Thermal Imaging Inspection for Composite Hoisting Rope Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting the quality and condition of composite load-bearing members in hoisting ropes, such as those used in elevators, are inadequate in detecting initial flaws and failures, which can lead to catastrophic failures due to their inability to reliably reveal all types of defects, particularly in fiber-composite members.
Innovation Solution
A method involving thermal imaging to inspect the quality and condition of elongated composite members by changing the temperature of the members using a cooling device and scanning them with a thermal imaging device to create thermographic images, allowing for the detection, localization, and reaction to initial flaws or failures, including delamination, before they become catastrophic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical properties monitoring methods are used to inspect composite load bearing members, then the inspection process is simple and non-invasive, but the method fails to reliably detect all types of defects including initial flaws and delamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for inspection from electrical properties to thermal properties. By monitoring temperature distribution and thermal response of the composite member, the method achieves reliable detection of various defects including delamination and initial flaws that electrical methods miss, while using relatively simple thermal imaging equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition phenomena in thermal response detection. By applying thermal excitation and monitoring how thermal energy propagates through the material, defects cause detectable phase changes in the thermal response pattern, enabling reliable defect identification without complex device structures
2Measurement precision
If thermal imaging method with cooling device is used to inspect composite members, then initial flaws and delamination can be reliably detected and localized, but the inspection process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary thermal excitation (heating or cooling) to the composite member before inspection. This pre-conditioning creates enhanced thermal contrasts that make defect detection more precise and faster, as the thermal response amplifies the signatures of flaws and delamination areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic thermal excitation patterns to inspect the composite member. By applying cyclic thermal loading and monitoring the periodic thermal response, the method achieves precise defect localization while reducing total inspection time through efficient use of thermal cycles rather than continuous prolonged heating
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
This method effectively detects and localizes temperature deviations in composite members, enabling early identification and addressing of potential failures, thereby preventing catastrophic events and ensuring the integrity of the hoisting ropes during manufacturing and in completed products.
Implementation Method 1
changing the temperature of the composite member by cooling the composite member via a flank
Implementation Method 2
scanning the composite member from a lateral side with a thermal imaging device to create thermographic images
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4b
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for inspecting quality and/or condition of an elongated composite member (1), which is a load bearing member of a rope (2) of a hoisting apparatus, such as an elevator, or a precursor of such a load bearing member, the method comprising providing (100) an elongated composite member (1); and changing (200) the temperature of said elongated composite member (1) by heating or cooling said elongated composite member (1) via a flank (1a,1b) thereof; and scanning (300) said elongated composite member (1) from a lateral side thereof with a thermal imaging device (3) after said changing (200) of the temperature; and creating (400) thermographic images (4) of said elongated composite member (1).