Amphibious Pipe Inspection Robot for Dry and Submerged Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for utility pipe inspection and cleaning are costly and hazardous, as traditional cleaning hoses cannot reach all areas of pipes, and existing inspection techniques are inefficient for identifying problem areas within pipe structures.
Innovation Solution
A self-navigating amphibious submersible vehicle equipped with visual, sonar, and laser sensors, capable of operating in various pipe conditions, using propellers and wheels for navigation, and a robotic arm for imaging and navigation, allowing for comprehensive pipe inspection and identification of debris and wall conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cleaning hoses are used for pipe cleaning, then cleaning can be performed, but the hoses cannot reach all areas of pipes and cost up to $400,000 per 10 mile segment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cleaning hoses with an autonomous amphibious submersible vehicle equipped with sensors, cameras, and cleaning mechanisms. This robotic system navigates independently through pipe sections, using visual and sonar sensors to identify problem areas before cleaning, thereby achieving complete coverage without the limitations of hose reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The amphibious submersible is designed as a self-navigating system that autonomously moves through pipe sections, identifies debris and wall conditions using onboard sensors, and performs cleaning operations without requiring external hose connections or human intervention in difficult-to-reach areas.
2Reliability
If workers manually inspect pipe structures, then problem areas can be identified, but the task is dangerous and difficult to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human workers with an autonomous amphibious submersible vehicle equipped with visual cameras, sonar sensors, and laser imaging devices. This robotic inspection system navigates pipe sections independently, capturing high-resolution images and data without exposing human workers to dangerous environments while maintaining or improving inspection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates detailed visual copies and digital representations of pipe interiors through cameras and sensors, allowing remote analysis of pipe conditions without requiring physical human presence in hazardous areas. The captured imagery serves as a safe substitute for direct worker inspection.
3Loss of information
If comprehensive pipe inspection is performed, then detailed information about pipe conditions can be obtained, but the cost and time resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The amphibious submersible performs preliminary navigation and scanning of pipe sections to identify potential problem areas before conducting detailed inspections. This preliminary assessment allows the system to focus resources on specific sections requiring attention, reducing overall inspection time while maintaining comprehensive data collection on critical issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robotic system continuously collects and processes inspection data during navigation, using onboard computers to analyze pipe conditions in real-time. This eliminates the need for separate detailed inspection phases and manual data compilation, significantly reducing total inspection time while maintaining complete data coverage.
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
Enables targeted cleaning strategies by providing detailed inspections of pipe interiors, identifying problem areas, and improving resource allocation, thus reducing costs and enhancing safety in utility pipe maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensors 160 includes a sonar sensor 162 operable for imaging the pipe 10
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of sensors 160 includes a laser 163 operable for imaging the pipe 10
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of an amphibious submersible vehicle for use in non-destructive testing of pipe interiors and walls are disclosed herein. In one aspect, the vehicle is operable for amphibious submersible operation such that pipes of various diameters can be inspected under full, partially full, and dry conditions. In another aspect, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of propellers for travel when fully or partially submerged in water and a plurality of wheels for traveling when in contact with a pipe wall or for traveling over debris. In some embodiments, the vehicle is equipped with a plurality of sensors configured for imaging and navigation which enable the vehicle for pipe inspection and identification of problem areas.