Mobile Inspection Device Splash Zone Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inspection devices for production lines partially immersed in water face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning and safety due to mechanical stresses from waves and hydrodynamic forces, leading to potential damage and reduced inspection quality, especially in the splash zone where the device experiences oscillating movements and undulatory elastic deformation of the external sheath.
Innovation Solution
A mobile inspection device with adjustable nominal clamping pressure, capable of operating in three zones (below water, in the splash zone, and above water) is designed, featuring clamps that apply a maximum pressure of less than 80 bar, ensuring secure grip without damaging the production line, and includes a mechanism for tilting and spacing to accommodate curvature and movement of the production line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the inspection device uses a crane to carry and move the device in the splash zone, then the device can inspect the non-submerged part of the production line, but cranes are not always available and the device experiences oscillating movements and hydrodynamic forces that can damage it
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection device incorporates buoyancy elements that provide an upward buoyant force to counterbalance the downward gravitational force and hydrodynamic forces acting on the device in the splash zone. This counterweight mechanism stabilizes the device during inspection operations without requiring external crane support, enabling reliable operation in all three zones including the previously inaccessible splash zone.
2Measurement precision
If the clamp applies high clamping pressure to secure the device to the production line, then the device can maintain stable positioning, but the external sheath may deform or tear
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is designed with an adjustable clamping pressure mechanism that allows optimization of the nominal clamping pressure parameter. By adjusting this parameter to an optimal value, the system achieves sufficient sensor positioning accuracy while maintaining pressure below the threshold that would cause deformation or tearing of the external sheath, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and object protection.
3Productivity
If the device operates in the splash zone with waves and hydrodynamic forces, then complete inspection of the entire production line is possible, but the device experiences oscillating movements and elastic deformation of the external sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The buoyancy elements counteract hydrodynamic forces and oscillating movements in the splash zone, providing stable support that maintains sensor positioning accuracy despite the challenging environment, enabling complete inspection coverage without sacrificing measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable nominal clamping pressure parameter is optimized to maintain stable sensor positioning on the production line even when subjected to wave-induced movements and hydrodynamic forces in the splash zone, ensuring measurement precision is preserved across all inspection zones.
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 thorough and precise inspections across the entire production line length, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of damage to both the device and the production line, while maintaining stable sensor positioning and preventing deformation or tearing of the external sheath.
Implementation Method 1
each clamp (28, 30) capable of selectively gripping the production line (16)... each clamp (28, 30) gripping the production line (16) capable of individually carrying the mobile inspection device (18)
Implementation Method 2
The mobile inspection device (18) further comprises at least one buoyancy element (31)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The device comprises: – an inspection support (24) bearing at least one sensor (25) capable of being positioned facing the production line (16); - a catching and travelling assembly (26) for catching on to and travelling along the production line (16). The catching and travelling assembly (26) comprising at least one clamp (28, 30) that can be selectively actuated so that it grips on to the production line (16), the or each clamp (28, 30) delimiting a central passage. The catching and travelling assembly (26) comprises an active mechanism (50) for moving the clamp (28, 30) longitudinally. The or each clamp (28, 30) is capable of applying a nominal clamping pressure of between 2 bar and 90 bar to the production line (16).