Pivot Linkage Assembly for Inline Inspection Tool Radial Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline inspection tools face challenges in accommodating sharp bends and irregularities due to limitations in sensor linkage mechanisms, which lead to loss of contact with the pipe surface, inability to track changes in pipe diameter, and susceptibility to debris, resulting in inaccurate data collection and potential pipeline failure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of linkages that allow inspection assemblies to move radially and rotate within a single plane, connected via leading and trailing linkages with multiple pivots, ensuring precise control and maintaining contact with the pipe surface despite gravitational and magnetic forces, while preventing debris accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a parallelogram linkage is used to allow radial movement of inspection assemblies, then the assembly can move radially relative to the in-line inspection tool, but the linkage consumes significant space and collapses on top of the rear linkage, making it difficult to accommodate sharp bends
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is divided into multiple individual links (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) connected by pivots, replacing the monolithic parallelogram structure. This segmentation allows the linkage to fold compactly while maintaining radial movement capability, reducing the space consumed during sharp bends.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage employs pivots that allow dynamic rotation between links, enabling the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational needs. The pivots facilitate smooth transitions between extended (for radial movement) and folded (for sharp bends) states, making the linkage both space-efficient and versatile.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a parallelogram linkage is used, then radial movement is enabled, but the linkage cannot conform to irregularities such as welds without lifting off from the pipe surface
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic pivot connections allow each link to rotate independently, enabling the inspection assembly to conform to local irregularities like welds while maintaining radial movement capability. This flexibility prevents liftoff from the pipe surface by allowing the linkage to adapt to surface variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: radial movement, rotation within a single plane, and conformation to surface irregularities. By combining these capabilities in one unified linkage system, the design maintains reliable contact with the pipe surface while accommodating various pipeline features.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rear link mounted in a slot or slide is used, then radial movement is permitted, but the motion is significantly hampered when debris fills the slot or slide
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the inspection assembly from a constrained slot or slide configuration and replaces it with a pivot-based linkage system. This removes the harmful effect of debris accumulation, as the pivot connections do not require slots that can be filled with debris, thereby maintaining smooth motion even in dirty environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The slot-and-slide mechanical system is replaced with a pivot-based linkage mechanism. This substitution eliminates the vulnerability to debris that characterizes slot-based systems, as pivots can accommodate minor particulate matter without significant hindrance to motion, while still enabling the required radial movement.
4Device complexity
If linkages are designed to move parallel to their support axis, then structural simplicity is maintained, but rotation of inspection assemblies is prevented and precise control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage incorporates pivots that enable rotation of inspection assemblies while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The dynamic rotational capability at each pivot allows the assembly to orient itself appropriately, achieving both structural simplicity and rotational adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the linkage into multiple links connected by pivots, the design achieves rotation capability without requiring a completely complex mechanism. Each pivot provides a simple rotational joint, and the combination of these simple joints delivers the desired rotational freedom while maintaining structural elegance.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-line inspection tool comprising sensors mounted on inspection assemblies is disclosed. Each inspection assembly may be connected to the rest of the in-line inspection tool by two linkages. A first linkage may pivotally connect at one end thereof to a first end of an inspection assembly and pivotally connect at the other end thereof to the rest of the in-line inspection assembly. A second linkage may pivotally connect at one end thereof to a second end of the inspection assembly and pivotally connect at the other end thereof to the rest of the in-line inspection tool. The second linkage may comprise a first section and a second section pivotally connected to one another. Accordingly, the first and second linkages may support, exclusively through pivoting, both translational and rotational movement of the inspection assembly within a radial plane containing the central axis of the in-line inspection tool.