Passive Probe Alignment Mechanism for Off-Center Pipe Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-pipe inspection and maintenance tasks are challenging due to the need for precise deployment of sensor probes and tool heads, which can be off-centered within pipes of varying diameters, and navigating obstacles like weld beads, requiring complex centering mechanisms that increase system complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pipeline apparatus with a passive alignment mechanism, including a rotational deployment mechanism using a servo motor, a lateral deployment mechanism with a linear actuator and slider, and spring-loaded rollers, allows for perpendicular deployment of probes or tools without centering, ensuring proper alignment and absorption of deployment forces across different pipe sizes and schedules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centering mechanisms are used to ensure proper deployment of probes and tools, then deployment accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployer is designed with self-aligning features including a curved engagement surface that automatically centers the probe or tool head against the pipe wall during deployment, eliminating the need for external centering mechanisms. The deployer body includes a curved surface that engages with the pipe wall to provide automatic alignment and centering during the deployment process
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism creates a balanced force distribution system where the probe or tool head is deployed equidistantly from the pipe axis through symmetric engagement surfaces and force application points, ensuring proper centering without requiring complex active control systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If the deployer is designed to accommodate different pipe sizes and schedules, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deployer is designed with universal engagement features including a curved surface that can accommodate various pipe diameters and wall thicknesses (schedules). The mechanism uses a standardized deployment interface that adapts to different pipe specifications through geometric compatibility rather than requiring multiple specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The deployer incorporates movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different pipe sizes during operation. The lateral deployment mechanism allows for adjustable deployment distance and angle, enabling the same device to properly deploy probes in pipes of varying dimensions without requiring physical reconfiguration
3Device complexity
If passive alignment mechanism is used for perpendicular deployment, then system complexity is reduced, but deployment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deployer incorporates pre-configured alignment features and pre-loaded spring mechanisms that automatically establish the correct perpendicular orientation before probe deployment occurs. The curved engagement surface is pre-shaped to guide the probe into the correct angular position relative to the pipe wall
Solution Approach 2:
The deployer uses curved and spherical geometric features including a curved engagement surface that contacts the pipe wall and a spherical or rounded probe holder that naturally aligns perpendicular to the pipe surface through geometric constraints, ensuring accurate perpendicular deployment without complex active alignment 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
The solution enables efficient, automated, and reliable deployment of probes or tools perpendicularly within pipes of varying diameters, reducing system complexity and ensuring accurate readings or tool placement without manual centering, while accommodating different pipe schedules and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a spring coupled to the probe or tool holder and configured to absorb force of the lateral deployment on the inner wall
Implementation Method 2
a spring loaded slider including the spring and a roller, the spring loaded slider being configured to slide along a roller guide of the probe or tool holder using the spring, and to contact and roll along the inner wall in alignment with the inner circumference during the lateral deployment using the roller
Data Source
AI summary
An in-pipe apparatus for pipe inspection or maintenance using a probe or tool includes: a lateral deployment mechanism including a perpendicular deployment mechanism and a linear actuator configured to deploy the perpendicular deployment mechanism in a lateral direction toward a target point to contact an inner wall of the pipe and passively deploy a probe or tool perpendicularly on or at the target point; and a rotational deployment mechanism coupled to the lateral deployment mechanism and including a motor configured to rotationally deploy the lateral deployment mechanism about the inner circumference with respect to a rotation axis that differs from the pipe axis, to align the lateral deployment mechanism in the lateral direction. The perpendicular deployment mechanism includes: a pivot member to pivot the perpendicular deployment mechanism about a pivot axis parallel to the rotation axis; and a probe or tool holder coupled to the pivot member.