Generator Inspection Robot Alignment via Stator Protrusion Edge Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inspection systems for generators face challenges in maintaining the axial direction of a robot's movement with respect to the rotor and stator, leading to potential misalignment and reduced inspection reliability.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system employing a robot with an imager and controller that detects the edge portions of protrusions on the stator and rotor, calculates correction values to adjust the robot's movement, ensuring alignment along the axial direction and reducing tilt and misalignment, thereby enhancing inspection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the robot moves along the axial direction of the rotor to inspect the gap between rotor and stator, then the inspection can be performed, but the tilt of the movement direction and shift of the robot position occur, reducing inspection reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a laser displacement meter to continuously measure the actual position of the robot relative to the rotor, and the controller adjusts the robot's movement based on these measurements to maintain proper alignment and reduce tilt during inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with optical measurement (laser displacement meter) and computational control, using light-based detection and software-based correction instead of purely mechanical positioning systems
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an inspection system inspects equipment including a first structural object and a second structural object. The first structural object extends in a first direction. The second structural object is provided around the first structural object. The second structural object has a first surface opposing the first structural object. A first protrusion is provided in the first surface. The first protrusion extends in the first direction. The system includes a robot and a controller. The robot includes an imager. The robot moves between the first structural object and the second structural object. The imager images the first protrusion. The controller detects, from a first image acquired by the imager, a first edge portion of the first protrusion in a circumferential direction around the first direction. The controller controls a movement of the robot by using the detected first edge portion.