Redundant Robotic Inspection System for NDT Continuity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional robotic systems for non-destructive testing (NDT) lack redundancy, leading to downtime and delays in case of system failure, which can result in production/inspection standstills.
Innovation Solution
A redundant inspection system comprising two identical inspection apparatuses, each with a robotic arm and a plurality of sensors, including ultrasonic probes, eddy current probes, and cameras, that can independently inspect an asset and continue the inspection process if one apparatus fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single robotic inspection system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to downtime and delays in case of system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a redundant robotic inspection system where a second robotic arm with identical sensors and capabilities is deployed as a backup. This copy of the inspection system ensures that if the primary robotic arm fails, the secondary arm can immediately take over, maintaining inspection continuity without requiring manual intervention or system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively addresses potential failures by pre-configuring a standby robotic arm that mirrors the primary system's sensor array and inspection capabilities. This beforehand preparation ensures that when failures occur, the transition to backup systems is seamless, cushioning against the impact of system failures on inspection continuity.
2Reliability
If redundant inspection apparatuses are deployed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Both robotic arms are equipped with identical, multi-functional sensor arrays that can perform various inspection tasks (ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, visual inspection). This universality allows either arm to independently execute the complete inspection protocol, reducing the complexity of coordinating specialized functions while maintaining high reliability through redundancy.
3Reliability
If one inspection apparatus fails, then reliability deteriorates, but having backup apparatus increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deploys a complete duplicate of the sensor array on the secondary robotic arm, including ultrasonic probes, eddy current probes, and cameras. This copying strategy ensures that the backup system possesses identical detection capabilities as the primary system, allowing seamless failover without loss of inspection quality or capability.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An inspection system and method of using the same are provided. The inspection system can include a first inspection apparatus including a first robotic arm, and a first inspection unit rotably coupled to the first robotic arm at a first connection, wherein the first inspection unit includes a first plurality of sensors arranged to inspect at least first portion of an asset. The inspection system can also include a second inspection apparatus including a second robotic arm and a second inspection unit rotably coupled to the second robotic arm at a second connection, wherein the second inspection unit includes a second plurality of sensors arranged to inspect at least a second portion of the asset.