Variable-Stiffness Borescope Tube for Maneuvering and Gap Spanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional borescope insertion tubes have fixed rigidity, limiting their use in various applications due to difficulty in maneuvering and buckling when encountering friction, and they struggle to span large gaps without falling in.
Innovation Solution
A borescope system with an insertion tube featuring at least one stiff section and one variable stiffness section, comprising serially-arranged linkages controlled by actuators to adjust stiffness based on inspection requirements, allowing for flexible maneuvering and rigidity as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the insertion tube is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then it can span large gaps without falling, but it becomes difficult to maneuver and may buckle when encountering friction
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tube incorporates a variable stiffness mechanism that allows the operator to dynamically adjust the rigidity of the tube during inspection. By controlling the stiffness of serially-arranged linkages through actuators, the tube can transition between flexible and rigid states, enabling both easy maneuvering around bends and stable spanning of gaps as needed
2Ease of operation
If the insertion tube is made flexible to improve maneuverability, then it can navigate bends easily, but it lacks the rigidity to span large gaps and resist buckling under friction
Solution Approach 1:
The variable stiffness mechanism enables the insertion tube to adapt its mechanical properties in real-time. When flexibility is needed for navigation, the linkages are positioned to allow bending; when rigidity is needed for spanning gaps or resisting friction, the actuators adjust the linkages to increase structural strength, eliminating the need to choose between flexibility and strength
3Device complexity
If a fixed rigidity design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different inspection requirements varying between flexible navigation and rigid support
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion tube uses a variable stiffness mechanism with serially-arranged linkages controlled by actuators, allowing the mechanical properties of the tube to be changed during operation. This enables the same structure to adapt to different inspection scenarios - flexible for navigation through bends, rigid for spanning gaps - without requiring multiple different tubes or complex reconfiguration
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 system provides operators with greater control over the insertion tube's stiffness, enabling effective navigation and gap spanning during inspections, enhancing maneuverability and rigidity as required.
Implementation Method 1
The controller can cause the at least one actuator to adjust a longitudinal force exerted on the tensioning element extending through the plurality of serially-arranged linkages. Movement of the at least one actuator in a first direction can be configured to cause the tensioning element to reduce the longitudinal force exerted on the plurality of serially-arranged linkages to cause flexion of the at least one variable stiffness section. Movement of the at least one actuator in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, can be configured to cause the tensioning element to increase the longitudinal force exerted on the plurality of serially-arranged linkages to cause stiffening of the at least one variable stiffness section.
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection tube for non-destructive inspection including at least one variable stiffness section extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end of the inspection tube, at least one stiff section, and a tensioning element. The at least one variable stiffness section can include a first end, a second end, and a plurality of serially-arranged linkages provided within the at least one variable stiffness section. The serially-arranged linkages can include a distal linkage provided at the second end. The at least one stiff section can be configured to couple to the first end or the second end of the at least one variable stiffness section. The tensioning element can include a first end coupled to the distal linkage and a second end extending through the serially-arranged linkages, and out of the proximal end of the inspection tube.