Drone-Deployed NDE Scanner With Magnetic Cart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial drones do not provide stable platforms for deploying and operating non-destructive evaluation (NDE) scanners effectively, especially when inspecting equipment under test, as they lack the stability needed for sensor probes to maintain consistent orientation and contact with surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A novel aerial drone deployed NDE scanner system with a forwardly extending deployment arm and winch mechanism allows the scanner to be securely positioned and operated independently, using a powered cart with magnetic wheels and a stand-off mechanism for stable surface engagement and retrieval, along with a dual gimbal configuration for constrained rotation and tip prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an NDE scanner is deployed on an aerial drone, then the scanner can reach difficult-to-access locations on EUTs, but the drone does not provide a stable platform for the sensor probes to maintain consistent orientation and contact with surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent segments: the aerial drone for transportation and positioning, and the NDE scanner for inspection. The drone delivers the scanner to the target location and then detaches, allowing the scanner to operate independently on the EUT surface without being affected by drone movement or stability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
A deployment arm with cable and winch mechanism serves as an intermediary between the drone and the scanner. The arm extends from the drone to deploy the scanner onto the EUT surface, then retracts to allow independent scanner operation while maintaining the ability to retrieve the scanner when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the NDE scanner is mounted to the aerial drone, then the scanner can be transported to remote locations, but movement of the drone affects the orientation of the NDE scanner relative to the EUT
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the transportation function (drone) from the inspection function (scanner). The drone transports the scanner to the target location and then detaches, allowing the scanner to maintain stable orientation on the EUT surface independently of drone movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment arm is designed to be dynamic, extending during deployment and retracting during independent operation. This allows the system to transition from a coupled configuration (during transport) to an uncoupled configuration (during inspection), optimizing both transport capability and measurement precision at different stages.
3Ease of operation
If a cable connects the NDE scanner to the aerial drone, then the scanner can be deployed and retrieved, but the cable may interfere with scanner movement and orientation on the EUT surface
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment arm with cable and winch is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The arm extends to deploy the scanner with the cable, then retracts to minimize cable tension and interference during scanner movement. The winch mechanism controls cable payout and retrieval, maintaining cable management simplicity throughout the operation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment arm is positioned and configured in advance to facilitate smooth cable deployment. The arm's forward extension creates a natural cable routing path that minimizes interference with scanner movement on the EUT surface, and the winch is pre-positioned to control cable tension appropriately.
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
Enables stable and independent operation of NDE scanners on equipment under test, allowing for effective inspection and retrieval, while maintaining consistent probe orientation and preventing tipping, even on non-horizontal surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
An NDE scanner is disclosed having a powered cart with two magnetic wheels, one or more drive motors for powering the wheels to turn
Implementation Method 2
A winch is mounted to the aerial drone and powered by an electric motor. The cable is wound on the winch and has a terminal end which is secured to the NDE scanner
Implementation Method 3
A winch is mounted to the aerial drone and powered by an electric motor. one or more drive motors for powering the wheels to turn
Data Source
AI summary
A aerial drone deployed NDE scanner test unit (12) has a yoke to which four sets of offset pins (294, 354) pivotally secure a sensor probe (232) in a configuration for rotating about the X-axis and the Y-axis with constrained rotation. Each set of the offset pins (294, 354) are spaced apart, with the ends closest to the terminal ends of the sensor probe (232) and an EUT (26) being more closely spaced than opposite ends of the offset pins (294, 354). The NDE scanner (16) is deployed from an aerial drone (14) with a cable (18) and an umbilical (20) connecting there-between. The cable (18) selectively secures the NDE scanner (16) to the aerial drone (14) and the umbilical (20) provides data and fluid connections. The NDE scanner (16) has a stand-off mechanism (118) which is selectively operated to engage and disengage the magnetic wheels (94) of the NDE scanner (16) from a metal surface of the EUT (26).