How Industrial Borescope Probes Turn?

The core principle of industrial borescope probe turning can be summarized as "precisely transmitting the operator's control actions to the probe tip via mechanical transmission, causing the borescope probe to bend."

Currently, the conventional turning technology is mechanical guidance, while the more advanced electric guidance technology is becoming increasingly widespread. Below, we break down these two principles in detail.

Coantec Borescope Probes Turn

I. Mechanical Guidance (Basic Technology)

This is the most common and technologically mature turning method. Its working principle is similar to the brake cable on a bicycle.

Core Components:

1. Control Handle (Proximal End): Usually an operating part with a knob or joystick.

2. Guide Wire (Transmission Medium): Several high-strength, highly elastic thin metal wires that run through the entire insertion tube of the borescope.

3. Hinge Joint (Distal End): The flexible part at the very tip of the probe, composed of a series of articulated segments.

4. Metal Braided Mesh: Wrapped around the outside of the insertion tube to protect the internal beam guide, image transmission bundle, and guide wires.

Working Principle:

1. Operation Input: When you rotate the control handle knob clockwise or counterclockwise, the guide wires connected to it tighten or loosen.

2. Force Transmission: This tightening or loosening force is precisely transmitted to the distal hinge joint through the guide wires running through the insertion tube.

3. Joint Deflection: When you rotate the handle in one direction, one (or a set of) wires in that direction are tightened.

The tightened wires "pull" the hinge joint, causing it to bend in the direction of the wire.

The wires on the other side of the joint are passively slightly relaxed or held in place.

4. Spring Return: When you rotate the handle back to the neutral position, the inherent elasticity of the hinge joint (or through another set of symmetrical wires) restores it to a straight state.

Analogy: You can think of it as controlling a puppet with your fingers. Your fingers are the control handles, and the wires connecting the puppet's joints are the guide wires. Pulling a string will move the corresponding part of the puppet in that direction.

Advantages and disadvantages of mechanical guidance:

Advantages: Mature technology, relatively low cost. Good tactile feedback: The operator can directly feel the contact between the probe tip and the obstacle through the handle, which helps with precise operation. Direct response and precise control.

Disadvantages: Requires skill to operate: Some practice is needed to master control.

Wires will wear out: After long-term use, the guide wires may break due to fatigue.

Limited steering angle: Usually only able to deflect in two directions (up, down, left, and right) or four directions (up, down, left, and right), not 360° rotation.

II. Electric guidance (advanced technology) Electric guidance technology is more modern, replacing some mechanical transmission with electronics and motors.

Core components:

1. Control handle/joystick (near end): Usually a universal joystick or trackball.

2. Micro motor (far or near end): A small, precision motor.

3. Sensor and control system: Used to detect operator commands and control the motor.

4. Transmission Mechanism: Converts the rotational motion of the motor into the deflection of the probe joint.

Working Principle:

1. Operation Input: You move the electronic joystick forward, backward, left, and right.

2. Signal Conversion: The joystick's movement is converted into an electrical signal by the sensor.

3. Motor Drive: This electrical signal is sent to the micromotor, driving it to rotate forward or backward.

4. Deflection Execution: The motor, through a built-in reduction gear and other transmission mechanisms, drives a mechanically guided wire or push rod, ultimately achieving the deflection of the probe joint.

Note: In some designs, the motor is placed at the distal end of the probe, directly driving the joint, resulting in a more compact structure; in other designs, the motor is located at the operating handle and then transmitted via a wire.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Guidance:

Advantages: Intuitive and simple operation: Like operating a game controller, quick to learn and requires no complex skills.

Capable of complex movements: Easier to achieve 360° omnidirectional, blind-angle-free turning.

Integrated memory function: Advanced models can memorize the probe's movement path for automatic scanning.

Reduced operator fatigue: No need for manual knob rotation, making extended operation easier.

Disadvantages: Higher cost.

Lack of direct tactile feedback: Operators may not be able to directly perceive whether the probe tip has collided with an object.

More complex structure, potentially higher maintenance costs.

In summary, the fundamental purpose of steering technology for industrial borescope probes, whether traditional mechanical or modern electric, is to adjust the probe's direction, achieving precise control of the probe's viewing angle, thereby enabling high-quality visual inspection.