Camera-Laser Flow Measurement in Sewer Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring flow in sewer pipes require separate processes to determine the flow cross-section and flow rate, making them inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method that records the flow cross-section and inclination of the sewer pipe using a camera-laser combination, where the laser generates ring-shaped beams to capture undistorted concentric or eccentric lines on the pipe wall, allowing for the calculation of flow rate based on the pipe's gradient and known cross-sectional geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate measurement processes are used to determine flow cross-section and flow rate, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device complexity and measurement time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (flow cross-section determination and flow rate measurement) into a single integrated optical measurement process. The camera system captures images that simultaneously provide information about water level, pipe inclination, and flow characteristics, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and procedures while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions: determining flow cross-section, measuring pipe inclination angle, and calculating flow rate all through a single measurement process. This multi-functional approach reduces device complexity and measurement time while preserving the precision required for accurate flow measurement.
2Measurement precision
If separate measurement processes are used to determine flow cross-section and flow rate, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges flow cross-section determination and flow rate measurement into one simultaneous optical measurement process. The camera captures all necessary geometric and inclination data in a single image or image sequence, and the evaluation system processes this data to derive both flow cross-section and flow rate together, significantly reducing total measurement time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary alignment and calibration of the optical measurement device before actual flow measurement. The inclination measuring device is pre-configured and the camera is positioned to capture both flow cross-section and inclination angle in the same field of view, so that when measurement is needed, all parameters can be obtained simultaneously without setup delays.
3Manufacturing precision
If the laser is positioned at the center of the circular cross-section with optical axis coinciding with the sewer axis, then undistorted concentric circular lines are generated, but alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment process where the camera first captures an image of the pipe cross-section, and the evaluation system automatically determines the center position and optimal optical axis orientation. This intermediary step mediates between the simple act of pointing the camera and the precise requirement for centered, undistorted laser lines, making the alignment process easier while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated optical-evaluation system. Instead of physically adjusting the laser and camera to achieve perfect centering, the system uses image capture and computational evaluation to automatically determine the correct positioning, substituting complex mechanical alignment operations with simpler automated processes that achieve the same precision.
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 a single measurement process to determine both flow cross-section and flow rate, improving efficiency and accuracy by directly calculating flow rate from pipe inclination and known parameters.
Implementation Method 1
the laser generates at least two laser beams which are thrown into the duct or pipe with different angles of divergence, which are ring-shaped and have the shape of a thin cone shell
Implementation Method 2
Via a diffractive projection lens, the laser generates at least two laser beams which are thrown into the duct or pipe with different angles of divergence
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for measuring flow in channels using a combination of an optical camera (1) and a laser (2) with parallel optical axes positioned in a channel shaft (S), wherein the flow cross-section of a liquid flow in the channel pipe (K) is determined from the image seen by the camera (1) and the known geometry of the channel pipe, wherein the inclination of the channel pipe is further determined using lines (L) projected by the laser (2) onto the channel pipe wall and their image captured by the camera (1), and from the flow cross-section and the flow velocity of the liquid flow derived from the determined inclination of the channel pipe (K) the flow rate per unit of time is calculated.