Optical Thread Measuring Conduit for Tube Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thread measurement apparatuses lack the precision and capability to simultaneously measure threads on opposite sides of a tube, leading to positioning errors and deformations that are difficult to detect across the entire diameter, especially in high-grade, large-diameter tubes used in oil and gas exploration.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus combines at least two optical measuring sections to form a measuring conduit, allowing for precise alignment and simultaneous measurement of thread courses on both sides of the tube, using a manipulator with adjustable axes to align the measuring conduit freely in space, and incorporates light-section sensors to detect surface errors without mechanical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical measuring section is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and capability to detect positioning errors across the entire diameter deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring apparatus is divided into multiple optical measuring sections (at least two) that measure different areas of the thread simultaneously. Each measuring section captures thread course information from its specific measurement area, and the control unit combines these measurements to determine positioning errors across the entire tube diameter, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex measuring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extends measurement from a single point or line to multiple spatial dimensions by positioning measuring sections at different locations around the tube. This multi-dimensional approach allows simultaneous measurement of threads on opposite sides of the tube, enabling comprehensive detection of positioning errors across the entire diameter while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical contact measurement is used, then the measurement precision can be achieved, but the tube surface may be damaged and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical contact measurement systems with optical measuring sections that use light to detect thread characteristics. This non-contact optical measurement method achieves high measurement precision while completely avoiding mechanical contact with the tube surface, thereby eliminating surface damage risks and reducing maintenance requirements associated with mechanical wear.
3Productivity
If the tube is rotated during measurement, then all areas can be accessed, but the measurement time increases and positioning accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the tube to access different areas, the invention segments the measurement task by positioning multiple optical measuring sections at different locations around the tube. Each measuring section simultaneously measures threads in its specific area, eliminating the need for tube rotation and thereby maintaining both high measurement speed and positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous simultaneous measurement across multiple measurement areas without interruption or repositioning. By having multiple measuring sections operate at the same time on different parts of the tube, the measurement process maintains continuous useful action throughout, avoiding the time losses and potential accuracy deterioration associated with stopping and rotating the tube.
4Measurement precision
If measuring sections are positioned at different locations, then simultaneous measurement of opposite sides is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple optical measuring sections into a unified measuring conduit structure that is positioned and aligned as an integrated system. The control unit combines measurements from all measuring sections to determine positioning errors across the entire diameter, thereby achieving enhanced measurement precision while managing device complexity through systematic integration rather than separate independent systems.
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
This solution enables precise quality control of thread positions and deformations across the entire diameter, allowing for rapid and accurate measurement of threads with minimal maintenance, without rotating the tube, and can detect errors invisible to single optical measuring sections.
Implementation Method 1
The optical measuring apparatus comprises at least two optical measuring sections (5) to one measuring conduit (4)
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for measuring a thread includes a holder for detachably holding a tube having a thread formed at an end of the tube. A first optical measuring section having an optical sensor is attached to a manipulator in order to move the measuring section relative to the tube. The optical measuring section is adjustably tiltable about a first adjusting axis relative to a thread axis of the thread. A second optical measuring section having a second optical sensor is arranged at the manipulator, wherein the optical measuring sections collectively form a measuring channel to provide simultaneous measurement of opposite sides of the thread of the tube.