Pipe Inspection Device with Cam-Actuated Pivot Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe inspection devices face challenges in efficiently navigating pipes of varying diameters without causing damage or slipping, particularly when encountering obstacles like butterfly valves or ridges.
Innovation Solution
A device with pivot arms equipped with cam tracks and followers that allow controlled radial movement, enabling efficient positioning and navigation through pipes of different diameters, using a convexly curved cam track design to maintain a consistent force ratio for stable contact with the pipe wall.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the device uses a rigid fixed structure for pivot arms, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to pipes of different diameters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot arm is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to pivot between a retracted position (for navigating obstacles) and an extended position (for stable contact with the pipe wall). This dynamic adaptability enables the device to accommodate pipes of different diameters while maintaining structural integrity through controlled movement rather than rigid fixation.
2Reliability
If the radial force on the pipe wall is increased to prevent slipping, then the contact stability is improved, but the risk of pipe wall damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam track mechanism enables controlled variation of the radial force parameter. By adjusting the cam track geometry and follower position, the system can optimize the contact force between the pivot arm and pipe wall, ensuring sufficient friction for stable contact while preventing excessive force that could cause damage. This parameter control is particularly important when navigating pipes of different diameters.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the pivot arm is kept retracted to minimize damage, then the pipe wall damage is reduced, but the contact stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pivot arm position between retracted and extended states based on operational requirements. The cam track mechanism provides controlled extension to achieve stable contact when needed, while allowing retraction to minimize damage during obstacle navigation. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by making the contact stability parameter adjustable rather than fixed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed for compact construction to navigate obstacles, then the ability to pass through narrow sections is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components including the frame, pivot arm with cam track, follower mechanism, and drive system. This segmentation allows the pivot arm to be independently controlled and retracted for obstacle navigation, while maintaining overall structural coherence. The modular design manages complexity by separating functions into distinct, controllable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivot arm mechanism with cam track provides compact construction capability when retracted, enabling the device to navigate obstacles and pipes of varying diameters. The controlled movement between extended and retracted positions adds functional complexity but manages overall device complexity through systematic mechanical design rather than multiple separate systems.
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
The device ensures reliable and efficient navigation through pipes of varying diameters while minimizing damage and slip, allowing for precise positioning and data transfer, even when encountering obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot arm has a cam track for cooperating with the follower, wherein the follower, in use, applies a force to the cam track on account of its displacement for the purpose of moving the pivot arm away from the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device to be displaced through a pipe in a pipe network, comprising a frame, a pivot arm which is connected to the frame so as to be pivotable and which comprises a contact element at a free end, an operating device for moving the pivot arm from a folded position of the pivot arm, in a radial direction, away from the frame, in order to bring the contact element into contact with the inner pipe wall, wherein, for the benefit of the pivot arm, the operating device has a follower which is displaceable with respect to the frame and connected to the frame, and wherein the pivot arm has a cam track for cooperating with the follower, wherein the follower applies a force to the cam track on account of its displacement for the purpose of moving the pivot arm away from the frame.