Pivoting Inspection Probe for In-Place Powerplant Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-destructive inspection methods for internal defects in powerplant components are inefficient and require disassembly, leading to significant downtime and costs.
Innovation Solution
An actuatable inspection probe with a pivotable head and integrated piezoelectric actuator and sensor is used to induce vibrations in powerplant components, measuring vibratory responses to detect internal defects while the component remains installed, using a control cable and spring for head movement and preload device for engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional non-destructive inspection methods are used, then internal defects can be detected, but the component requires disassembly leading to significant downtime and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into a portable probe unit that can be inserted through existing access points in the powerplant, eliminating the need for complete disassembly. The probe contains all necessary inspection components (actuator, sensor, processing system) in a modular package that can be quickly deployed and removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection probe serves as an intermediary device that accesses the component through existing openings without requiring disassembly of the component itself. The probe transmits vibrations through the component and receives vibratory responses, enabling inspection while the component remains installed in the powerplant.
2Ease of operation
If the inspection probe head is pivoted to be inline with the body for insertion, then the probe can be inserted into the powerplant interior, but the head must be angularly offset to abut against the component surface for inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The probe head is made dynamically positionable with respect to the probe body through a pivotal connection. The head can pivot between an inline position for insertion and an angularly offset position for inspection, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically returns the probe head to its inline position after inspection, and the control cable allows the operator to deploy the head for inspection when needed. The system uses simple mechanical elements that rely on natural spring forces and cable tension rather than complex actuation systems.
3Measurement precision
If the head is abutted against the component surface with preload, then vibrations can be effectively induced and measured, but the actuation system must overcome spring force and maintain precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator induces mechanical vibrations in the component through direct contact when the probe head is abutted against the surface. The same actuator or a co-located sensor detects the vibratory responses, enabling non-destructive inspection through resonance analysis and other vibration-based techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing system analyzes the vibratory responses and provides feedback about the component's structural integrity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect internal defects by comparing measured vibrations against expected patterns, enabling precise defect detection without requiring excessive preload forces.
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
Enables non-destructive inspection of powerplant components with minimal downtime and cost, detecting internal defects with high precision, including small dimensions, while maintaining the component's operational integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The head includes an actuator and a sensor. The actuator is configured to induce vibrations in the component
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is configured to measure a vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations
Implementation Method 3
The spring is configured to move the head relative to the elongated rigid body from the deployed position to the stowed position
Data Source
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AI summary
An inspection method is provided during which a distal end of an inspection probe is inserted into an interior of a powerplant. The inspection probe includes a body and a head pivotally connected to the body. The head includes an actuator, and the head is disposed at the distal end of the inspection probe. The powerplant includes a component within the interior of the powerplant. The head is arranged with the component. The arranging includes pivoting the head relative to the body and abutting the head against a surface of the component. Vibrations in the component are induced using the actuator. A vibratory response in the component excited by the vibrations is measured using a sensor to provide sensor data.