilever ends of the elastic plate 7.

[0070] Example 8

[0071] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, based on embodiments 1-7, the wire outlet 13 and the probe arm 2 are arranged alternately.

[0072] The beneficial effect of using Embodiment 8 is that it ensures that after the power and signal lines are smoothly led out through the outlet hole 13, they will not interfere with the probe arm 2, and will not affect the smooth bending at the elastic bending groove 3.

[0073] Example 9

[0074] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, based on embodiments 1-8, the other end of the probe arm 2 is provided with multiple fixing holes 21.

[0075] It is understood that the number of fixing holes 21 is not limited in this disclosure. For example, the number of fixing holes 21 can be 2, or it can be set according to actual needs.

[0076] The advantage of using Embodiment 8 is that the probe mounting structure can be fixed to the main body of the detector inside the pipe by screws at the fixing hole 21.

[0077] On the other hand, this disclosure provides a probe, as detailed below.

[0078] Example 10

[0079] A probe comprising a mounting structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for in-pipe detection as described in Examples 1-9.

[0080] In some embodiments, the probe may also include an electronic measurement component and is mounted integrally on an in-pipe detector.

[0081] In the description of this disclosure, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to 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 limitations on this disclosure.

[0082] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0083] In this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0084] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0085] Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, it is to be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An installation structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection, comprising a measuring housing (1) and a probe arm (2) fixedly connected to the measuring housing (1) at one end, wherein the measuring housing (1) has a placement slot (11) for fixing the electronic measuring part of the probe, both the measuring housing (1) and the probe arm (2) are non-metallic elastic rods, and an elastic bending groove (3) is provided at the end of the probe arm (2) connected to the measuring housing (1), wherein the elastic bending groove (3) simultaneously penetrates three adjacent sides of the probe arm (2).

2. The mounting structure for the non-metallic elastic probe used for pipeline inspection according to claim 1, wherein, The probe arm (2) is a non-metallic elastic rod made of polyurethane or rubber.

3. The mounting structure for the non-metallic elastic probe used for pipeline inspection according to claim 1, wherein, The depth of the elastic bending groove (3) is half the thickness of the probe arm (2).

4. The mounting structure for the non-metallic elastic probe used for pipeline inspection according to claim 3, wherein, The inner walls of the elastic bending groove (3) near and away from the measuring housing (1) are inclined surfaces (31) with their bottoms close to each other.

5. The mounting structure for the non-metallic elastic probe used for pipeline inspection according to claim 1, wherein, The storage compartment (11) is filled with a pressure-resistant sealing layer for sealing the electronic measurement part of the probe.

6. The mounting structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The side wall of the measuring housing (1) is provided with multiple circuit board fixing holes (12), which are connected to the storage slot (11).

7. The mounting structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The measuring housing (1) has a through-hole (13) on the side wall near the probe arm (2), and the through-hole (13) connects the storage slot (11) and the elastic bending slot (3).

8. The mounting structure for the non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection according to claim 7, wherein, The outlet hole (13) and the probe arm (2) are arranged alternately.

9. The mounting structure for a non-metallic elastic probe for pipeline inspection according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The other end of the probe arm (2) is provided with multiple fixing holes (21).

10. A probe comprising the mounting structure of a non-metallic elastic probe for pipe inspection as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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