Magnetically Coupled UT-CP Probe for Stable Underwater Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional probe systems for underwater ultrasonic thickness measurement and cathodic protection voltage reading are cumbersome, requiring separate probes and robotic arms, leading to time-consuming and costly operations, and are unsuitable for smaller ROVs due to recoil forces and logistical limitations.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically coupled integrated probe system that simultaneously performs both ultrasonic testing and cathodic protection voltage readings using a single robotic arm, featuring a probe carrier with magnets and a flux concentrator for magnetic adhesion to the inspection surface, allowing for direct and stable contact without continuous thruster operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate probes and robotic arms are used for ultrasonic testing and cathodic protection measurements, then measurement functions are provided, but operation time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement functionVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ultrasonic testing probe and cathodic protection measurement probe into a single integrated probe assembly. The UT probe and CP probe are mounted together on the same robotic arm, allowing both measurements to be taken simultaneously at the same inspection location, eliminating the need for separate probe exchanges and reducing operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated probe assembly serves multiple functions: it can perform ultrasonic thickness measurements, cathodic protection voltage readings, and both measurements can be conducted simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single probe system to replace what previously required separate specialized probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional probe systems are used, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and weight increase requiring larger ROVs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ultrasonic testing probe and cathodic protection probe into a single integrated assembly mounted on one robotic arm. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture, making it suitable for smaller ROVs with single robotic arms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If conventional probe systems contact the underwater surface, then measurement is enabled, but recoil force pushes the probe away requiring continuous thruster operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoidrecoil force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic adhesion system as an intermediary between the probe and the inspection surface. Magnets in the probe carrier create magnetic attraction forces that hold the probe against the surface, counteracting the recoil force generated during contact-based ultrasonic and electrical measurements, thereby stabilizing the probe without requiring continuous thruster operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simultaneous and stable measurement of ultrasonic thickness and cathodic protection voltage on underwater surfaces, reducing measurement time, eliminating the need for separate probes and arms, and allowing smaller ROVs to perform inspections efficiently, even in shallow or restricted access areas.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic adhesion: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

In order to non-destructively measure the thickness of a structure, one common practice is to have a measuring device emit ultrasonic waves at the surface of the structure and to measure the time it takes for the ultrasonic wave to return to the measuring device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic wave reflection: Ultrasound

Data Source

PatentUS12044525B2Magnetically coupled integrated ultrasonic testing and cathodic protection measurement probe

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

This application discloses magnetically coupled integrated probes and probe systems, attachable to the robotic arms of a remotely operated vehicle to perform both cathodic protection (CP) voltage measurements and ultrasonic testing (UT) thickness measurements at an underwater surface. The integrated probe system can include a spring for coupling to an ROV end effector. An ultrasonic probe is disposed within and extends from the sleeve housing. A magnetic carrier, flux concentrator, and gimbal surround a portion of the ultrasonic probe, and one or more electrically conductive legs extend from the front surface of the gimbal to function as a CP probe. The legs are arranged about the ultrasonic probe, which has a flexible membrane exposed at the front surface of the gimbal, such that during inspection, at least one leg contacts the surface and the ultrasonic probe is sufficiently proximate to provide substantially simultaneous CP and UT measurements.