Composite Inspection Probe Shaft for Stable Tube-Gap Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic probes with a circular cross-section probe shaft are unsuitable for inspecting steam generators or machines with small spaces between tubes due to lack of axial stability and risk of probe head detachment, leading to incomplete inspection and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A probe shaft composed of a non-metallic composite material with embedded polyimide hollow bodies, providing axial stability and secure attachment of the probe head, allowing flexibility and mobility in confined spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a circular cross-section probe shaft is used, then flexibility is improved, but axial stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe shaft transitions from a circular cross-section to a rectangular cross-section, creating an asymmetric geometry. This asymmetric design provides directional stability in the horizontal plane while maintaining flexibility through the elongated shape, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and axial stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe shaft is constructed as a composite structure combining a flexible outer sheath with an internal reinforcement element (rod or hollow body). This composite construction allows the shaft to maintain flexibility for insertion while the internal reinforcement provides the necessary axial stability to prevent downward tilting.
2Ease of operation
If the probe shaft is made flexible, then ease of insertion is improved, but probe head detachment risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe shaft is divided into functional segments: a flexible outer sheath for insertion and a separate internal reinforcement element for stability. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function while working together to prevent probe head detachment through the reinforced structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite construction of the probe shaft combines a flexible sheath material with a rigid internal reinforcement (rod or hollow body). This composite structure maintains flexibility for easy insertion while the internal reinforcement provides mechanical strength to securely attach the probe head and prevent detachment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rectangular cross-section probe shaft is used, then axial stability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rectangular cross-section creates an asymmetric geometry that provides stability in the horizontal plane while the elongated shape maintains flexibility. The asymmetric design allows the probe to be stable during inspection while still being able to navigate confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe shaft uses a flexible outer sheath that can bend and flex while enclosing the internal reinforcement structure. This flexible shell approach allows the rectangular cross-section to provide stability while the sheath material itself maintains the necessary flexibility for insertion and navigation.
Data Source
AI summary
A probe for the inspection, maintenance and repair of machines, power generators, turbines and steam generators includes an elongated, movable probe shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a probe head arranged at the distal end of the probe shaft, which is provided with at least one sensor. The probe shaft includes a non-metallic composite material in which at least two elongated hollow bodies made of plastics of the polyimide group are embedded, whereby the elongated hollow bodies extend continuously from the proximal end to the probe head at the distal end of the probe shaft.