Pipe Crack Estimation via Shape Model Deformation Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional crack inspection devices struggle to accurately estimate the state of cracks inside pipes due to their complex structural shapes and pressure changes, leading to inaccurate crack positioning and sizing.
Innovation Solution
A crack inspection device that measures deformation on the outer surface of a pipe and uses a control unit to estimate internal cracks by generating a shape model of the pipe, setting specific measurement planes, and calculating similarities between measured and estimated deformation vectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional crack inspection methods are used, then the inspection process is simple, but the measurement precision of crack position and size is poor due to complex pipe structures and pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the pipe structure through a shape model that replicates the pipe's geometry, material properties, and boundary conditions. This virtual model allows simulation of crack-induced deformation without physically accessing the actual pipe interior, enabling accurate crack parameter estimation through comparison of measured surface deformation with simulated deformation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by measuring deformation at the pipe outer surface (accessible location) to infer the state of cracks at the inner surface (unaccessible location). The shape model serves as a mediator that links the measurable outer surface deformation to the unmeasurable inner crack characteristics through finite element analysis simulations.
2Measurement precision
If the pipe structure is simplified for modeling, then the calculation is easier, but the estimation accuracy of crack state deteriorates due to inability to represent complex structures and pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying multiple model parameters including geometric dimensions, material properties, boundary conditions, and pressure conditions to create a comprehensive shape model. The finite element analysis simulations systematically change these parameters to generate deformation patterns corresponding to different crack scenarios, enabling accurate inversion of crack parameters from measured surface deformation.
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 accurately estimates crack positions and sizes within pipes, improving maintenance efficiency by providing precise data for repair operations.
Implementation Method 1
a measurement unit which measures deformation on an outer surface of a pipe for sending a fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling circuitry: generates a shape model of a pipe, set a crack occurrence plane in an inner surface of the pipe and set a measurement plane on the basis of the shape model imparted with a boundary condition including pressure information applied to the inner surface of the pipe, performs control in which a change on the measurement plane when a crack has occurred at the crack occurrence plane is set as a measurement plane estimated change vector, for each of crack candidates; derives deformation on the measurement plane as a measurement plane deformation vector, and calculates a similarity between the derived measurement plane deformation vector and the measurement plane estimated change vector for each crack candidate; and estimate a crack from the similarity and a state quantity deformation vector indicating a deformation state on the crack occurrence plane for each crack candidate.