Self-Adaptive Pipeline Inspection Vehicle for Obstruction Traversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inline inspection tools for pipelines face challenges in traversing obstructions and geometric constraints, such as valves and curvatures, leading to incomplete data collection and potential blind spots, which can hide pipeline flaws or defects.
Innovation Solution
An inline inspection vehicle with a self-adaptive and auto-adjustable structure, featuring a plurality of carrier racks and self-adaptive driving turbine wheels, along with intelligent control mechanisms and sensors, allows the vehicle to change size and speed states to navigate through obstacles and collect data across the entire pipeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MFL inspection tools use large and bulky magnets to produce strong magnetic fields for detecting corrosion and cracking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ability to traverse obstructions worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the magnet configuration collapsible and adjustable. The magnets can be moved from a deployed state during inspection to a collapsed state for traversing obstructions like valves and curvatures. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the tool to adapt its physical dimensions based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between needing large magnets for detection and needing compact form for navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the magnet array into multiple independent or semi-independent units that can be individually adjusted or collapsed. This segmentation allows parts of the magnet configuration to be retracted while others remain active, enabling the tool to maintain detection capability in some areas while reducing overall profile to pass through obstructions.
2Measurement precision
If conventional MFL inspection tools use large and bulky magnets to produce strong magnetic fields, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic collapsible magnet configuration reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for permanently large, fixed magnet arrays. The magnets are deployed only when needed for inspection and collapsed during traversal, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high detection precision during active inspection phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet configuration serves multiple functions: it provides strong magnetic fields for detection when deployed, and acts as a collapsible structural element for navigation when retracted. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by combining detection and navigation capabilities into a single adaptable system rather than requiring separate fixed components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional inspection tools maintain fixed size to ensure structural stability, then stability is improved, but adaptability to different pipeline conditions worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable size system where the inspection tool can change its dimensions based on pipeline conditions. The magnet configuration and overall tool structure can expand for stable inspection operations and contract for traversing obstructions, maintaining structural stability during each phase while adapting to varying pipeline conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where components can be collapsed into one another during traversal and expanded during inspection. The magnet arrays and inspection components are nested within a compact configuration that can be deployed when needed, allowing the tool to maintain stability during inspection while adapting size for different pipeline conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
An inline inspection vehicle includes an auto-adjustable, self-adaptive structure. The inline inspection vehicle includes a plurality of self-adjustable carrier racks carrying inspection device carts with positioning rollers, and self-adaptive driving turbine wheels at a front part and a back end for auto-adjustable driving speeds. The inline inspection vehicle also includes intelligent self-control mechanisms implemented using self-adaptive schema and algorithms for a finite set of control states to integrate the adaptive controller and actuators. Furthermore, it may conduct virtual pressure tests by carrying intelligent inline data acquisition devices to converge the Pipeline Integrity Management with SCADA monitoring system.