Acoustic Pipe Obstruction Detection via Wave Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting obstructions in pipes, such as those in hydroelectric dam drains, are time-consuming and inefficient, requiring camera inspections to determine obstruction positions and degrees, which can be tedious and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using acoustic waves, where a loudspeaker emits a wave train and a microphone receives the reflected signal to determine obstruction positions and degrees by calculating reflection coefficients and transmissibility, allowing for faster detection of obstructions using multiple frequencies and wave trains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If camera inspection method is used to detect obstructions in pipes, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera inspection system with an acoustic wave-based detection system. A loudspeaker emits acoustic waves that travel through the pipe, and a microphone receives the reflected signals. The position and degree of obstructions are determined by analyzing the time delay and reflection coefficients of the acoustic waves, eliminating the need for physical camera insertion and manual image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical (camera images) to acoustic (wave reflection characteristics). By measuring the time delay between emitted and received acoustic waves, and calculating reflection coefficients based on energy ratios, the system rapidly determines obstruction properties without the time-consuming process of visual inspection and image analysis.
2Measurement precision
If camera inspection method is used to detect obstructions in pipes, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera inspection system with an acoustic wave-based detection system. A loudspeaker emits acoustic waves that travel through the pipe, and a microphone receives the reflected signals. The position and degree of obstructions are determined by analyzing the time delay and reflection coefficients of the acoustic waves, eliminating the need for physical camera insertion and manual image analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by emitting acoustic waves that automatically traverse the entire pipe length and reflect off obstructions. The automated signal processing and obstruction detection occur immediately as the waves return, eliminating the sequential manual inspection process required by camera methods.
3Productivity
If acoustic wave method is used to detect obstructions, then productivity is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acoustic waves as an intermediary to detect obstructions. The loudspeaker generates acoustic waves that propagate through the pipe, interact with obstructions, and return reflected signals to the microphone. This intermediary approach enables rapid detection without direct physical contact or complex imaging systems, achieving high productivity through simple acoustic measurement and signal analysis.
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 approach enables rapid and accurate localization and quantification of obstructions in pipes, reducing the time and effort required for inspection while providing detailed information on obstruction positions and degrees, improving the efficiency of pipe maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
emitting, at an end of the pipe, through a loudspeaker, an emitted signal comprising a wave train, the waves being of an acoustic type
Implementation Method 2
receiving at the same end of the pipe, through a microphone, a reflected signal resulting from a reflection of the wave train on the obstructions in the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method for locating and quantifying obstructions in a pipe is described. The method comprises the steps of emitting at one end of the pipe, by means of a loudspeaker, an emitted signal comprising a wave train at a first frequency, the waves being of an acoustic type; receiving at the same end of the pipe, by means of a microphone, a reflected signal, resulting from the reflection of the wave train from obstructions in the pipe; determining a position of each of the obstructions according to a delay measured between the wave train of the emitted signal and the wave train of the reflected signal received by the microphone; and determining, for each of the obstructions, its degree of obstruction by extrapolating the energies of the emitted, reflected and transmitted signals. A system comprising the loudspeaker, the microphone, a processor, and a memory for performing the above method is also described.