Wire Rope Inspection Device Elastic Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire rope inspection devices face challenges in precisely controlling the movement of detection coils to approach wire ropes closely, leading to increased processing load and complexity in remote operation.

Innovation Solution

The proposed wire rope inspection device incorporates an urging unit that uses elastic force to move the detection unit close to the wire rope during inspection, eliminating the need for fine motor control and reducing processing load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a motor or driving force is used to move the detection coil to the inspection position, then the detection coil can be positioned close to the wire rope for high precision inspection, but the control processing load increases due to the need for fine movement control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidcontrol processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical positioning system with an elastic urging mechanism. The detection coil is equipped with an elastic member that automatically urges it toward the wire rope, eliminating the need for complex motor control processing while achieving close positioning for high precision detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection coil is designed to be self-positioning through the elastic urging mechanism. The elastic member automatically pushes the detection coil toward the wire rope without requiring external control signals, enabling the system to self-adjust to the optimal inspection position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the detection coil is kept close to the wire rope during normal operation, then inspection precision is maintained, but the wire rope may come into contact with the detection coil causing damage or interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidcontact interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic positioning system where the detection coil's position changes based on operational mode. During inspection, the elastic member urges the coil close to the wire rope for high precision. During normal operation, the drive unit moves the coil away to prevent contact, with the elastic member ready to quickly restore close positioning when inspection is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution allows for easy and precise arrangement of the detection unit close to the wire rope, enhancing inspection accuracy and simplifying remote operation by reducing the processing load and complexity.

Implementation Method 1

an urging unit configured to urge the detection unit in a direction to approach the wire rope by an elastic force to an inspection position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an excitation unit configured to apply a magnetic flux to a wire rope which is an inspection target

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

a detection unit configured to detect a magnetic flux of the wire rope to which the magnetic flux has been applied by the excitation unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4141436B1Wire rope inspection device
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP4141436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4141436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4141436B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This wire rope inspection device (101) is provided with an urging unit (54) for urging a detection unit (30) in a direction to approach a wire rope (W) by an elastic force to an inspection position at which the detection unit is arranged at a time of an inspection operation for inspecting the wire rope and a drive unit (51) for moving the detection unit in a direction away from the wire rope to a normal operation position at which the detection unit is arranged at a time of a normal operation.