Robotic magnetic flux inspection system for bridge wire rope suspender cables
AssigneeInfrastructure Preservation Corporation
InventorWilliam SEAVEY
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A robotic inspection system for bridge suspender cables includes a sensing device and a transport vehicle. The transport vehicle is configured to move the sensing device along a bridge suspender cable for taking main magnetic flux (MMF) readings as the sensing device moves along the bridge suspender cable. The system also includes a control station configured to wirelessly interface with the sensing device and the transport vehicle. In addition, the control station is configured to generate a bridge cable condition assessment report from the MMF readings to identify locations and sizes of deterioration of the bridge suspender cable.
Claims20
A robotic inspection system to detect discontinuities within bridge suspender cables, the system comprising:
- a sensing device configured to move along a bridge suspender cable to detect magnetic flux leakage;
- a transport vehicle coupled to the sensing device configured to move the sensing device up and down on the bridge suspender cable;
- and
- a control station configured to wirelessly interface with the sensing device and the transport vehicle, the control station configured to generate a bridge suspender cable condition assessment report from the detection of the magnetic flux leakage to identify locations and sizes of the discontinuities within the bridge suspender cable.
A robotic inspection system to detect discontinuities within bridge suspender cables, the system comprising:
- a sensing device configured to move along a bridge suspender cable to detect magnetic flux leakage;
- a sensor array coupled to the sensing device;
- and
- a plurality of magnets coupled to the sensing device to magnetize the bridge tendon.
A sensing device to detect discontinuities within bridge suspender cables, the sensing device comprising:
- a sensor array to detect magnetic flux leakage within a bridge suspender cable;
- and
- a plurality of magnets configured to magnetize the bridge suspender cable;
- wherein the sensing device having an annulus shape that fits around the bridge suspender cable.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.