Barbed Threaded Probe Adapter for Flexible Eddy Current Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing eddy current probes for steam tube inspection are limited by rigid adapter components that reduce flexibility and complicate assembly, affecting the ease of use and efficiency in non-destructive testing.
Innovation Solution
A delivery tubing adapter with a barbed and threaded portion is used to securely engage the probe shaft and tubing, minimizing length and requiring minimal adhesive, enhancing flexibility and assembly strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If lengthy rigid adapter components are used to join the probe head to the delivery tubing, then the connection strength is improved, but the flexibility of the assembly is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is divided into distinct functional segments: a rigid body portion for structural strength and connection, and a flexible tubing engagement portion for adaptability. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its properties - the rigid body provides connection strength while the flexible portion maintains assembly flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the adapter have different rigidity characteristics. The body portion is rigid to provide structural support and strong connections, while the tubing engagement portion is designed to be more flexible to maintain overall assembly flexibility. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between strength and flexibility
2Reliability
If lengthy rigid adapter components are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter is segmented into a body portion and a tubing engagement portion, allowing the complex functional requirements to be distributed across simple, specialized components. This segmentation maintains reliability through functional specialization while keeping individual components simple
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: providing structural support, enabling removable connections, and engaging the flexible tubing. This consolidation improves reliability by ensuring all functions are performed by one reliable component while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate parts
3Strength
If traditional adapter designs are used, then the assembly strength is maintained, but the amount of adhesive required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter design concentrates the adhesive bonding function to specific localized areas rather than requiring extensive adhesive coverage. The threaded portion and barbed portion provide mechanical interlocking that works synergistically with minimal adhesive at critical interfaces, reducing overall adhesive consumption while maintaining assembly strength
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adapter improves the flexibility and assembly strength of the eddy current probe system, allowing for more efficient and reliable non-destructive testing of steam tubes by maintaining a high removal force while reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A delivery tubing adapter with a barbed and threaded portion is used to securely engage the probe shaft and tubing
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for securely engaging an eddy current probe shaft to a length of delivery tubing includes a tubular body having a probe shaft engaging portion and a delivery tubing engaging portion. The probe shaft engaging portion is sized for receipt within a central aperture of the delivery tubing and the probe shaft engaging portion comprises at least a barbed portion and a threaded portion for frictionally engaging an inside surface of the delivery tubing.