Pipe Surface Measurement for Pre-Weld Joint Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated welding systems for gas distribution pipelines made of polymer material face challenges in ensuring robust and durable welded joints due to potential weld quality defects from scraping and cleaning processes, which incur significant leak detection and repair costs, and require complex surface condition measurement operations.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising sensors for measuring surface condition, including laser profilometry, UV fluorescence, and infrared thermometry, with a support for assembly to the component, allowing non-destructive scanning and data transmission for automated verification of surface roughness, cleanliness, and temperature, ensuring components meet predetermined thresholds before welding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated welding systems are used to increase productivity, then welding speed and output are improved, but weld quality reliability deteriorates due to surface condition defects from scraping and cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing surface condition measurement and verification before the welding process. The system measures parameters such as roughness, cleanliness, and temperature of the pipe surfaces to be welded, and only allows welding to proceed when predetermined criteria are met. This pre-verification step ensures that surface preparation is adequate before automated welding begins, preventing weld quality defects while maintaining high productivity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple independent devices are used to measure surface condition parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent measurement functions into a single integrated measuring device. The device combines roughness measurement, cleanliness measurement, and temperature measurement capabilities in one unit that can be attached to the pipe. This integration maintains comprehensive surface condition assessment precision while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate measurement instruments and simplifying the measurement process.
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
Facilitates efficient measurement of surface conditions, reducing costs associated with weld defects by improving the detection of unsuitable surfaces and ensuring high-quality welds, thereby minimizing leak detection and repair costs throughout the pipeline's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is of the laser profilometry type
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is of the UV fluorescence type
Implementation Method 3
The sensor is of the infrared spectrometer type
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 2~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring the surface condition of a component (4, 5, 6). Said device (1) comprises a measuring member (2) comprising at least one sensor (21, 22, 23) capable of measuring at least one datum relating to the surface condition of the component (4, 5, 6) and at least one transmitter (24) capable of transmitting the datum from the sensor (21, 22, 23). The measuring device (1) also comprises a holder (3) for the measuring member (2), the holder comprising means for connecting same to the component (4, 5, 6).