Laser Measurement of Threaded Joints Without Coating Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement devices for threaded joints in the hydrocarbon industry face challenges in precision, repeatability, and the risk of damaging coatings during measurement, particularly due to complex geometries and the limitations of existing non-contact techniques such as ultrasound, eddy currents, X-ray fluorescence, and infrared absorption.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact measurement device using laser displacement sensors that automatically scans threaded objects, allowing precise measurement of parameters like taper, seal diameter, and ovality without alignment issues, and can assess coating quality by following the same measurement trajectory before and after coating, minimizing coating damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact type measuring devices are used, then measurement precision can be improved, but the coating material may be damaged during measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-type mechanical measuring devices with a non-contact optical measurement system using laser displacement sensors. The laser sensor measures thread parameters by detecting light reflection from the thread surface without physical contact, thereby achieving high measurement precision while completely avoiding mechanical damage to the coating material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the coated thread surface. The laser displacement sensor uses light reflection to obtain measurement data, allowing the coating to remain undisturbed while still enabling precise measurement of thread geometry through optical interaction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact measurement devices are used to avoid coating damage, then coating protection is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced optical sensing technology using laser displacement sensors that provide non-contact measurement with high precision. The system measures thread parameters such as pitch, diameter, and profile by analyzing light reflection patterns, achieving measurement accuracy comparable to contact methods while completely protecting the coating from mechanical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light reflection intensity, phase, or time of flight) to extract precise geometric information about the thread. By measuring the reflection characteristics of laser light from the thread surface, the system achieves high measurement precision without physical contact, thereby protecting the coating while maintaining accurate measurements.
3Manufacturing precision
If measurement is performed after coating application, then final product verification is improved, but coating damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a non-contact optical measurement system that can verify the finished coated product's thread parameters without any mechanical contact. This allows quality control to be performed after coating application to ensure final product specifications are met, while the optical nature of the measurement completely eliminates the risk of damaging the coating during inspection.
4Measurement precision
If alignment precision is increased to improve measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning and automatic alignment capabilities in the measurement system. The laser displacement sensor can adapt to slight variations in thread positioning through real-time calibration and software-based alignment algorithms, reducing the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system incorporates self-alignment and automatic reference establishment features. The system can automatically identify thread features and establish measurement references without requiring complex manual alignment by the operator, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision through automated compensation for positioning variations.
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 device provides accurate, automatic, and non-destructive measurements of threaded objects, enabling precise assessment of geometrical parameters and coating quality regardless of alignment or coating presence, improving measurement precision and repeatability while avoiding coating damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first non-contact sensor of the type comprising a laser displacement sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~1a
Figure 2
Figure 3~3a
AI summary
A measurement device (1) for a threaded object (3) defining a spatial reference system (X, Y, Z) and has two optical sensors (5', 5") fixed on a yoke (40), movable in a spatial reference system (X', Y', Z') to make measurements on external threadings. A variant of the device (1) encloses also a third optical sensor (16) for making measurements on female threadings. A computer assembles a first matrix that describes the quadratic form representing the threaded object in the spatial reference system (X, Y, Z), thus providing the relationship between the two spatial reference systems.