Flexible Endoscope with Sliding Capillary for Narrow Turbomachine Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope designs for inspecting hidden parts in turbomachines require multiple independent conduits for penetrant products, increasing the diameter of the endoscope and limiting its use to larger orifices, making it difficult to access complex three-dimensional structures without dismantling the machine.
Innovation Solution
A flexible endoscope with a sliding capillary conduit system that allows multiple capillaries for different penetrant products, integrated air blowing means to prevent contamination, and adjustable orientation of the examination head, enabling non-destructive testing through narrow, non-rectilinear passages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent conduits are used for different penetrant products, then the penetrant testing function is improved, but the endoscope diameter increases and adaptability to narrow passages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested conduit structure where multiple capillaries for different penetrant products are housed within a single outer conduit. This allows the endoscope to maintain a compact diameter suitable for narrow passages while internally accommodating multiple penetrant delivery channels. The capillaries can be independently controlled to deliver different penetrant products through the same external conduit pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The single outer conduit serves multiple functions by housing several capillaries that deliver different penetrant products. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate independent conduits for each penetrant, thereby reducing the overall endoscope diameter while maintaining the capability to perform comprehensive penetrant testing with multiple products.
2Manufacturing precision
If the capillary distal end is positioned close to the examination area, then the penetrant application precision is improved, but the risk of contamination to lighting and imaging means increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a selective permeable membrane as an intermediary barrier between the capillary distal end and the lighting/imaging means. This membrane allows penetrant products to pass through to the examination area while blocking potential contamination of the sensitive optical components. The membrane acts as a selective filter that maintains precise penetrant delivery while protecting against harmful contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the potential contamination risk by separating the penetrant delivery function from the lighting and imaging functions. The capillary can be positioned close to the examination area for precise penetrant application while the lighting and imaging means are isolated in a protected chamber, eliminating the contamination pathway while maintaining operational effectiveness.
3Strength
If a rigid sheath is used for structural stability, then the device strength is improved, but the ability to access complex three-dimensional structures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sheath that can dynamically adapt its shape and configuration to access complex three-dimensional structures. The flexibility allows the endoscope to navigate through narrow and irregular passages while maintaining sufficient structural strength to support the internal components and withstand operational forces. The sheath can be manipulated into various positions and angles as needed for different inspection scenarios.
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 solution reduces the endoscope's diameter, allows access to complex structures without disassembly, and minimizes contamination, thereby reducing maintenance time and costs while enhancing inspection efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary (32) guided to slide in a conduit (30) housed in the sheath (28) for the passage of a penetrant testing product
Implementation Method 2
means for blowing air onto the lighting and image capture means mounted at the distal end of the sheath. The air blowing means prevent pollution of the lighting and image capture means
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8a~10
AI summary
A device for detecting defects on concealed parts accessible via a non-straight passage, in a turbomachine such as a turbojet or aircraft turboprop engine, comprising a tubular sheath (28, 126, 208) and light guidance and image transmission means housed within the sheath for illuminating and observing a part to be examined, characterized in that it comprises an examination head (62, 220) at the distal end of the sheath (28, 126, 208) having illumination and image acquisition means connected to the light guidance and image transmission means housed within the sheath (28, 208), means for successively spraying penetrant testing products onto the part to be examined, comprising a capillary tube (32) slidably guided within a conduit (30) housed within the sheath (28, 126, 208), and in that it comprises adjustment means from the orientation of the examination head to the distal end of the sheath,characterized in that the sheath (28) has a circular cross-section with a diameter between 6 and 10 mm and the conduit (30) for the capillary (32) has a diameter of 1.2 mm, the capillary (32) having a diameter of 0.8 mm.